7.00 PM Eastern: Ok. I have got few minutes so I will round up the story of the day even though the day is not over. There is a big reading coming up at a beautiful mansion up in the hills. Reading will be one of my mentors who last semester told me that there is a story in my short story that I must tell.

Ok. First of all, let me get out of the way a conflict I was scared of coming here today. In an online class I had last semester, I wrote an unsympathetic critique of a colleague’s work that caused an uproar. I did not mean to do that. I had to apologize.

Because I could not place the face of this colleague, I was worried that it might be one of my friends. I should probably say here that I am not good at remembering names or faces. Anyway, he happened to be in the Publishing Workshop and when he introduced himself, I was taken aback. This guy could crush me if he decides that we shall take it outside and finish it up.

Anyway, at first I did not know how to approach him. For the first four hours we did not greet each other. Please note that there are many students so it isn’t like we just bump on each other. But we had opportunities to approach one another and shake hands but we didn’t.

Well, just before dinner I went to him. I was man enough to do so. He said he had forgiven me and forgotten the incident. We smiled. Reading his response to my critique I did not know that he could smile.

Other important things that happened: I met one of my mentors. He is an accomplished writer who is very enthusiastic about the ideas I have for the semester. He had many books published and a screenplay turned into a movie. He knows the people that matter in New York publishing industry. He told me it is no longer enough to write a good story or even a great one. He said my work must be stunning to have a chance. He wants me to give him a stunning work and he will give me the best agent in New York.

I feel like the ball is now in my court.

He reinforced in me the feeling that I must give voice to the stories of people who are incapable of telling their stories.

OK. I am rushing now. If tomorrow I am not able to do this please note that I am overwhelmed.

Earlier, I checked into my dorm room. Now, that is a story on its own. It is first time in about 15 years that I have entered a college dorm. When I was told I would have three roommates I thought I would be sharing bunk beds. But behold, I had three roommates alright but we each have our bedrooms.

But the bed is still those twin-size beds. And I came with Queen-size beddings. This night will be interesting. I hope I don’t fall off the bed at night.
There is no wireless internet in the dorms. We were asked to come with some kind of cable or something to connect to the internet but I did not come with any. So I may not be able to report back until sometime tomorrow.

So until then, peace.