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 9, 2005

>Bill Shakespeare–Action Hero

> I’ve been doing some research for an article I’m supposed to be writing (supposed to be, as in right this minute, instead of…
December 9, 2005

>Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

>By Jonathan Safran Foer Extremely tedious and incredibly precious. Did you read this? It is a book-length short story about Oskar (think Tin Drum,…
December 9, 2005

>Ice, Snow, Ice & Snow

>They’re coming. Tonight. This time the weather service is sure, and I believe them. Although it was a sunny morning, and the snowy dregs…
December 7, 2005

>After VCCA, What?

>I’ve been home from VCCA for almost a week. I can’t say it hasn’t been productive. Having decided to let the novel rest for…
November 27, 2005

>More from VCCA

>I’m told that I’m overdue with updates from the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. My excuse for not writing is that I’ve been busy…
November 18, 2005

>VCCA

>It was a beautiful morning for a drive–Highway 60 across the Blue Ridge is one of the most fantastic roads I’ve been on for…
November 16, 2005

>Devil Talk

>By Daniel Olivas My review of Devil Talk is up at MoorishGirl.
November 14, 2005

>A Walk in the Woods

>And I’m not talking about Bill Bryson. It is clear that the highlight of Bhikku’s day is our walk in the woods behind my…
November 12, 2005

>It Ain’t Shakespeare

>The American Shakespeare Center often includes a non-Shakespeare play in its repertoire. This season’s ringer is The Three Musketeers, David Richmond’s adaptation of the…
November 11, 2005

>Elections!

>The country has been hearing about the Democratic victories in New Jersey and, more importantly, Virginia gubernatorial elections. I know a little about the…