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.
September 6, 2009

>From the Other Side

>I enjoy readings and signings, and I enjoy chatting with the authors. It turns out that the author–this author, anyway–enjoys it, too! I had…
September 5, 2009

>The New Yorker: "Distant Relations" by Orhan Pamuk

>Despite the relatively exotic setting of Istanbul, this New Yorker story—for a welcome change—takes a traditional form and has a satisfying, if open, conclusion….
September 5, 2009

>Banned Books Week

> Banned Books Week is almost upon us. Check out the website, the list of most-challenged books, the banned book map, and more. Many…
September 4, 2009

>Book Happenings

>On Thursday afternoon, I received a shipment of books. I unpacked the boxes, counted them, took pictures, etc. Contrary to suggestions I received from…
September 4, 2009

>New Issue: The Short Review

>It’s time for another new issue of The Short Review, with lots of good reading ideas.
September 1, 2009

>Andrew’s Book Club

>Andrew has made two excellent selections for Andrew’s Book Club for September. The university press selection is Anne Sanow‘s Triple Time, which won the…
August 30, 2009

>Get Lit!

>Check out the new blog, Get Lit!, and, in particular, this review of Women Up On Blocks by Mary Akers.
August 30, 2009

>Sign

>This is the week. The push begins. My book arrives this week. The pre-orders will be shipped out (after I’ve inscribed the copies) and…
August 29, 2009

>The New Yorker: "Fountain House" by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya

>“There once lived a girl who was killed, then brought back to life.” That’s a fairly stunning opening sentence, it seems to me. And…