W. D. Valgardson

William Dempsey Valgardson (born 7 May 1939) is an Icelandic-Canadian fiction writer and poet. He was a long-time professor of writing at the University of Victoria in British Columbia.

His writing often focuses on cultural differences and involve irony and symbolism. His short stories involve normal people in normal situations, who, under certain circumstances, lead unusual and surprising lives.

Valgardson has won numerous awards and accolades including the Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize for ''The Girl With the Botticelli Face'' (1992) and the Books in Canada First Novel Award for ''Gentle Sinners'' (1980). His short story "Bloodflowers" was included in ''Best American Short Stories 1971,'' while "Trees" is listed in the 1977 issue of ''Best Canadian Stories.'' Provided by Wikipedia