Ruth Dugdall is a novelist and screenwriter.

To be an authentic writer means to express my true thoughts, feelings, and experiences honestly and without pretence. It means writing in a way that reflects who I really am, rather than trying to fit into what I think others want to hear. Being authentic allows me to connect more deeply with my readers because my voice is genuine and unique. It involves embracing my imperfections and sharing my personal perspective, even when it feels vulnerable or uncertain. Ultimately, authenticity in writing is about staying true to myself and trusting that my story matters. It is turning down the noise and listening to the voices of my characters, hearing what they want to say.