Wonky Edges

Chapter 38 of "We Stand in the Middle" is LIVE!

“The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it you may come back again saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven,
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.” - from “Lost” by David Wagoner

We are closing in on the final chapters of We Stand in the Middle. It’s the story of Madison Clark, a young photojournalist who inherits 500+ acres in the Appalachian mountains after her friend and mentor dies of AIDS. Steeped in the history and culture of the Aniyvwiya (Cherokee) people, the story follows Madison’s odyssey as she discovers that she’s inherited much more than a piece of prime real estate. Not only must she deal with legal challenges to her mentor’s will, but must contend with strange and inexplicable events that occur when she visits the land. There she is confronted with the real legacy of her inheritance - one that pits two views of and approaches to living on the planet against one another - and must decide if she is willing or able to accept the challenge.

If you’ve been reading along from the start, then you know that this story tackles tough questions that humanity has been grappling with for a long long time, including many of our current issues. If not, I hope you will consider joining those of us who have fallen under the spell of the land and its people. Here is what readers have been saying:

• “You are a Magical writer, Jena! You should think about publishing this in hardback.” - E. Jean Carroll

• “The messages that are within this narrative are universal and perfect for the times we find ourselves in today. I can't wait until the next installment.” - Kimberly

• “Beautiful evocation of a deep experience done with a light touch. Love the walnut people. Can't wait for the next installment!” - Lynne Berrett, Ageless Mind Project

• “I've been sitting for ten minutes staring at this empty box, trying to find the perfect words, which are not coming to me because of emotions. The bear dream completely captivated me. I felt present in the secene emotionally, even physically.” - Aleks

• “Jena, I'm so hooked. This chapter was wonderful, as they all are, but I loved the poem so much. It brought me to tears. It is perfect. I'll probably start over when I finish. I don't want to leave this world.” - Tizz

• “So intense and fascinating🌹 I am hooked!” - Gypsiechick

• “Enjoying the serial and look forward to every installment.” - Wendie

• “Jena I love, love this chapter. It’s absolutely vivid!! That is excellent visual work. I could see it all!! Just lovely !!” - Flo

• “Lovely story. Good writing. Wonderful imagining.” - Ann

• “Suspense! Good story, Jen!” Diane

To read the latest installment, click on Wahui below:

As a reminder, the first half of each chapter is available to read for FREE and free subscribers can also access and read all 38 chapters for a week without charge.

P.S. If you have the means, please consider a paid subscription to Whales in My Backyard (the stack publishing the novel) or a one time donation through “Buy Me a Coffee” (see link below). The funds will be used to help me finish the book. If finances are tight, please share with friends and family. Your help would mean the world to me.

Jena

Copyright 2025 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.

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