This post is spoiler-free for Part 1 and future parts of Wren Island with Wallace Around.
One reason interactive serialized fiction is so fun is because readers influence the story as I write it. Readers might to do this in several ways. They might send me a quick note letting me know what they like and dislike so far. They might participate in a survey about a developing character. They might vote on an important detail. And, best of all, readers are right there with me in that special place where real life inspires fiction.
While reading Part 1 of Wren Island with Wallace Around, watch for these places where real life inspired fiction.
Readers hear the other side of an important telephone conversation.
Wallace Bernard was first introduced to readers in Wren Island when he was suggested as a stand-in while Ralph Wesson traveled. In that scene, readers heard the first bit of Ralph’s phone conversation with Wallace, as it was overheard by Allison Theodore. In Part 1 of Wren Island with Wallace Around, readers are with Wallace when he receives Ralph’s call—and readers will hear the entire conversation.
Also in Wren Island, Ralph told Allison that “Wren Island with Wallace around will be entirely unremarkable.” I invited readers to participate in a treasure hunt to find that phrase, with prizes being Wren Island souvenirs. It was a ton of fun! Most readers said they had a feeling that Wren Island with Wallace around would be anything but unremarkable.
Want to listen to that scene from Wren Island? It’s episode 075 on Read with Laura Joy.
Readers’ questions about Wallace influence how the story begins.
While writing Part 1, I shared with readers what I knew so far about Wallace. He’s seventy years old and is an expert at disentangling himself from sketchy business ventures, debatable legalities, and oppressive relationships. He’s been avoiding a certain woman for fifty years.
Also, according to Ralph, Wallace has the skills to manage a marine freight business and supervise island-wide road improvements. Wallace won’t want to know he’s being paid by a woman, and Wallace probably can’t leave the country. Plus, Ralph believes “Wren Island with Wallace around will be entirely unremarkable.”
So I asked readers, what questions do you have about Wallace?
Lots of readers wondered about Wallace’s background. Where had he gained his construction skills? Did he have boating experience? Did he serve in the military? What was Wallace doing before he got Ralph’s phone call?
Other readers were interested in Wallace’s personality. One reader suggested he might like to play practical jokes. (The word “rascal” often came up.) Another reader said she pictured Wallace wearing a hat. One reader not-so-subtly hinted she hoped Wallace was a “grumpy teddy bear” because she loves reading stories about them.
But far and away, the question most often asked by readers was, who is the woman Wallace has been avoiding for fifty years? Is she one of Allison’s aunts? If so, which aunt?
Many of these questions are answered in Part 1. Some are intentionally not answered. (Wallace seems to want to keep a few secrets.) And yes, we’ll learn the identity of the woman Wallace has been avoiding for fifty years.
Readers determine Wallace’s choice of donuts.
While writing Part 1, I invited readers to vote on the donuts Wallace would choose for himself and a friend.
The options were:
- Apple Fritter
- Boston Cream
- Chocolate Frosted
- Coconut
- Maple Bar with Bacon
- Old-Fashioned Cake
- Powdered Sugar
- Strawberry Jelly
The donuts with the most votes appear in Part 1.
Fans of the romance between Allison and Virgil learn crucial information.
Well, maybe not crucial, but helpful information. While I was writing Wren Island, readers monitoring the developing romance between Allison and Virgil asked questions. Specifically, they wanted more physical description of Virgil. He’s mentioned as having long, dark hair. Is his hair straight? Wavy? Graying at all? Is he tall? Short? What color are his eyes?
I don’t usually devote much page space to physical descriptions of characters. Instead, I hint at how characters look and let readers imagine the rest. Your vision of Allison, Virgil, or any of our Wren friends might be entirely different from anyone else’s—and I think that’s really fun!
But enough readers asked for more about Virgil for me to give in. In Part 1, we’ll hear a description of Virgil from Wallace’s point of view. Is it similar at all to how you picture Virgil?
A Wren Island music playlist is created.
Music has been a theme throughout The Wren Island Series. In the first book, Wren Island, main character Allison Theodore struggled to write an important song. In Part 1 of Wren Island with Wallace Around, Wallace Bernard (and a friend) will strum on a guitar. So it was a ton of fun to create an official Wren Island playlist! On it, you’ll find songs and artists mentioned in the series, as well as music I listen to while writing.
Listen to the Wren Island playlist on Spotify.
Part 1 of Wren Island with Wallace Around will be released on June 20, 2024.
Want to learn more about the series? Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
With interactive serialized fiction, readers directly influence the story in real time. It’s easy and fun to catch up. When you subscribe to receive my emails, you’ll receive a link to the parts that have already been released. Then, watch your inbox for behind-the-scenes updates and opportunities to influence what happens next!
