One of the most exciting highlights this June has been the publication of my short story Home, which was recently honored as a finalist in the international Jane Austen Writing Contest. Home is a heartfelt imagining of what might follow Austen’s Northanger Abbey, reimagined through the eyes of Molly Hutchinson, a modern-day descendant of Catherine Morland. Molly’s journey from London to Bath, her encounter with the enigmatic Duke, and the looming presence of the Northanger estate all explore themes that I hold dear—lineage, longing, love, and the places that hold our histories. I’m so proud of this story and grateful for the readers who’ve already shared what it’s meant to them. If you’ve ever felt the pull of the past or the ache for belonging, Home is for you.
Also new this month is the completion of my latest short play, No-Sky July. Set on a quiet, graffitied lot in Venice, California—where the legendary beatnik Gas House café once stood—this piece is especially personal. My own parents met at the beach as teenagers, not far from where the story unfolds. Like the characters Eleanor and Felix, I’ve always been captivated by the mythical and wild allure of Venice and the poetic weight of places that carry personal and cultural memory. No-Sky July is my love letter to that lineage, to those lost mornings, and to the unexpected connections that can shape our lives.
I also carved out time this month for two unforgettable film experiences: Final Destination: Bloodlines and the clever, emotionally resonant Jane Austen Wrecked My Life. The former was a reminder of how genre storytelling can still surprise and thrill, while the latter spoke directly to my literary heart. Both left me inspired to keep pushing boundaries in my own screenwriting and storytelling.
If you're a writer—or someone who wants to be—mark your calendars! Workshops with Wren officially launches June 21 with a free virtual introductory session. These interactive sessions are built to support, inspire, and sharpen your creative voice, no matter where you are on your writing journey. With over two decades in the storytelling trenches, I can’t wait to share the insights, encouragement, and practical tools that have helped me write more than 70 stage plays, 21 novels, and eight screenplays. Come write with me—I’d love to see what you create.
I’m thrilled to officially announce that my short play Homecomings is being adapted into a short film, which I’ll be directing this September in my hometown of Sacramento. The film explores the emotional terrain of a laundromat reunion between two former high school rivals, played by the exceptional Hester Wagner and Desirae Velasquez. I wrote Homecomings as an exploration of forgiveness, faded glories, and the fragile hope of rediscovery. Seeing it come to life on screen—especially in a city that shaped me—is a creative homecoming in itself.
This month also brought new acting opportunities—both on screen and behind the mic. I’ve had the joy of working on several new voice acting projects (more on those soon!) and stepping into a few intriguing on-screen roles. Whether it’s stage, script, or studio, I remain endlessly grateful for the chance to tell stories in so many different ways.
As the days grow longer and warmer, I’m reminding myself (and maybe you too) of the importance of rest. I’ll be carving out some sacred space to recharge, reflect, and spend time with the people I love most. Creativity flourishes in stillness just as much as in hustle—and after a month like this one, a little stillness sounds just right.
Thank you for continuing to follow this journey—your messages, your support, your kindness mean more than I can ever express. Here's to a beautiful summer, filled with stories waiting to be told.
Warmly,
Wren
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