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.
July 16, 2012

The New Yorker: “The Cheater’s Guide to Love” by Junot Diaz

July 23, 2012: “The Cheater’s Guide to Love” by Junot Díaz There certainly are things I like about this story. Díaz’s character Yunior is…
July 9, 2012

Of Monkeys and Email

A few years ago, Gund—the plush animal manufacturer—came out with a new product: Garstang Gorilla. I was shocked when I heard about it. The…
July 8, 2012

Tips for Writers: Are You Sure?

Many years ago, I participated in a workshop at a writers’ conference. My workshop instructor was pretty famous and I was a little intimidated…
July 4, 2012

Happy 4th of July — In an Uncharted Country

My first book, In an Uncharted Country, is a collection of linked short stories set in the fictional town of Rugglesville, VA. The book…
July 4, 2012

Happy 4th of July — in Raintree County

There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Raintree County by Ross Lockridge, Jr., or if you have heard of it you’ve probably not read…
July 4, 2012

The New Yorker: “An Abduction” by Tessa Hadley

July 9 & 16, 2012: “An Abduction” by Tessa Hadley As we learn from the Q&A with Tessa Hadley, the author means for Jane’s…
July 1, 2012

Still no power!

It’s Sunday morning and as of 7:30am I still didn’t have power. I drove into town looking for coffee and breakfast, but was too…
June 30, 2012

Downed trees, no power

This isn’t my photo, but it gets the point across. Trees are down all over the area; power is out. The event I was…
June 29, 2012

Local Authors at Staunton Public Library, 1-5pm, 6/30/12

Libraries are wonderful places, and I was delighted when the Staunton Public Library invited me to participate in “Between the Covers,” an event with…
June 29, 2012

What the Zhang Boys Know is now available for pre-order

My novel in stories, What the Zhang Boys Know, is now available for pre-order from the publisher, Press 53. Go here to reserve your…