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 4, 2011

>New Yorker Story of the Year — Nominations are Open!

> Since I began commenting each week on the fiction in the New Yorker, at year’s end I have come up with a “Story…
December 2, 2011

>VCCA Residency–The End is Near

> I’m nearing the end of my stay at VCCA. It’s been a relatively productive period, and I have made a lot of progress…
December 2, 2011

>Tips for Writers: Dialogue Tags—Keep it Simple

> “Keep it simple,” he said. “What’s that you say?” she asked. It is tempting for some writers to load dialogue tags with too…
November 30, 2011

>Guest Blogger: How I Read a Poetry Manuscript Submission, by Tom Lombardo

> How I Read a Poetry Manuscript Submission by Tom Lombardo Poetry Series Editor Press 53 www.press53.com Slowly for the first 3 poems. At…
November 30, 2011

>The New Yorker: "The Musical Brain" by César Aira

> December 5, 2011: “The Musical Brain” by César Aira Chris Andrews, translator The story begins normally—a family is out to dinner at a…
November 29, 2011

>Interview with Kelly Kathleen Ferguson

> Kelly Kathleen Ferguson’s book, My Life as Laura, was published two months ago by Press 53. Shortly thereafter, Ferguson posted an essay on…
November 28, 2011

>VCCA: Mid-residency

> Mid-residency, already? Afraid so. I have only one more week. I can’t say that I’ve been terribly efficient, but then I’m floundering a…
November 26, 2011

>Holiday Deals: Books

> Press 53 has a great deal for you! Check out the Holiday Specials page on the website to see some terrific book bundles…
November 26, 2011

>Tips for Writers: Reading Aloud

> I’m at a residency this week at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and it provided the suggestion for today’s tip, which…
November 24, 2011

>VCCA: Residency Begins

> I arrived at VCCA on Monday after several days at home of trying to catch up on various other responsibilities. Since I hadn’t…