Like friend Pierrot, La Griotte lends her pen to write words, and it is through a blog that the new little cherry from Nice has decided to comment on everyday life via her cheeky city mag, and more… We are delighted to welcome La Griotte to the columns of Nice Premium, and to learn a little more about her, read on…
La Griotte is of course a sour cherry that when macerated produces an excellent brandy, but it is also, notably in Africa, the female griot. This griotte passes on oral tradition. She is the only one who can and must say what the people think and what the leader should do.
Thus, La Griotte was born and named during a trip to Senegal, and the nickname stuck despite a notorious incompetence in the art of the balafon and the djembe. That’s why La Griotte is called La Griotte and here’s what she thinks about it…
<strong>Nice Premium: Niçoise, not submissive... Has La Griotte made a noticeable entrance on the Nice internet scene? </strong>
<strong>La Griotte:</strong> Yes, success followed from the first chronicles of La Griotte. I was pleasantly surprised to immediately receive comments and encouragement. The number of subscribers and readers has continued to grow since May 1, 2012, the date of the first chronicle. Today, 63,000 readers have enjoyed Griotte syrup. My collaboration with a talented illustrator contributed greatly to this success.
<strong>NP: How did the idea of commenting on Niçoise and Azorean life come about? </strong>
<strong>LG:</strong> Having arrived in Nice just a year ago, I first wanted to share my enthusiasms and favorites with my friends, beyond the clichés too often associated with the Côte d'Azur, as I discovered them with my Parisian eyes and those, Breton, of my partner. An independent journalist, writer, and biographer, I have always had an untimely curiosity for the places and people around me and a genuine taste for words. This cultural-social coordination fuels my days constantly. I am truly delighted to have the chance to live in Nice, which I love more and more, in every season. It's a beautiful city, surprising and with a history rich in extravagance of all kinds.
<strong>NP: What was La Griotte's path before her arrival on the www? </strong>
<strong>LG:</strong> Freelance writer for a major cosmetic brand with double C, publication director for cultural magazines, publishing manager at Petit Futé, editorial communication director for an NGO, author of private biographies...
I dipped my pen (or mouse) in honey (or lemon juice depending on the mood) for all types of readers and clients: hyperactive bankers, casual scouts, celebrities in need of legitimacy, exclusive fashion designers, distinguished bishops, scientists in full humility, immortals to resurrect, flabby deputies, sharp-fanged wolves and loaded donkeys, overbooked executives, agency heads in austerity crisis, witty big shots and clever little ones, and even a presidential election candidate who eventually didn't run...
<strong>NP: Any other projects in La Griotte's pipeline? </strong>
<strong>LG:</strong> I just created my editorial writing and communication agency, aptly named LA GRIOTTE. I offer my writing talent to communication, advertising agencies, media, companies, or individuals. I am also a private biographer, meaning I write books for individuals, business leaders, or landowners. They tell me their stories, I transcribe, embellish, we print, and they share the book with their relatives to tell their life story, professional adventure, or a particularly astonishing episode they want to share with their family etc. I've had extraordinary encounters this way. And I intend to continue with the Niçois.
<strong>NP: Are there subjects La Griotte forbids herself? And if so, why? </strong>
<strong>LG:</strong> In fact, I forbid myself nothing. My only limit is my curiosity and legitimacy. For instance, I would never write a chronicle on "How to succeed at the Nice Iron Man in 10 lessons" since La Griotte can barely swim and just about run. I tackle all topics I find relevant linked to broad cultural news: books, comics, getaways, shopping, sports, tips, etc. It offers a live view of Nice, about Nice, and often its surroundings, but since I have an opinion on everything and love sharing it, I can also discuss national exhibits, news items, celebrities, etc.
<strong>NP: La Griotte also made a <a href="https://lagriotteanice.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/la-griotte-en-vedette-a-la-tele/">TV appearance</a>, didn't she? </strong>
<strong>LG:</strong> I was indeed recently interviewed on <a href="https://lagriotteanice.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/la-griotte-en-vedette-a-la-tele/">Nice Azur TV</a> on the show "À vous de lire" by Nicolas Gallup and the witty and learned Michel Seyrat, who wanted to know more about La Griotte, her secrets, and the behind-the-scenes of her online magazine. Surprised and flattered, La Griotte blushed at being the center of their combined attention but participated in the game with delight.
<strong>NP: Finally, what are La Griotte's wishes for La Griotte? </strong>
<strong>LG:</strong> La Griotte has only one ambition: to captivate and interest as many readers as possible. I am delighted to collaborate occasionally with Nice Premium, which allows me to reach interested and curious Niçois, just like your readers.
