The search for authenticity

As I just finished editing a scene, a flashback capturing the gaping contrast in the home situation of my protagonist Herbert and the girl next door Janey, I am grateful for having to wipe away a few of my own tears. I am crying with my protagonist. And just in that moment, I realize I have managed to capture authenticity. Not every scene lends itself to the kind of authenticity that touches you deep within your core, I have had to accept it - or this project would never come to see the light of day. But when it happens, and you usually realize after, it is a special thing. It seems to elevate the value of the words you have brought together as the raw emotion shines through the lines. Finding authenticity can be hard for all of us, in everything we do, as different roles we play require different outputs. This forces us to bend to life rather than having life bend to us. I hope you feel you can be your unapologetic self, at least most of the time. But I won't judge you if you feel like you lose yourself now and then. Being authentic takes a lot of practice. Just remember to love yourself. :-)