This post is spoiler-free for Part 3 and future parts of Wren Island with Wallace Around. However, it may contain spoilers for Parts 1-2. Start here to read without spoilers.
Readers like you influence interactive serialized fiction as it’s being written. When you subscribe to receive my emails, you’ll also receive regular installments of the Wren Island series. Between installments, you’ll be invited to influence the story!
While reading Part 3 of Wren Island with Wallace Around, watch for these places influenced by readers and real life.
Virgil puts his foot down about music on the Wren Island playlist.
The Wren Island playlist includes songs and artists mentioned in the books, as well as music suggested by readers. In Part 3, we learn Virgil listens to the playlist “all day every day” in the grocery market. When a certain character asks Virgil to add a style he’s not a fan of, Virgil will make a thoughtful concession.
“The commune” comes under new ownership and receives a new name.
Until now, Wren Islanders have referred to the large, forested property above Allison Theodore’s as “the commune.” Hillside meadows offer views of the Pacific Ocean. Livestock and produce are grown organically. An aviary exists for rehabilitating injured and sick birds. Members monitor Wren’s hydrophone and ring a large bronze disk, monastery style, when whales can be heard through the listening app. In Part 3, the commune will come under new ownership and be opened to the public as a retreat center.
Readers offered fantastic ideas for renaming the commune! Some readers suggested a play on words related to birds and nests. Other readers suggested nodding to the independence Amelia Theodore is working toward. One reader suggested using the word Paradise in the name because she’d heard people describe the area in that way.
But by far, most readers said they wanted the new name to reflect the peacefulness and serenity Wren Island is known for. Watch for the commune’s new name to be revealed.
The hydrophone, gong, and underwater listening app are (finally) put to use again.
Previously in Wren Island with Wallace Around, Amelia lamented the hydrophone not being closely monitored. In Part 3, we’ll see whales from the shores of Wren Island—and we’ll be alerted to their presence by the gong Wren Islanders have come to know and love.
Readers determine how Wallace responds to tragedy.
After the release of Part 2, readers expressed disappointment about not having more opportunities to get to know Vanessa and her kids. Wallace hadn’t shared nearly enough about his daughter and grandkids—but he, like us, couldn’t know what was coming. Watch for places we learn more about Vanessa, Nathan, and Natalie. Also, watch for places we learn more about Wallace’s daughter Melissa.
Readers also suggested Wallace develop deeper friendships with other men. We’ll see Wallace’s growing friendships with Ralph, Virgil, and a clergyman. We’ll also see Wallace’s response when a young man asks to hang around.
Most of all, readers wanted to know if Wallace was going to be okay. It’s difficult to see people we love experiencing grief, isn’t it? Wallace is going to go through a tough time. But more and more evidence will indicate Wallace is going to be okay. Wren Island is always about hope and second chances.
“Wren Islanders” become official.
While writing Part 3, a friend and I chatted about Wren Island being home to fun peeps like Amelia Theodore, Wallace Bernard, supercouple Allison and Virgil, and so on. My friend and I admitted we sometimes imagine Wren Island is our home too. We’re not just visitors, but locals. We belong on Wren Island.
“There should be a name for people like us,” my friend said. The wheels in her head were definitely turning, and the answer popped up right away. “You know what? We’re Wren Islanders.”
So we Wren Islanders, who have existed all along without knowing our name, now have a clear and concise way of referring to ourselves. Would one of your fun friends enjoy becoming a Wren Islander? Invite them easy-peasy by sharing this link.
Part 3 of Wren Island with Wallace Around will be released on December 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!
