Faculty member’s first novel shortlisted for Butler Book Prize

Vancouver Island University Creative Writing professor Jay Ruzesky’s first novel, The Wolsenburg Clock, has been shortlisted for the 2010 City of Victoria Butler Book Prize.

The story follows the construction and reconstruction of a monumental church clock which charts the stars and planets and is covered with a fantasy of automated figures. First built


in the medieval age, the clock is threatened by bombings during the Second World War.

“I'm honoured to be on the list, especially when you look at the company I’m keeping there,” said Ruzesky, who teaches at VIU’s Cowichan campus. “The city is so rich with literary talent and it’s a supportive community. We’re lucky.”

Ruzesky has been a member of the Victoria literary community since he came to Vancouver Island from the Okanagan in 1984. He has organized the reading series at Open Space and for The Malahat Review, and is the longest serving member of the editorial board of The Malahat Review (since 1990).

He has also been on the advisory board of The Claremont Review and has given readings from his poems and stories as part of VIU’s Poets on Campus series and at a number of Victoria area schools.

When asked why the prize matters to him, Ruzesky said, “These days, there are so many things asking for our attention. The best honour for a writer is to have his or her book read and if the nomination encourages a few more readers, I'll be happy.”

The City of Victoria Butler Book Prize is awarded each year for the best book by a Victoria author.

For more information visit the website at http://victoriabookprizes.ca