It's hard not to be fascinated by Camilla Long. I mean, how many journalists can brazenly poke fun at Will Ferrell's style (or lack thereof) and get away with it? Probably only Camilla Long.
"The comedian Will Ferrell is the worst-dressed person I have ever interviewed. Arriving to meet me in Los Angeles, he is wearing a pair of flared Adidas tracksuit bottoms and hideous trainers, a patterned bomber jacket that looks as if it has been given away on an airline, and a pair of petrol-station sunglasses. The effect is 100% German tourist. The most tragic thing is that he seems to think he has done quite well.”
Every time I read one of her articles, I dissolve into heaps of laughter before even finishing the first line. People probably think I'm crazy when this happens because I'm usually sitting by myself at a table, hovered over my laptop and bursting into loud, obnoxious guffaws every couple of minutes. Think Tyler the Creator BIRTHDAY TIME hollas mixed with a dash of Lion King hyenas.
And such is the power of Long's words. She has you hooked (line and sinker) after the first sentence and it's a roller coaster of wit, humor, and unabashed honesty throughout. Adopting a conversational voice filled with brains (See? A colloquial tone and intellect aren't mutually exclusive, you academic snobs!), Long is at the top of the journalistic game as The Sunday Times film critic, interviewer, and style columnist.
What fascinates me about Camilla Long, however, is her clear candidness. She isn't afraid to assert her true opinions, whether people like it or not. And that right there, humans of the Internet, is real journalism. By sticking to her guns, Long preserves the ideal of news. Because journalism should communicate the truth. By dishing it out like it is, Camilla Long shines like a beacon of hope in the sometimes clouded fog of journalism.
At least that's my opinion, which is why (when Camilla visited Conde Nast) I sprinted towards her like a crazed One Direction fangirl to ask if I could interview her for my blog. AND SHE SAID YES! (I feel like I keep writing "AND SHE SAID YES" and it's making me feel very post-flash-mob-marriage-proposal.)
Anyways, here are Camilla's answers to my (not post-flash-mob-marriage-proposal) questions:
How and when did you find your voice?
My editor at the Sunday Times suggested I try writing in my own voice. It developed over a period of about a year. Now I write as much as possible because the more you write, the better you get. And it feels fabulous.
With your brazenly critical voice (and one that I very much admire), how do you convince high profile figures to agree to an interview when it seems as if all the famous folk are overly concerned with projecting a pristine, flawless image?
I ask, ask, and then I ask again.
Has there ever been a time in your career when you've had to withhold your honest opinion for the sake of marketable journalism?
No. All opinions are marketable - but only if they are true.
It seems that fashion journalism doesn't take well to negative criticism since most fashion journalism consists of positive comments commending designers/brands. Do you think film journalism is more open to negative criticism and, if so, why?
I don't entirely accept the premise of your question. I think even sensitive fashion designers appreciate good writing. So don't listen to people who tell you fashion designers don't appreciate criticism and write what you want. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And no one will appreciate a brilliantly turned bitchy put down as much as a designer will.
What's your favorite topic to write on and why?
Other people. I find them endlessly fascinating.
What is your writing process?
Freak out, weep, gnash, hit the carbs, attack those close to me, coffee coffee coffee, and then (in the remaining 5% of time) WRITE.
How do you deal with writer's block?
I have had about nine minutes of writers' block in my entire life. As Gene Kranz didn't say, writer's block is not an option.
If you listen to music whilst writing, what do you like to listen to?
I never listen to music.
When did you know you wanted to be a journalist?
When I was 13 years old, reading colour writers and critics in the papers. I thought, who are these fabulous peacocks, these utter tits?
Where do you see print in 50 years and why?
I think news will be piped straight into our brains using technology. There won't be the internet at that point, let alone print.
Favorite human in the entire world and why?
My mother, because I never know what she will say.
Favorite place you've travelled as a journalist and why?
Magaluf. A hellhole, but I could have written about it for days. Oh, and I met my boyfriend there.
Thoughts on beards?
Some of them are quite nice ladies
Thoughts on lumbersexual?
NO
(Aw, this answer made me quite sad as I am a lumbersexual enthusiast.)
Thoughts on Kim and Kanye's relationship?
Built on diamonds, leather and tears.
One thing most people don't know about you?
I'm really quite shy.
xx
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