From the book, “Just Write One Thing Today; 365 Creative Prompts to Inspire You Every Day” by John Gillard

Photo from Cristian Iohan Ştefănescu, Flickr Creative Commons https://flic.kr/p/nAiooR  

Stream of Consciousness

Write the inner thoughts of a washed-up entertainer who has had his or her fifteen minutes of fame but now performs in rundown clubs, spending most of the time at the bar drinking Scotch.  Write in stream of consciousness, a free-flowing style with each thought running continuously on from the last.  Try to put yourself fully into the mind of the character and let your pen glide across the page.

I can’t believe I’m here.  This rundown old club isn’t exactly where I pictured myself spending the rest of my days.  I served my time here in my younger years, this isn’t fair!  Even that old man over there in the corner looks bored with my show.  I shouldn’t be here.  I’m glad I get a break.  Maybe I should just walk out.  Nah, I’ll sit at this table over here and have a drink.

Look at those fancy buildings across the street!  I should be up the street in one of the grand hotels, waiting for my show to start on a big stage!  Instead, I’m stuck here, trying to make a living with these dinky shows on a broken downstage.  I’m washed-up.  I’m a failure.  No one is ever going to recognize my name again.  I’ve had my fifteen minutes of fame in Hollywood, and now I’m stuck here.

At least I’ve got this Scotch.  Phew!  It’s strong.  I’m surprised they don’t water it down even more as cheap as this place is.  At least it’s strong.  I can drown in my sorrows sooner.  Oh look, I’m up next again.  Here goes nothing.