Desk Notes by Charles Schifano

The Fine Art of Walking Offstage

My favorite type of plagiarism is self-plagiarism, so let me quote an authority figure on my own thoughts.

Sep 19 • 

Charles Schifano

10

6

A Shock of Aesthetic Pleasure

To be limited by the practical.

Sep 12 • 

Charles Schifano

9

4

August 2025

How to Look at a Painting, at a Life

I can’t look away and I can't explain what I see.

Aug 31 • 

Charles Schifano

12

6

Shifting Gears in Brazil

I found myself surrounded by Brazilians.

Aug 8 • 

Charles Schifano

13

8

July 2025

How Not What

The entire story is foretold in the opening sentence.

Jul 25 • 

Charles Schifano

16

4

Word Homicide

There’s a cemetery on my computer.

Jul 11 • 

Charles Schifano

6

5

My Favorite Essay

How far could I push a deception?

Jul 4 • 

Charles Schifano

9

3

June 2025

Risky Directions

At one time I was accustomed to giving directions.

Jun 27 • 

Charles Schifano

10

7

Disorderly Creativity

For a long time, I resisted a truth about creativity.

Jun 20 • 

Charles Schifano

15

2

Character Without Conviction

Fully believing in fictional worlds.

Jun 13 • 

Charles Schifano

16

8

Dissociating From Pain

During the past few years I have learned to dissociate from pain.

Jun 6 • 

Charles Schifano

10

3

May 2025

How You've Changed My Writing

I didn't expect the writing to contain the past.

May 23 • 

Charles Schifano

11

1