The chapter explores the challenges and complexities of portraying individuals authentically in writing, particularly focusing on misunderstood subjects like celebrities. It discusses the importance of balancing critique and profile, delving into the writer's task of capturing the essence of a public figure while avoiding being a mere promotional tool. The speaker emphasizes intertwining personal passions with professional obligations to create engaging pieces and reflects on the evolving dynamics between writers and editors in the world of media and publishing.
Vinson Cunningham is a staff writer for The New Yorker. His novel, published in March 2024, is Great Expectations.
“I think the job is just paying a bunch of attention. If you're a person like me, where thoughts and worries are intruding on your consciousness all the time, it is a great relief to have something to just over-describe and over-pay-attention to—and kind of just give all of your latent, usually anxious attention to this one thing. That, to me, is a great joy.”
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