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.
October 25, 2015

Recent Blog Silence

It’s not that I haven’t had anything to say, but I’ve been busy! First, there was the brief trip to Charlotte NC, where I…
October 12, 2015

Emerging!

Apparently, I’m an Emerging Writer, at least based on two recent awards I’ve received. Two weeks ago I learned that I had won the…
September 20, 2015

Technical Difficulties — Resolved

Thanks to Joe, my web developer, the problem I’ve been experiencing with WordPress has been resolved, or at least disarmed. Thanks for your patience….
September 15, 2015

Technical Difficulties

Please accept my apologies, but I’m having technical difficulties on the blog. Suddenly, all of my posts have turned into “excerpts” and the “Read…
August 4, 2015

Tips for Writers: Using the Possessive with a Gerund

I’m currently working on revisions to my novel manuscript. I’ve been over the draft numerous times, so I’m not finding a lot of typos…
August 3, 2015

Virginia Writers’ Club Symposium 2015

On Saturday, August 1, I had the pleasure of being a presenter at the annual symposium of the Virginia Writers’ Club. This is the…
July 23, 2015

Heifetz International Music Institute

I live in Staunton, Virginia, which was already a pretty great place before the Heifetz International Music Institute landed here (in large part because…
July 22, 2015

2 New Book Reviews

I recently read and reviewed two very different memoirs, both excellent. The first is Barefoot to Avalon by David Payne. Novelist Payne’s brother was…
July 17, 2015

My books

July 16, 2015

Emerging Author Finalist, Indiana Authors Award

I’m thrilled and honored to share with you that I have been selected by The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation as an Emerging Author finalist for…