Author: Cliff

I am the author of three novels--THE LAST BIRD OF PARADISE, OLIVER'S TRAVELS, and THE SHAMAN OF TURTLE VALLEY--and three story collections--IN AN UNCHARTED COUNTRY, HOUSE OF THE ANCIENTS AND OTHER STORIES, and WHAT THE ZHANG BOYS KNOW, winner of the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Fiction. I am also the co-founder and former editor of Prime Number Magazine and the editor of the award-winning anthology series EVERYWHERE STORIES: SHORT FICTION FROM A SMALL PLANET.
December 21, 2012

Happy Winter Solstice!

As I like to say, Freezin’ is the Reason for the Season! Happy Winter Solstice! Today, December 21 (at 6:12 AM in the Eastern…
December 18, 2012

Kind words for the Zhang Boys

It’s hard to get people to pay much attention to a small press book, so when they do and have good things to say…
December 18, 2012

Vote for The New Yorker Short Story of the Year — 2012

The nominations for New Yorker Story of the Year are now closed. The finalists (with links to the discussions on this blog) are posted…
December 17, 2012

The New Yorker: “Shirley Temple Three” by Thomas Pierce

December 24 & 31, 2012: “Shirley Temple Three” by Thomas Pierce I gather that Thomas Pierce is a student in the MFA program at…
December 15, 2012

Tips for Writers: New Year Resolutions

I haven’t had the most productive writing year, for a variety of reasons (i.e., excuses). I’m determined to do better in 2013. It’s time,…
December 14, 2012

2012 The Year in Reading: Books that didn’t suck

That’s not a fair title. Much of what I read this year was terrific. But I’m resisting the urge to title this post “The…
December 11, 2012

The Next Big Thing

The Next Big Thing I had the pleasure of meeting Tara Laskowski last year at Press 53’s annual Wine & Words Fest when she was honored…
December 10, 2012

The New Yorker: “Creatures” by Marisa Silver

December 17, 2012: “Creatures” by Marisa Silver Because the author has a new novel coming out, I kind of hoped to learn that this…
December 8, 2012

Nominations Open for New Yorker Story of the Year

New Yorker Story of the Year It’s time to select the New Yorker Story of the Year, as we do every year here on…
December 8, 2012

The New Yorker: “A Voice in the Night” by Steven Millhauser

December 10, 2012: “A Voice in the Night” by Steven Millhauser I encourage you to read this story, which is available for free online….