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.
January 31, 2024

2024 Reading — January

Silverview by John LeCarre is another—the last, apparently—spy novel from the master of the genre. Completed by his son and published after his death,…
January 10, 2024

Library Finds: Translations from the Chinese

When a poet friend of mine died last year, his widow needed to deal with his collection of books. She came across one volume…
January 8, 2024

I’ve Got Questions for Beth Uznis Johnson

Editor’s Note: This exchange is part of a series of brief interviews with emerging writers of recent or forthcoming books. If you enjoyed it,…
January 2, 2024

Library Finds: 1943 World Atlas

Library Finds I’ve been acquiring books for as long as I can remember (and have only recently begun the process of deacquisitioning). Most I’ve…
December 29, 2023

Year Out, Year In

Although COVID-19 is still with us, 2023 saw a return to almost normal. I went to plays and concerts, I ate in restaurants, I…
December 28, 2023

2023 Reading–December

That’s a wrap on my reading journal for this year. I’ve logged only 60 books this year, fewer than any year in recent memory….
December 25, 2023

2024 Literary Magazine Ranking–Poetry

Below is the 2024 Literary Magazine Ranking for Poetry. To understand the Rationale, Methodology, and Calculation for the Rankings, please go here. Note that every effort…
December 25, 2023

2024 Literary Magazine Ranking–Nonfiction

Below is the 2024 Literary Magazine Ranking for Nonfiction. To understand the Rationale, Methodology, and Calculation for the Rankings, please go here. Note that every effort…
December 25, 2023

2024 Literary Magazine Ranking–Fiction

Below is the 2024 Literary Magazine Ranking for Fiction. To understand the Rationale, Methodology, and Calculation for the Rankings, please go here. Note that every effort…
December 25, 2023

2024 Literary Magazine Rankings–Overview

It is time once again for the annual Literary Magazine Rankings for Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry. As explained in more detail below, these rankings…