This post is spoiler-free for Part 2 and future parts of Wren Island with Wallace Around. However, it may contain spoilers for Part 1. Start here to read without spoilers.
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. Best of all, readers are right there with me in those special moments when real life inspires the story.
While reading Part 2 of Wren Island with Wallace Around, watch for these places where real life inspired the story.
Readers determine what there’s more of in the story.
While writing Part 2, I asked readers for ideas for additional scenes. What would they like to add to the story? What would they like to see happen next?
Readers suggested Amelia could take on more creative projects. Or Hack (an infamous character from Wren Island) could return. More homeless animals could be adopted. Shasta could do something really wonky. Wallace’s daughters could join him on Wren Island.
Watch for some of these additional scenes and plot lines to begin to develop.
Readers contribute craft ideas for Amelia.
When Amelia picked up garbage on the beach and decided to use the small, colorful, irregular bits of plastic in a craft project, I invited readers to send me their ideas. Readers had tons of great ideas! For example:
- I could see Amelia starting an abstract mosaic representing her Wren Island family. Completing it would take finding just the right bits of plastic over time, and keeping it a secret while she’s working on it would be a challenge. Who could she enlist to help her? Maybe someone from the commune?
- She could cut the pieces up into confetti and stuff them in clear ornaments with little twinkle lights and make a string of colorful twinkle lights. Or she could glue the pieces onto a form (a bird/dog/starfish, etc.) to create a sculpture.
- She could make a stained glass window facsimile, if she had several colors of plastic.
- Wind chimes (depending on the thickness of the plastics).
- She’ll be creating mosaic art pieces of sea life and beach scenes.
Watch for ideas from readers to influence Amelia’s decision.
Readers give Ralph’s boat a name.
A couple of years ago, while writing Wren Island, I invited readers to submit ideas for naming Allison’s bright yellow cruiser. A boat name often reflects the owner’s personality. Or nods to the home port. Short and memorable, it might even be a pun. Readers submitted excellent ideas for Allison’s cruiser, and one name felt perfectly right. Hear more about it on Episode 39 of Read with Laura Joy.
In Part 2 of Wren Island with Wallace Around, Ralph’s boat needed a name. Piloted by Wallace, the 73-foot LCM-8 was in military use before being sold commercially. It can be crewed by one—if that person knows what they’re doing.
Readers sent me clever, humorous, and unexpected names. I had a hard time choosing! Watch for Ralph’s boat’s name to be revealed.
Allison’s Buzzy Brownies make an appearance.
In Wren Island, Allison discovered a new way of making brownies while Amelia learned to record videos on her new cell phone. In Part 2 of Wren Island with Wallace Around, Allison’s “buzzy brownies” make another appearance.
Another musical artist is added to the Wren Island playlist.
When Wallace listens to a recording of Roger Whittaker singing “New World in the Morning,” his own poignant thoughts and emotions are mirrored in the lyrics. Songs by Roger Whittaker are now included on the Wren Island playlist!
The hydrophone, gong, and underwater listening app are mentioned, but (still) not put to use.
Readers tell me they love a lot about the Wren Island series. The unexpected friendships among characters. The memorable setting. And the whales. But so far in Wren Island with Wallace Around, we haven’t seen any whales. I’m not even sure if newcomer Wallace knows about the hydrophone, gong, and underwater listening app.
In Part 2, Amelia will discover that the hydrophone isn’t being monitored as closely as it should be. But when will we actually see whales?
Reclamation Island characters (and previously stolen goods?) reappear.
In Part 2, we’re with Wallace when he visits Reclamation Island, and readers who’ve been around for previous interactive serialized fiction projects might recognize a character or two.
Very astute readers might even pick up on a tiny detail linking Reclamation to Wren, when Wallace comes across a previously stolen item, but doesn’t recognize it. (Yet!)
Readers are warned to prepare for tragedy.
As it does everywhere else in this big wide world, tragedy sometimes happens on Wren Island.
Before releasing Part 2, I sent a note to readers letting them know this part of Wallace’s story includes a tragedy. An event that might lead readers to say, Please tell me that didn’t just happen. Please tell me this is going to end up being a bad dream.
I am sorry to tell you that it does happen. It has happened. It shocked me, too. I thought the story was going one way. Then, suddenly, it wasn’t.
But Wren Island is all about hope. About people pulling together, loving each other, moving forward even when it’s hard. Even when it’s really hard.
This isn’t the first time someone will find the courage to start over on Wren Island. And I promise you it won’t be the last.
Part 2 of Wren Island with Wallace Around will be released on September 21, 2024.
Want to learn more about the Wren Island 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!
