Introduction

This collection of vignettes was first published as a series in my Wave of Consciousness essays. They were written in 2003 and 2004. I have reprinted them in a book format so that readers can access them as a cohesive presentation.

These little sketches are about the social work profession: places of employment, the intertwining of workplace and personal dynamics, and the possible impact of politics on how problems are viewed. They are written as soft science-fiction and take place somewhere after the year 2025. Each protagonist enters a realm of unusual or stressful happenings, then struggles to understand the alterations to his or her life, and finally develops ways to manage reality with greater self-awareness and purpose.

Originally, back in 2003, each story was intended as a separate piece of work. And, there was no plan as to how many stories would be written. However, the character of Hester was pliable. So, I wrote three stories in which she was the main character. When I decided to bring this phase of my writing to a close, I got the idea to tie all the stories together. As a result, in the eighth story, Hester and Jerry meet up. Then, in the ninth story, most of the main characters come together in a culminating theme.

Chapter 10 was written especially for In the Zone and does not appear in the Wave of Consciousness essays. Since the collection began with Hester, it seemed fitting to update the series with an ultimate outcome of her life and career. (Written 12/01/10)

Disclaimer Reminder

In the Zone is a fictitious work: no actual people, places or events are depicted. Any resemblance to actual people (living or deceased) or events (past or present) is coincidental and unintentional.