dennis scharnberg

spiraling ever downward

Harold was muttering, but I distinctly heard the following: “…pretentious artisanal sandwich crafters who ruin everything….”

Rhonda Carstairs, A Bad Case of the Whim-Whams and Other Stories.

hearing false reports

“Passion” refers to even the mildest obsessions of consumerism (e.g., craft beers, cycling, Korean soap operas).

Trent Zaha, Skirting the Issue.

our unsound conclusions

“Settling into the hedonist wallow.”  That’s how Conner thought of it.  Concerning his fellows.  And concerning himself.

Thaddeus Crewes, The Seven Long Years.

throw the book

And whom was Edmund dodging, the reader might wonder?  Well, it was Miss Eileen Cummings.  Poetess.

Quentin Drabb, Ebenezer’s Untold Tales.

root and ground

The internet is a place where words go to get drained of meaning.

Roger Hedgecook, Stolen and Sold for Parts.

judgment of ages

Mr. Wilkins forecasts a future in which we shall see TV ads featuring actors who care.

Will Hewes, Little To Do.

theory of government

So, if the character were explicit about his sexual activity, that would be like “honesty.”  And of course we deeply admire honesty.  Especially when we are being honest about our dishonesty.

Nigel Swarbrick, A Bootful of Nails.

elaborate drapery folds

Being peered at as though she were an item in a glass cabinet—this was Miranda’s fantasy.

Priscilla Onkers, All About Edward.

tried and true

“Who gets that upset over something that is taken to be nonexistent?”  This was Adam’s thought.  Whispered to himself, not spoken aloud.

Chadwick Graves, Maoist Struggle Session and Other Stories.

beyond our control

“A terrible sack of the city ensued.”  Jack thought hard, almost in desperation.  How might he use such a phrase in his chats with Brenda?

Charles Jeffrey Yett, Writing in Miniature—Vol. Three.