Readers often talk with me about Wren Island as if it really exists. And there’s something incredibly special that can happen when the lines between reality and fiction are blurred.
When we let ourselves believe in Wren Island, we find courage to reach for the something better we know is out there.
For example, a reader once chatted with me about her changing home situation. She had reached an age where mobility was becoming an issue. Doctor appointments dominated the schedule. The rest of the world seemed to be galloping off faster and faster. The beloved family home was becoming too much to care for, the property too much to keep up with.
This dear reader was facing a difficult question. If I can’t live here anymore, where will I go?
What she really wanted, she explained, was a safe place to land. A comfortable house stocked with everything she needed. A property that hosted cute critters, both domestic and wild. A welcoming place that somehow took care of itself and was filled with people she loved. After spelling it all out, she sighed.
“Maybe I could live on Wren Island.”
Another time, a reader contacted me after she’d visited my hometown on Fidalgo Island. She and her husband had sat on a bench eating ice cream at the marina. This reader had scanned the boats in port, looking for Allison Theodore’s bright yellow cruiser.
“But Allison must have been back home on Wren. So I’ll just catch up with her there.”
These readers let their imaginations fly in that mysterious space between reality and fiction. While living in the real world, they embraced everything Wren Island represents. Everything that is worth pursuing. Like friendship—even when it’s not easy. Second chances—for others and for ourselves. Bigger, untried dreams. Love that’s both deep and wide.
You won’t find Wren Island on any map, but it does exist. We find it whenever we reach for courage, trust in love, ask about joy, hope for something better.
What if we could visit Wren Island? How would we spend our time? Who would we bring along? What would we pack in your bags? What treasure would we want to bring home with us?
Here’s a sampling of responses I’ve received from readers:
• I’d bring my latest crochet project, a real paperback, and zero expectations. I pack light so I’d bring the minimum—jeans, tees, sneakers, slouchy sweater, and Chanel No. 5. Memories would be my souvenirs.
• I’d pack a whistle to attract the birds or fish??? I don’t know if a whistle even works for this. Also, I would pack a small garden tool for digging in the sand. I would dig for bird shaped sea glass or bird shaped driftwood. That’s what I’d bring home.
• A lazy afternoon walking the beach with a friend. Breathing in salt air walking slowly across the sand and looking down to discover. I wouldn’t scoop up handfuls of glass worn smooth by the ocean. I’d look for a few special pieces. Someday I want to make a collage of sea glass. I have been saving these gems for decades.
• Wouldn’t it be fun to collect heart shaped stones from every island you travelled? If we find a heart shaped rock it’s better but we try to collect one from where we go and then write on it where we went and when.
• I’d like to go sailing with you. I would pack my camera and a picnic lunch. I’d like to bring back some smoked salmon.
• The first thing I would do is scour the beach for an agate. I would be sad if I had to leave without finding one! … I’d pack both warm and cool clothes, a light windbreaker, a journal and pen, walking shoes and beach shoes, a hat, toothbrush & paste, sunscreen, soap and binoculars. You did ask! After the beach I’d stop by the store for a coffee and food and head for a scenic place for lunch. I’d break out my binoculars looking for shore birds and whales. Then I’d head for the forest and hike around the island. I’d definitely want to book a room somewhere. Maybe the next day we could take a boat out to go whale watching!
• My husband and I would hang out with the folks in the commune. I’d bring my phone so I could capture pics like Aunt Amelia. The greatest treasure I could bring back with me would be an invitation from the locals to return.
The Wren Island series is interactive serialized fiction, which means that real readers, living in the real world, influence the story in real time. Join the fun by subscribing to receive my emails! Then, watch your inbox for behind-the-scenes updates and opportunities to influence what happens next.
On Wren Island, our everyday, real world longings find a safe place to try their wings. And hope that seemed hard to grasp before, transforms into a shape we can hold on to.
I’m glad you found Wren Island, because this island was created for you.
Want to learn more about the Wren Island series? Find answers to frequently asked questions here.
[Photo courtesy of Unsplash.]
