This magazine style blog has seen its share of changes. But what the heck, it was my first attempt at becoming a self-made blogger, so I’ve happily taken the learn-as-you-go approach. It’s proven to be a fantastic experience!
When I started The EFF Files, I was working at The Daily Beast in Los Angeles, writing articles on entertainment and fashion. I loved writing every day, learning the world of online media from über pros in the news publishing business, and being in contact with the movers and shakers of those exciting industries (again). But, as anyone who pitches to major publications knows, writers are bound to stay within the guidelines of each publication’s market — and in this case it was high-profile movies, music and celebrities, with an added twist of sex sells.
That said, I had so many story ideas running through my head that didn’t fall between those lines, and I needed to find an outlet for them somewhere. Hence, The EFF Files.
Now, here’s where the aforementioned changes have come into play. As much as I wanted to write about the indie world of film, fashion and music that I love and admire, I’d come to the revelation that I couldn’t just write about one subject. But, isn’t that what “new” bloggers are supposed to do, you might ask? Yes, that’s what I’ve read, but I’m not really good at being a follower (which is at times a double-edged sword). Besides, I had hoped that a few of my writer friends would join me in this endeavor and everyone could pitch in posts that pertained to each person’s unique interests, in true magazine fashion. That didn’t happen. So, I’m on my own.
Regardless of where it all began, The EFF Files has now morphed into a space where I can discuss a few of my favorite things, including Entertainment, Food and Fashion, or Education, Feminism and Furry friends. But then again, EFF doesn’t really have to stand for any subject in particular, rather in many ways it’s simply a format for sharing everything that I find fascinating.
Who am I?
My name is Brandi Andres, and I’ve had some amazing life experiences — from dancing in a Janet Jackson video at the age of 14, to working alongside Morgan Freeman, to getting my start in journalism with CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg, to earning a long-awaited degree from UCLA.
I love to travel anywhere and everywhere (you can read my travel blog at http://aBroadAcrosstheGlobe.com), and I’ve lived (however briefly) in Madrid, London, Florida, Colorado, Indiana and Los Angeles, though I’m originally from Long Beach, CA.
I’m not one of those L.A. girls who doesn’t eat, either. I absolutely love eating, though for the most part I try to eat healthy. But, I have eaten boar, quail, octopus, and sheep’s head (though I’m no Andrew Zimmern — I met him at an event once and was happy to discover he’s super cool). I was also one of those kids who adored vegetables. My favorites growing up were Brussels sprout (baby lettuce), broccoli (baby trees) and spinach (because it made Popeye strong).
