"Seismic Shifts" by Wendy A. Miller
– the leaver and the left
Lessons through genes and jeans prepare us for his changing world—and mine.
Wendy A. Miller lives in Portland, Oregon. She is a member of Taste Life Twice Writers. Her story "Mom Conquers Volcano," appeared in Luck and Opportunity (2021) from the Personal Story Publishing Project and featured in their 6-Minute Stories Podcast. Other work has been in Adelaide Literary Magazine, Quail Bell Magazine, and Grown and Flown, where her essay ranked 14 in their "Parent Best Posts of 2020." Tiny Seed Literary Journal: Anthology Forest (Aug. 3, 2021) and The Weekly Avocet (#450) have published her poetry. Her website is www.wendyamiller.com .
Wendy A. Miller
Author’s Talk
I wrote “Seismic Shifts” in a hotel room in Quito, Ecuador. Or rather, I revised it. The original version was twice as long. To meet a deadline, I pulled it from my unpublished writing stack, and began the arduous work of “cutting my darlings,” rethreading sentences, and shifting the pattern of entire paragraphs—like a seamstress altering a dress.
When we had entered Ecuador for my niece’s wedding, the customs official asked for my occupation. “Um, just a mom,” I said.
My husband asked me later, “Why didn’t you tell him you’re a writer?”
I shrugged my shoulders.
Hmm, am I a writer?
“Seismic Shifts” is about identity. Writing this story about my son and his transition from teen to adult helped me shed my “mom jeans” and see myself as a writer. Whether nineteen or fifty-something, it requires effort and courage to tell the world who you are rather than letting the world define you.
After my son left for college, a stranger who was part of my foursome golfing provided another opportunity to describe myself.
“What do you do?”
“I’m a writer.”
“Oh, that sounds interesting. Have I read any of your books?”
Her question hit me like a slammed door in my face.
“Um, books, well, I hope to—uh, someday.”
Later, I thought about the exchange. I asked again, am I a writer or a wannabe? A spark of light—I’m a writer because I write. Next time, I’ll have a better answer. I will name the books that have published my short stories. Then ask her if she’s read any of those.
I will start by telling her about the anthology, Trouble. The story “Seismic Shifts” turned out better when I shrunk it from a poofy, prom gown to a sassy, cocktail dress. I’m delighted it found its perfect home with the Personal Story Publishing Project. I hope readers enjoy and connect with my words. - Wendy A. Miller
