Great Monologue

I have two ideas for you.  Remember to use them to launch into something else...

The first is that classic monologue from the movie Bull Durham.  Susan Sarandon says to Kevin Costner's character, 'Well what do you believe in?'  And his character answers with a long litany of things he believes in.  Write one for yourself.  'I believe pizza is the perfect food.  I believe there is no such thing as a soulmate -- there are hundreds of people I could be happy with.  I believe that if you have salsa in the refrigerator, there's no need for ketchup.  I believe decaffeinated coffee and non-alcoholic beer and low-fat potato chips are stupid -- if you don't want it, don't eat 'em!  When you're writing a story, and you're trying to understand one of your characters, write one of these 'I believe' monologues from that character's point of view.

The second idea is very similar but in reverse.  A big trend is happening on YouTube for people to post video rants.  The standard is that every sentence starts with 'I hate....'  it's actually really fun!  Write one, then you totally have to read it out loud.  Or...  Bring a notebook around with you, or use a notes app on your smartphone, and keep a running list of everything that annoys you, however small, however big.  This one is less planned, because it's based on things happening that you react to during a day or week.  If you're able to do it very detailed, it could be really fun.  Imagine, 'I hate when I type a word wrong and have to hit backspace.  I hate when I spill coffee on my shirt.  I hate when someone's trying to talk to me while I'm trying to write.  I hate that there's a possum in my backyard.  I hate having to go to work.  I hate eggplant.'  You get the idea... it could become a really great journal entry.  Instead of the typical 'Dear Diary, today I went to work, and I'm looking forward to the weekend...'  Again, write one from one of your character's points of view when you're writing.