Speedy Spotlight: Lavender and Lovage

Lavender and Lovage will be featured in this week’s Media Updates. Author Karen Burns-Booth spoke to Cision about creating recipes, her extensive blog roll and country steam fairs.

Why should people read your blog?
My blog is regularly updated with new and interesting content, and features original recipes, meal plans, diet recipes and plans, reviews, giveaways and notes from my French and English kitchens.

What makes your blog different?
I think my blog is different as I write all my own copy, create 90% of the recipes that are featured and take all my own photos. I also share my daily thoughts and ideas with my readers and engage with them by replying to all my comments. I try to be unique and different and don’t always follow ‘current trends’ but make my own up.

What’s your favourite blog and why?
VERY difficult question and I cannot answer that with a definitive reply for one blog; I follow several hundred from all over the world and the ones I follow most actively are featured on my Blog Roll.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a blog?
Try to write original and regular content and take time out to visit other blogs to leave comments and therefore build friendships with like-minded followers.

How does a good PR work with you?
I have some amazing relationships with dozens of PRs and what makes the good ones stand out is communication and respect for what I do, as well as valuing my writing and work. A good PR will communicate, will have read my blog and will listen to my ideas and suggested pitches, as well as offer me advice and ideas.

What do PRs do that’s bad?
Expect me to work for nothing, not just financial remuneration, but no products or services to review. Or even worse, they want my work for free with no reciprocal links or credit. Bad PRs also haven’t read my blog and offer me work that would not suit my readership, as well as ask me to break the law when it comes to disclosing sponsored posts etc.

Do you have any surprising hobbies or interests?
I love steam trains and traction engines, as well as old bikes and can often be found at country steam fairs all over the country! I also love watching and following rugby and cricket.

Editorial information on Karen Burns-Booth, Lavender and Lovage and thousands of other media contacts and outlets, can be found in the CisionPoint Media Database.