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The Other Secret Identity

Hey, Reader:

The whole purpose of a mask is to hide your true face; actually or metaphysically.

In acting, it's to convey a convincing portrait of a personality, not your own. Sometimes, the actor adds elements of their life experience to add authenticity to the role.

Maybe the actor has lived out some part of the fictional character’s trauma and thus knows it all too well. And that knowledge is what makes the whole film more believable.

Especially if the public knows about the actor's history.

But how much should a writer reveal about themselves or others in writing stories?

Should they reveal anything at all?

Back in the day, revealing IDENTITY in literature and films tended to focus on keeping a name hidden. But it also might be to hide someone’s gender, age, and or social status.

It was to protect or prevent.

Protect from…

Prevent … fill in the blank.

But as time marched on, we began to take other considerations. Race, religion, place of origin, cultural connection, predilection, etc.

The teller of the tale began focusing more on "how I see myself" and a little less on how Society sees me.

But, how society sees anyone is always a question. And most likely, it will always be fuel for motives in good storytelling.

For writers, with the world unmasking, this means we have a whole new range of possibilities for creating characters, uncomfortable or otherwise.

Of course, we can ignore segments of the human race – as some have chosen to do. But that doesn't mean the “ignored ones” don’t exist.

If you don’t ignore others, then the process of choosing an identity for your characters could be seen as daunting, overwhelming, or confusing.

Or, you can look upon it as a great opportunity to add more depth and authenticity to your work. It can be seen as a more fertile place to seek inspiration.

In that case, the real challenge might be found in the limits of our observations and our imagination.

Also … how much truth and reality do you want to reveal about others or … yourself?

Embracing that challenge will push your limits as a writer, an observer of life, and a human being.

Several of the best stories told were written by authors who pulled from their own well of life experiences. Stephen King, Terry MacMillian, Kurt Vonnegut, and Mia Angelou, to name a few.

So ask yourself, if you decide to do this, ask yourself …

Purpose. Why are you doing this story?

Goal. What do you want or hope to achieve?

Accuracy. Speaks for itself.

Collateral Fallout. What will it cost … or cause?

In the end, like everything else, it's your choice.

Until next time, take care.

Best,
​Alex Simmons

*As this is my 150th issue, I'm also sharing it with the general public.

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