[Scene starts with Chaz in his office looking over his notes, when suddenly there was a rapid knock on the door]
Chaz: Come in, John.
[The door opens, and John enters with a folder of paper]
Chaz: What's this? More ideas?
[John speaks as he closes the door behind him]
John: Yes, Doctor. I had help from Wendy to help me with the computer. I... I didn't really understand it at first. The Internet is a totally new thing to me. Also... it's kinda weird.
Chaz: Hmm? How so, John? Would you like to sit down and tell me about it?
[John sits on the couch as Chaz looks through the notes]
John: Well, it seems there's lots of information about things there, so many things to read and learn! I don't think I can learn it all.
Chaz: Really?
John: You don't know how much is on there! There's info on writing, grammar, fixing cars... almost everything!
Chaz: Well, I shouldn't be surprised, but I don't have the means for such a thing right now. I'm sure once I get more patients, I'll need it, and maybe you can teach me how to use one someday.
John: Wait! What? Me? No, Doctor! I'm new to all this internet stuff. I barely even understand this tech jargon! But, I did learn of a lot of books that looked interesting. On this one site I found, you can buy and sell things on it and get almost anything you can think of. It's like an online supermarket!
Chaz: Really? Interesting. I think I've heard of such a site, but in my current situation, I have no need of such.
John: But, Doc, you don't understand! You can do a lot of things online! You can even make deals or order food without leaving your house!
Chaz: Yes, John. I do believe restaurants have already done that before the internet. Pizza comes to mind.
John: But, still, Chaz! It's amazing!
[Chaz lightly chuckles and looks over the notes]
Chaz: I'm sure it is, John. But remember that this has been around for a long time now. Now, let's... Oh... what is this list of words?
John: Yes, Chaz. While looking through the internet, I found that the internet seems to have its own language.
Chaz: Yes... I see... It's an odd language, or it could just be people using it as an excuse to use lazy shorthand and improper grammar. See? Like this. All the vowels are missing! Also, what's that other long list?
John: Oh, it's the laws of the internet.
[Chaz glares a smile at John]
Chaz: Really?
John: Don't you believe me?
Chaz: Oh, I believe you, John. But, I don't think you need to follow or understand any of them.
John: But, it's the law of--
Chaz: Clearly, not serious or concrete laws, John. Compared to real life, I can easily see these are done as a joke or, from what I understand, these were done during the time when the internet wasn't everywhere like it is today. Even the hospital I used to work at used the internet to log and back up data on patients. Though I kind of understand your amazement and you seem like a person who's never grown up in this kind of world or with this kind of thing on hand. But, enough about that.
[Chaz looks over John's notes, but then looks a little surprised]
Chaz: Oh... A romance, John? Is that what you're planning on writing in your story?
John: Well, I don't know yet, Chaz. It's... just a genre I decided to write down. I also wrote down random lines, like, “Oh, the one that I love."and "I will love thy forever!". I'm sure what I want out of it, but it's something to start with.
Chaz: Hmm... I see you also have a list of names. John. Janet. Alex. Are these characters in the story?
John: Well... hopefully, it will be. I just need to give them last names.
Chaz: Actually, first, John, what is the setting?
John: Huh? Setting?
Chaz: Yes, setting. The world or place this story will be based in. What's its name?
[John stares at Chaz for a second, looking a lil befuddled, then tries to think on the idea]
John: I'm.... not sure. Huh. I didn't think about that at the time. I just started writing down random names and wondered who'd go with who.
Chaz: Also, you need to ask yourself, “What is the conflict in the relationship?". That is if there's going to be one. Sometimes, you can't have a romantic story without some conflict; something the characters can or need to overcome.
John: Oh! What kinds of conflicts?
Chaz: Have you read romance novels?
John: Well, no, but I saw some on that online store and an online library I saw.
Chaz: Then, that's what I want you to do next. Read and study some popular romance novels and understand the relationships in those stories, but I do suggest trying to make it your own story. Don't copy or plagiarize. That can really hurt you if you plan on getting an audience and people will point it out.
John: What about critics, Doctor?
[Chaz tilts his head at him with a confused eyebrow raise]
Chaz: What about them?
John: How do you handle critics?
Chaz: Hmm. Well, it depends on the critic, but they are there to help you improve. Also, understand that when an artist first creates something, it's sometimes not always the best at first, but with practice and time, they get better. An artist should take criticism to heart. They are there to help you. Get also feedback from your friends you live with at the complex. Well, it looks like our time for today is up. See you next week?
John: Yes, Doctor. I'll try my best. I... I'll try my best to listen to people and hopefully improve
YOU ARE READING
Healing Wounds (Work In Progress)
General FictionClinical Psychologist, Doctor Chaz Hipstress offers his service to anyone who seeks for his help.
