An important day for Canadian literature.

The finalists have been announced for the Governor General’s Literary Awards.

In the fiction category the shortlist features some acclaimed authors: Thomas King, Michael Crummey and Bill Gaston.

King is from Guelph – and has been nominated for “Back Of The Turtle,” (HarperCollinsCanada) his first literary novel in 15 years.

Crummey is a 2001 Giller finalist from St. John’s. He gets the nod for  “Sweetland.” (Doubleday Canada).

And Victoria-based Gaston, who was shortlisted for the Giller in 2002, is a finalist for “Juliet Was A Surprise.” (Hamish Hamilton).

The fiction finalist list is completed by Claire Holden Rothman of Westmount, Quebec for “My October,” (Penguin Canada) and Winnipeg’s Joan Thomas for “The Opening Sky” (McClelland & Stewart).

The Canada Council for the Arts administers the Governor General’s Literary Awards, which honour writers in both official languages and in seven categories.

The winners will be announced on November 18th.