<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/pre-go-live-resources/_migration/2026-08-21/magazine/summer-2003/master-storyteller.html" dsn="news"><pubDate/><title>A Master Storyteller</title><excerpt>Once he decided to become a writer, Todd Pierce ’86 was determined to publish something. He kept submitting his work only to receive rejection slips, which he taped to the walls of his office. The wallpaper allowed him to laugh with his friends — and increased his determination.</excerpt><author/><image>
            
            
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