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.
February 1, 2015

2015 Reading: War Reporter by Dan O’Brien

War Reporter by Dan O’Brien This is a collection of poetry unlike anything I’ve read before although the work that comes closest is O’Brien’s own…
February 1, 2015

2015 Reading: Red Scare by T.R. Pearson

Red Scare by T.R. Pearson I hadn’t heard of of Pearson until his name appeared on a list of “literary mystery” writers in a graduate…
January 31, 2015

2015 Reading: The Poison that Purifies You by Elizabeth Kadetsky

The Poison That Purifies You by Elizabeth Kadetsky This report won’t go into too much detail because I’m writing a full review of the book…
January 30, 2015

Artist in Residence — at HOME

I’ve declared that February is “Leave me alone I’m writing a novel” month. In other words, for the 4 weeks of February, I’m going…
January 30, 2015

Tips for Writers: Where should I submit?

As most readers of this blog know, I publish an annual list of the top literary magazines. Many people have told me how helpful…
January 29, 2015

2015 Reading: Reality: A Very Short Introduction by Jan Westerhoff

Reality: A Very Short Introduction by Jan Westerhoff At least the book’s title isn’t “Reality for Dummies.” I frequently dig into books on philosophical questions–comes…
January 28, 2015

The New Yorker: “Hubcaps” by Thomas McGuane

April 21, 2014: “Hubcaps” by Thomas McGuane Owen’s parents drink and fight a lot. He plays baseball and steals hubcaps. He also is nice…
January 26, 2015

The New Yorker: “Alice” by Elizabeth Harrower

February 2, 2015: “Alice” by Elizabeth Harrower This story, set in Australia, has the feeling of a fairy tale, one that concludes with the…
January 25, 2015

The New Yorker: “Box Sets” by Roddy Doyle

April 14, 2014: “Box Sets” by Roddy Doyle Q&A with Roddy Doyle After three months of unemployment, Sam is feeling the strain. He and…
January 24, 2015

2015 Reading: Subtropics Issue 17, Winter/Spring 2014

Subtropics is the journal of the University of Florida edited by David Leavitt and Sidney Wade. I’ve been a subscriber off and on since…