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.
May 11, 2012

New Update for Prime Number

The latest update of Prime Number Magazine has gone live! 19.2 features flash fiction by Brian Conlon, Robert Kaye, and John Duncan Talbird, a short…
May 7, 2012

The New Yorker: "Sweet Dreams" by Peter Stamm

May 14, 2012: “Sweet Dreams” by Peter Stamm It’s a little difficult to discuss this story, which is translated from the German, without revealing…
May 5, 2012

Tips for Writers: Which vs. That

Let’s try to untangle a knot that some writers find themselves in: how to know when to use “which” and when to use “that.”…
May 3, 2012

5/3: It’s National Press 53 Day!

> Today, May 3, is National Press 53 Day. (5/3 — get it?). I love Press 53, publisher of my 2009 linked story collection…
April 30, 2012

The New Yorker: "Nero" by Louise Erdrich

  May 7, 2012: “Nero” by Louise Erdrich   See the Q&A with Louise Erdrich.   What have we got here? A mean dog…
April 27, 2012

Writing the Short Story: Make Your Story Great! New class begins May 7

  I teach a short story class through Writers.com and the next session begins in a little over a week, on May 7. In…
April 27, 2012

Forthcoming Books: What the Zhang Boys Know, a novel in stories

  It’s been a busy week, so there hasn’t been much time for blogging. And there still isn’t, but I wanted to post this…
April 23, 2012

The New Yorker: "Hand on the Shoulder" by Ian McEwan

  April 30, 2012: “Hand on the Shoulder” by Ian McEwan   It seemed evident from reading this “story” (available for free online, by…
April 21, 2012

April 25 is End Malaria Day — How You Can Help

> April 25 is End Malaria Day. You can help. Watch the video. Then go to the website  and read about the book. Then buy…
April 20, 2012

Tips for Writers: Back up!

  Usually in my Friday Tips for Writers I focus on some element of craft—how to make your work the best it can be….