How I Write Tom Junod: How to Write Unapologetically Well | How I Write
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Jan 7, 2026 
Tom Junod, an acclaimed magazine writer known for his powerful essays, discusses his unique approach to storytelling. He delves into his evocative piece 'The Falling Man,' explaining how its contradictions sparked his interest. Junod emphasizes writing with emotional honesty and explores the fine line between objectivity and metaphor. He shares insights about familial influences on his voice, long-form writing's appeal, and the mysteries of goodness versus evil. The conversation culminates in his thoughts on writing as a soulful act that defies AI's potential dominance.
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Write Sentences That Electrify You
- Keep writing sentences that make the hair stand up on your arms as your guiding principle.
- Use rhythm and word choice to chase that visceral reaction until the sentence lands.
Why He Wrote The Falling Man
- Tom saw the Falling Man photo on September 12, 2001 and immediately knew he would write about it.
- He pursued the story because society had averted its eyes and the image felt taboo to explore.
Turn Prohibition Into Fuel
- If someone tells you not to write something, write it as a challenge to yourself.
- Use taboo or unsayable subjects to push your work beyond timid writing.
