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Marjorie Garçon (SK 2017) takes a bite of the Big Apple
"I’d always wanted to write a book. I’d mentioned it in my projective CV during the oral exams more than six years ago now. Becoming my own publisher had not been part of the plan, though."
Marjorie Garçon (SK 2017) self-published her first novel, Un Croc dans la Grosse Pomme, in December 2019. It’s a funny, moving story about expatriation that is light in its delivery yet strikes a chord.
It all started in 2016, when Marjorie headed to New York for her second gap-year internship. Still a student, she started a blog recounting her adventures as a French expat in the Big Apple. She had always loved to write, but this was her first time sharing her work with the public. “The project started with the people close to me reading my writing. It could have all ended there, but the fact that they had enjoyed it encouraged me to continue and the community of readers grew over time.” So she continued. In 2018, she set up her blog www.uneminnieanewyork.com. As she got back into writing her expatriation stories, a crazy idea occurred to her: "what if the episodes written in New York were the basis of a bigger writing project?"
For nearly two years Marjorie wrote, edited and tested her manuscript with beta readers. To see her project through, she decided to take the self-publishing route. “It’s my baby, my entrepreneurial venture, there was no way I was giving up.” She put on her editor, graphic designer and sales hats, all the while promoting the book on social media... and her work paid off. The book performed very well when it was released. In one month, 140 copies were sold. The alumna is still moved by this success.
“A single experience can lead to a thousand projects. If there is a moral to my story, it’s that you should never hold back on your ideas.”
We wish Un Croc dans la Grosse Pomme. The book will have our alumni reliving their experiences abroad and will motivate students to head off in search of their own adventure. (Marjorie has told us that certain events involving the Raleigh campus are mentioned in her book).
Here is an excerpt:
You can buy Un Croc dans la Grosse Pomme on amazon.fr
Or by emailing Marjorie Garçon directly: marjorie.garcon@skema.edu
Your contact: Marjorie Garçon (SK 2017), author of Un Croc dans la Grosse Pomme
