The Blogger Interviews: Malcolm Eggs
It’s Monday morning and that can only mean one thing, it’s time for the next in our series of blogger interviews (we’ve already interviewed Annie Mole and The Londoneer). This next interview is with the one of the bloggers behind possibly the best advice site on the internet… a hefty claim I realise.
But seriously, if you’re ever in need of some guidance on where to get a good breakfast, you can count on Malcolm Eggs, and his co-writers Damon Allbran, Kofee Annan, Chris P Bacon, Hashley Brown, Pam Au Chocolat, Duncan Soldiers and others at the London Review of Breakfasts.
I first met Malcolm a couple of years ago at a London Bloggers Meetup event. I was delighted to instantly recognise his blog as I’d just used it to find a greasy spoon as a meeting place for a stag tour I was organising. With blogger names like Malcolm Eggs, it’s difficult to forget too.
Malcolm is also one of those few bloggers who has managed to turn his blog into a book deal, something I know a lot of bloggers are keen to do. I haven’t seen Malcolm at a meetup for a couple of months, but he’s been around for a while and is certainly one of the long time community members. I absolutely agree with some of Malcolm’s tips too, especially the point of writing about something you are genuinely interested in. I can only assume therefore he’s a massive fan of bacon and eggs…
An so without further introduction, I’ll hand this post over to the charming Malcolm Eggs…
1. What’s your blog called and what’s the URL?
The London Review of Breakfasts: www.londonreviewofbreakfasts.co.uk
2. What’s your blog all about ( in 20 words or less)?
We review breakfasts in London and sometimes beyond (in places like Mongolia, Scunthorpe and Iraq). We take it very seriously.
3. When and why did you start blogging?
I started in August 2005 after having an egg-piphany that no-one in the mainstream media was writing about going out for breakfast. A blog is the best way to achieve an ambition without compromising any laziness.
4. Which blog platform do you use?
A creaky pre-Templates version of Blogger.
5. Can you give an example of how blogging has enriched your life?
I landed a book deal (it’s out in 2012 with the wonderful Bloomsbury Publishing) and acquired an emergency conversation topic for when my mind goes blank at parties.
6. Are there any blogs you recommend reading and why?
I read Diamond Geezer and get incredibly jealous – he can write 2000 words about a new suburban bus route and leave you wanting more.
Also, Young and Foodish is a rare breed of food blogger: a great, unfussy writer who knows a lot, yet carries that knowledge lightly.
7. What three tips would you give to someone just starting out in blogging?
Specialise: in something you are genuinely interested in.
Be patient.
Be yourself.
8. If you could change one thing about your blog what would it be?
I’d like a big interactive map of all the breakfasts we’ve reviewed.
9. What is the key to getting readers to your blog?
Spending much more time on writing and editing than on obsessively trying to get readers.
10. And finally, why do you come to the London Bloggers Meetups?
People blog about the most bonkers things and it’s great fun talking to them about that.
