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 4, 2015

2015 Reading: The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin

The Orchardist: A Novel by Amanda Coplin I first became aware of this novel when we ran an interview with the author in Prime Number…
February 3, 2015

The New Yorker: “The Man in the Woods” by Shirley Jackson

April 28, 2014: “The Man in the Woods” by Shirley Jackson It’s a pleasure to read a previously unknown Shirley Jackson story. Here, a…
February 2, 2015

The New Yorker: “Sweetness” by Toni Morrison

February 9, 2015: “Sweetness” by Toni Morrison This is an excerpt from Morrison’s new novel, God Help the Child, due out in April this…
February 2, 2015

“More Than Mere Setting” — my guest blog post at Late Last Night Books

I was recently invited to do a guest blog post for Late Last Night Books, which you can read here: More than Mere Setting….
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…