dennis scharnberg

Overheard at a party: “I think animism is the answer. I honestly do.”

Anselm Bligh, A Collection of Miniatures.

It leaves him where philosophy always leaves the philosopher: What are your criteria and by means of what criteria did you arrive at them?

Christopher Jayne, A Critique of Sincerity.

“That’s how movies are put together, silly! One shot was taken last Wednesday, and the next one was taken last year.”

Mark Anthony, The Tale of the Mirror.

“If they would all just listen,” urged Natalie. “If words could just be put together in the proper sequence.”

Gladys Huizinga, Hard-Luck Dennis.

“Stars? Yes. Moon? No.” And with that, Mr. Hawltree refused to breathe another word.

Jason Starling, ed., Adventures in Narrative Parsimony.

“No, Reggie, not Judo. That’s for the squares. Tae Kwon Do is what you want. Got it? Tae. Kwon. Do.”

Corliss Archer, Boarding the Crazy Train.

“Don’t think of it! Don’t think of it!” said Desmond, aloud, with gritted teeth. “Don’t think of anything ever again,” he whispered.

Thaddeus Crewes, Crowded Evil World.

“There are ten thousand ways to lie, Hadley, old fellow, and to say nothing at all is by no means the least of those.”

Harrison Wilmer, The Michaelmas Killer.

This culture does not believe in wisdom, except for the wisdom that declares that there is no wisdom.

Cedric Plumm, All Roads Lead.

“And what about the cultural appropriation of plumbing?” demanded Aaron.

Pryce Cummings, Rattle Box.