Tom Junod: How to Write Unapologetically Well | How I Write

Tom Junod, known for his essays on figures like Fred Rogers and his 9/11 piece "The Falling Man," explores the nuances of his writing process. Junod emphasizes the importance of identifying and articulating unsayable truths, often born from contradictions or tensions within a story. He recounts the controversy surrounding "The Falling Man," a taboo image that captured his attention due to the tension between the subject's apparent acceptance and the horror of his fall. Junod also shares how Fred Rogers influenced his work, teaching him that goodness is as profound a mystery as evil. He further details his creative techniques, such as writing in the second person or using brutal honesty to overcome timidity and access deeper truths.