Conor Grennan is the author of “Little Princes,” a best-selling memoir about his experiences volunteering in an orphanage in war-torn Nepal. He is also the founder and president of Next Generation Nepal, a non-profit that works to reconnect victims of child trafficking with their families. “Little Princes” was the summer reading book for incoming first-year students, and Grennan came to SLU, to give a talk, on Oct. 28. Staff writer Abbey Norton sat down with Grennan before the event to discuss his work.

Courtesy of SLU.edu

Q: How has this experience changed you?
A: It has opened my eyes to the issue in Nepal and how many real issues the world has. This world that we live in is not what the world actually looks like, because we live in a bubble. I also learned how to respond and react to different cultures and to not judge them.

Q: What is your favorite memory from being in Nepal?
A: My favorite memory was when I met my wife Liz for the first time, and I was able to interact with her and see how she interacted with all of the kids. It was the beginning of many things: a relationship with her and with the kids.

Q: In one word, can you describe your experience?
A: Humbling. I was able to understand how most of the world lives and understand how privileged I am. I was shown the level of dignity that people have and how much I take for granted. It really showed me to look at that and recognize what you have.

Q: Why did you choose to write “Little Princes”?
A: I actually never intended to write a book, but during my time in Nepal I did keep an online blog. After returning home, an article was published about my work and an agent contacted me wanting to create my blog into a book!

Courtesy of Conor Grennan’s Facebook page

Q: If you could change anything about your book what would it be and why?
A: Well, I am very happy with how it turned out, because it went through many editors and close friends and family. But if I could change one thing, I wish I could have talked more about Next Generation Nepal and the importance of it. But books can only be so long!

Q: Have you gone back to Nepal at all since the time of the book?
A: Yes. I went back every year but have not been back for two years now, because I have a family and a job. But I plan to go back next fall.

Q: Are you still in touch with the children when you are not in Nepal?
A: Yes! I keep in touch with them through Facebook and chat with them often.

Q: Do you have any regrets with your experience or the choices you made?

A: I wish that I would have taken the time to understand the culture in the beginning of my time volunteering. Also, I wish I could have understood that their society interacts with each other in a completely different way than we as Americans are used to.

Q: What are you doing now?
A: I am still the president of Next Generation Nepal and also serve as the dean of students of the NYU business school where I received my MBA.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give aspiring writers?
A: To write constantly! Always put yourself out there and have people read your writing. You can never write too many drafts, and it is completely acceptable to write something, then throw the entire piece away and start fresh.