FOREWARD

by Loren L. Coleman

 
 
 
 
THERE are two types of people in the world ...

You’ve heard this one, right? Often as the lead-in to some generalization meant to pass as wisdom for the ages (or at least for the next few moments). A little armchair philosophy, if you please. I’ve been as guilty of it as the next man, I’m sure. But stay with me a moment longer.

I have a point to make this time.

Promise.

So: There are two types of people in the world. Those who choose their profession, and those whose profession chooses them.

It may not be Nietzsche, but I am fairly certain that almost everyone reading this anthology can relate. In fact, I’m sure you have a story of your own, and have had many conversations on this topic. Because we can’t help talking about what we do for a living. What it’s like. How we got started. It’s a great topic—a safe, comfortable topic—for cocktail parties, among your neighbors, and for people who are trapped in a stuck elevator. One of the easiest questions you can ask a person. What do you do for a living? I know I’ve been put on the spot many times in my life.

I’m a student. Good for you. What are you studying? What made you interested in that field? How soon until you graduate?

I’m in the Navy. What ship are you on? What is it you do? What made you choose that branch? Did you look to see what the <insert other military service> had to offer?

Right now, I’m a stay-at-home dad. Oh, how old is your child? Boy? Girl? Do you have pictures? Umm, so what is it your wife does?

I’m a writer. Really? What is it you write? How many books have you published? How did you get into that?

I’m a wizard . . .

Imagine the other people in that elevator. What questions would they have? And what kind of stories would the wizard be able to tell? It’s a good hour or better until the fire department can get everyone out safely. Here’s a captive audience, most of them caught up in the minutia of normal, everyday life. You’ve heard the lawyer and the carpenter already tell their tales. Why not break the ice and try (try very hard) to relate?

Which is what you will find in the following pages. Fifteen tales from that other person in the room. The slightly off one. The one whom you’ve wondered about, sure he or she had some fascinating story to tell. You were right. From the corporate ‘‘hired gun’’ to the small business owner to one of heaven’s own CPAs (that would be Certified Piety Accountants)— come see how the other side answers their call to the daily grind. I’m sure you will be as fascinated by these tales as I. Because there are still two kinds of people in the world.

Those who want to believe in magic.

And those of us who already do.

Enjoy!