While I was writing Far From Unremarkable: A Wren Island Novel, I enjoyed inviting readers to influence the story—in real time as I wrote (a writing style I call interactive serialized fiction).
Similar to how they influenced Interesting Enough, readers asked to see unexpected friendships develop on the page. Relationships between people learning to truly care about each other—despite differences and occasional blunders. And of course, readers asked for whales to be part of the story. Wren Island becomes extra special every time our beloved orcas visit!
On the micro level, readers influenced many of the details in Far From Unremarkable.
Just as they did while I was writing Interesting Enough, readers determined specific names in the story. When Ralph Wesson’s 73-foot LCM-8 (a landing craft mechanized) needed a name, one reader suggested Lucy Jo after a cantankerous aunt (the matching sentiments turn up in chapter 15).
When the Wren Island property previously known simply as “the commune” needed a name, readers sent so many lovely suggestions, I found it difficult to choose just one. (Perhaps the other suggestions will find a home on future Wren Island properties?) You can practically hear the pride in Amelia Theodore’s voice when she first reveals the commune’s new name.
After finding garbage on the beach, Amelia wondered how she might repurpose the small, colorful, irregular bits of plastic in a craft project. Readers sent a boatload of creative ideas! Lighted Christmas ornaments, twinkly garland, wind chimes, stained glass facsimiles. But so many readers suggested Amelia might make a mosaic—one reader vacationing in Minnesota even sent me photos of a mosaic she discovered in a coffee shop ladies’ room—it seemed the obvious fan-favorite choice.
And who would have guessed readers hold such strong opinions about donut flavors? The results of a survey determined which donuts are mentioned in chapter 3.
Just as they did in Interesting Enough, Allison Theodore’s particularities continue to intrigue detail-oriented readers. The style of Allison’s engagement ring is thanks to devoted readers insisting on a perfectly suited ring. The organizational efforts Allison pours into Virgil Tagaloa’s grocery market—and Virgil’s placid tolerance of her efforts—are thanks to savvy readers knowing what Allison would tweak (everything in and around the cash register, the money drawer itself, seasonal impulse items) and how the ever-steadfast Virgil would respond. Then there’s Virgil’s swoon-worthy marriage proposal to Allison. (Mentioning the proposal isn’t a spoiler, is it? For sure you saw it coming!) Elements of Virgil’s big ask unfold in ways readers have been talking about since before the lovebirds officially became a couple.
Readers also affected major, plot-level angles of the story.
After releasing an early draft of the first few chapters, I asked readers what questions they had about 70-year-old Wallace Bernard. Here is a sampling of their thoughts (and my responses).
- Wallace seems to be a bit of a rascal. Does he have a favorite practical joke to play on people? (Response: new scenes where sketchy cigars are passed around.)
- Who is the woman he’s been avoiding for decades, and why? How has his avoidance of her shaped his life? What misconceptions must he work through? (Response: increased tension between Wallace and Amelia.)
- Honestly, grumpy teddy bears are one of my favorite character types. Curious if that’s how he’ll end up! (Response: see if Wallace wants to be a more grumpy teddy bear.)
After releasing a draft of a few more chapters, I asked readers what they’d like added to the story. What did they feel was missing from the story so far? Here’s a sampling of their answers.
- I’d like to know more about Allison and Virgil.
- One more poignant moment between Allison and Virgil. Maybe where they express a specific appreciation about each other, to each other. (I’m feeling mushy today, LOL.)
- I’d love a scene where everything is all good and calm now.
- I would like to meet Wallace’s daughters and hope they come to Wren Island!
Ah. That last comment, about bringing Wallace’s daughters to Wren, proved to foreshadow one of the most heartbreaking events in the story.
As it does everywhere else in this big wide world, tragedy sometimes hits Wren Island. While reading Far From Unremarkable, you might get to a certain point (no spoilers here!) and say to yourself, 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 did happen. It shocked me, too. I was certain the story was going in a particular direction. Then, suddenly, it wasn’t.
Writing fiction is a lot like reading fiction, because the author doesn’t always know what will happen next. Characters do and say things we didn’t see coming!
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. In Far From Unremarkable, more than one character finds the courage to start over. Not the first time it’s happened on Wren Island. And I promise you it won’t be the last.
Okie-dokie, let’s shift gears. Some of the funniest moments in this story—like Beano as a prerequisite, tainted cigars in a roulette, inquisitive goats on a boat ride—were inspired by readers.
And what about Amelia’s peculiar relationship with Ed Piper? Out of the blue, Ed seemed to ask Amelia out on a date. When the situation first played out on the page, I was as confused as Amelia. Was Ed seriously asking Amelia for a date? Was it possible we were misinterpreting Ed’s question? Right on the heels of those questions, another rose to the surface: If Ed were to court Amelia, how might Wallace respond?
So I asked readers, of course. In resounding agreement, readers said that if Ed were to pursue Amelia romantically, no way would Wallace be a-okay with it. And that is why parts of chapters 64-66 (and beyond! Perhaps even into the next Wren Island novel?) play out in entertaining ways.
And what about the disconcerting dilemma of Virgil’s ex-wife threatening to drop into the story? I knew I was playing with fire by even hinting at the possibility in early drafts. But whoa, I did not realize how strongly some readers would react against the idea. I love that readers feel protective of Allison, Virgil, Virgil’s son Jax, and other Wren Islanders. I love that readers want Wren to be a safe place.
But what do I love most? Even the readers most opposed to the idea were open to Virgil’s ex-wife’s return if it might bring about healing—forgiveness, closure, amends—for her, Jax, or Virgil. I’ve said it before, I’m sure I’ll say it again. Wren Islanders (people like you who subscribe to receive my emails) are extraordinarily amazing.
So, does Virgil’s ex-wife appear in Far From Unremarkable? No spoilers here!
One more note about how readers influenced Far From Unremarkable. Writing a story about grieving characters wasn’t my plan. But like the stories that make up our lives, fictional stories sometimes take unexpected turns. The beauty of writing interactive serialized fiction is that the process allows a story to develop in directions readers want. Imagine my surprise when readers of early drafts of this story indicated they wanted to see more grief on the page. Wanted to linger in the darker moments. To go deeper, get more raw.
It’s not easy writing a story like that. But I think I’m a stronger person for having risen to the challenge. I hope you too feel stronger after reading Far From Unremarkable. Maybe, like Amelia, you’ve been grieving privately. That is so okay! If, like Amelia, you wonder at some point whether grief shared might feel different, perhaps less wearying than grief endured alone, I hope you’ll reach out to a friend, trusted neighbor, or clergy person. If reading this story has been a balm, my heart celebrates with yours.
And who knows what might happen next?
Remember the mysterious visitor Wallace and Amelia encountered in chapter 75? That character will be the star of the next Wren Island story. As I write this note, I don’t know any more than you do about the character. Who are they? Why did they come to Wren? How might Wren change with their presence? Wren Islanders everywhere will help shape the next story as I write it.
You too are invited to become a Wren Islander! Subscribe today to receive email updates and your free copy of A Wren Island Companion, packed with interesting tidbits, behind-the-scenes peeks, and recipes. Then watch your inbox for opportunities to influence what happens next. Created with you in mind, Wren Island becomes even more marvelous when you’re here.