dennis scharnberg

stringing steel beads

“One sentence follows another!”  proclaimed Andrew, whose enthusiasm for Tristram Shandy has no bound.

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

all at once

We cannot make ourselves humble.  If one is not humble already, then humility is ruled out.

Thomas  Bedlam, Jackdaws and the Problem of Speech.

all things solid

“No, Jennifer,” said Malcolm.  “By all means.  Have all the emptiness you want.”

Miles Everett Mander, Hard-Won Tales.

magpies are here

People know beforehand what they are going to think about things.  Unless that thing is cataclysm.

Hunter Hogarth, Raised by Wolves.

experts are surprised

One thing about the “surreal”—it never resembles the products of Surrealism.

P. J. Cahoon, The History of Crime.

up for grabs

“In the penultimate volume, a certain comedic turmoil was evident.”  When it comes to Tristram Shandy, Oliver chooses his words so carefully.

Anselm Bligh, A Collection of Miniatures.

there he stood

We rapidly approach the day when a young man might say: Well, I’m not much perhaps, but at least I don’t have a university degree.

Evelyn Harbuckle, The Signs of Belonging.

it is written

“Social” is a social construct.  And the infinite regress is a form of redemption.

Hill Boothby, The Dazzling Realm of Almost.

pleasant and agreeable

“But, surely,” insisted Penny, “people attend film school in order to find out about the world.”

Trent Bendix, Patricia Knows Best.

thinking clinking drinking

“A professional writer, writing.  How perfectly awful.”  Harry’s thoughts were dismal on a shining summer day.

Thaddeus Crewes, Crowded Evil World.