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.
August 4, 2012

Tips for Writers: Show AND Tell

I had the honor today of speaking at the 2012 “Navigating Your Writing Life” Symposium of the Virginia Writers’ Club. Only in its second…
August 2, 2012

The New Yorker: “Thank You for the Light” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

August 6, 2012: “Thank You for the Light” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Since F. Scott Fitzgerald isn’t around to defend himself or answer questions,…
August 2, 2012

The Comedians, by Graham Greene

Lately I’ve been listening to audio books in the car, even for short trips around town. Today I finished listening to The Comedians by Graham…
July 29, 2012

Virginia Writers’ Club Symposium: Navigating Your Writing Life

The Virginia Writers’ Club Symposium is upon us. This coming Saturday, August 4, the VWC will convene at the Piedmont Virginia Community College in…
July 26, 2012

The New Yorker: “Permission to Enter” by Zadie Smith

July 30, 2012: “Permission to Enter” by Zadie Smith I wasn’t happy with this story at first, mostly because it seemed like a typical…
July 26, 2012

The Man Booker Prize, 2012

The long list for the 2012 Man Booker Prize has been announced. This prize is one that I watch each year because it helps…
July 19, 2012

New Issue of Prime Number

Issue 23 of Prime Number Magazine went live this morning, and we’re very pleased with it. The issue represents the first in our third…
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…