My current interactive serialized fiction experience is set on a fictional island in the Pacific Northwest, in an area known for deep, evergreen forests and high, rocky cliffs. Thundering surf on the west side, sheltered bays on the east side.
And whales.
Right from the shores of Wren Island, you might see humpbacks, grays, minkes, and others. You might even catch sight of our beloved—and critically endangered—Southern Resident orcas.
Why not begin exploring Wren Island right now?
Unlike the more populated islands of the Pacific Northwest, Wren doesn’t have regular ferry service, so you’ll arrive by private boat or seaplane. A guy named Ralph might be convinced to bring you over in his flat-fronted cargo hauler. If he’s heading this way and if the weather and tides are right. If he doesn’t have more important cargo to transport. And if you give him something that says Green Bay Packers on it.
Once you’ve landed on Wren, you’ll see the island’s only store on your right. Inside are groceries, ice, and other staples. You’ll also find postage stamps, a little free library, tide tables (take one per household), and twenty-two editions of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. (The almanacs, not part of the little free library, are for in-store reference only.) The store owner, Virgil Tagaloa, bakes the most extraordinary muffins—possibly the world’s best muffins—but some Wren Islanders would appreciate you keeping that tidbit to yourself. They think the last thing the island needs is a bunch of tourists hashtagging our unknown paradise. Head outside to the store’s covered front porch and get comfy on a cushioned twig bench while you wait for your muffin. You ordered coffee, too? The wait will be even longer, then. We’re on island time here.
Across from the market, the dirt road leading into the forest goes to Allison Theodore’s property. You might have seen Allison’s place from the water—an English Tudor house tucked into the woods behind a wide, driftwood-littered beach. Keep an eye out for Allison’s big, brown dog, Louise, who sometimes sort of acts like a guard dog. Allison’s other dog, Lokita, is a sweet little thing.
Allison is a songwriter. Isn’t that interesting? She must have written music under a different name, though, because none of the curious Wren Islanders can find anything on the internet about her.
Oh! Speaking of music!
The sound of a ringing gong means whales can be heard (right now at this very moment!) through the hydrophone located just off Wren Island.
Scientists monitor the hydrophone to learn more about how whales communicate underwater. Allison’s neighbors at the commune up the hill also monitor the hydrophone, but just for fun. As soon as someone up there hears anything interesting, they hit a large, round, bronze disk (monastery-style!) so everyone on Wren knows to open the hydrophone app and listen. Ringing the gong is a friendly thing for the neighborly folks at the commune to do.
What kind of commune is it, you ask? Oh, look! Your muffin and coffee are ready.
As Wren Island’s writer in residence, I’m glad you’re here to experience the Wren Island vibe. Created with you in mind, Wren Island becomes even more marvelous when you’re here. You’re going to feel at home here on Wren Island in no time at all.
For more local knowledge, check out the books. You can also listen to this post on my podcast.
Wren Islanders are always the first to hear the latest news!
[Photo courtesy of Canva.]
