May 22, 2007
The Shack - update - Background #1
I am hoping to use some blog space to let you know about items of interest regarding The Shack - updates as stuff happens, news and info…just stuff.
First, to give you some background: I started writing some of the conversations while I was riding the MAX (our local train type transit) from Gresham, Oregon (USA) to downtown Portland (where I was working at the time). It was 40 minutes each way, every work day, and it was read, sleep or write. This was March and April 2005, two years ago. By the end of April, I had a number of those rather ugly yellow pads full of bits of conversations, disorganized and rather unruly. They were conversations that I was having with God about whatever. Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night in the middle of a conversation and grab a notepad to try and remember. More than not, contrary to the brilliance I had expected, what I had written would make no sense whatsoever in the morning’s light. But occasionally some coherent thoughts and concepts actually emerged from these nocturnal meanderings.
the purpose of all this, in addition to occupying some time on the MAX, was to try and write something for my children (six of them)…something that Kim (my wife) would occasionally bring up as a good thing to do. As she put it, "The way you think about things is a little odd and unusual and I think it would wonderful for the kids to have some of that in writing." I think she had been mentioning the idea for about ten years. In hind sight, I was not ready before 2005 to write this…thing…what turned out to be The Shack.
I had never intended to actually write a book and the idea of publishing the results didn’t even occur to me during the process. Besides business type writing, the only things I had ever written were poems, songs, some annual family newsletters and teaching materials that I used as a speaker. It was all for friends and family, usually for gifts or special occasions. But a book…hardly.
I never thought of myself as a writer, only as someone who enjoyed writing…but I enjoy a lot of things. I suppose since there is actually a book out there now with my name on it…I suppose I am an ‘author’ by default, but the very idea sounds weird, probably to those who know me as much as it does me. In my opinion, I think such labels are a little ‘diminishing’, like the snapshot of someone’s big toe…"Look, I have a snapshot of Willie’s big toe…Look, isn’t he wonderful!" Now, don’t misunderstand…I really do like my big toes - I think they are both a little above average…I have seen a few big toes in my time and I am sure that mine are ‘cooler’ than most. Without them my knees would probably bang into each other when I walked, so I am rather appreciative of their existence.
But the point is that I am much more than my big toes, and every person is much more than the labels that are often assigned as a form of short hand to ‘capture’ and ‘cage’ them. Even honoring labels - ask any ‘Reverend’. But it is rather inevitable as I think about it…being labeled that is. Perhaps what is important is what ‘I’ think about the label..what power I give it, regardless if it is honoring or derogatory. So, if people think I am a ‘writer’ or a ‘big toe’…I will know that I am much more than that, much other and perhaps in a conversation or even just a word, or touch or smile, they will realize that too.
Hmmm…so this is blogging. You start in one place and pretty soon you are walking off somewhere with your knees knocking together. Kind of fun. Kinda goofy.
To be continued…
‘Willie’
17 Comments on The Shack - update - Background #1 »
November 23, 2007
Jeanne Eyman @ 12:22 pm:
I just finished my first reading of The Shack! First reading because as I was going through this book,(bought it at the Cody’s Coffee in Canby, OR) I realized that I was putting markers in it at places where I wanted to talk with someone else about it! I told my husband last night that I want him to read it so we can talk about it, BUT I want my own copy so that I can re-read it at the same time (another trip to the Christian bookstore, and another coffee!). I have already called my sister in Pendleton,OR and said, “I don’t care want you need to finish for your Thanksgiving preparations, you stop right now and go our and find this book! You will love it! But I warned her, it would be a hard read through the second chapter, and then the whole issue of “forgiveness” will be hard for her because of deep hurts in her life. Thank you for being persistant and writing this book. I am sorry that I missed the book signing at Canby, I was at the Women of Faith in Portland.
Jeanne
January 31, 2008
abb @ 12:08 am:
JUST FINISHED THE BOOK .I FEEL LIKE I VE BEEN GIVEN A WONDERFUL GIFT THAT WILL BE PART OF ME FOREVER. THANK YOU FOR WRITING IT.
ABB
February 20, 2008
Ron Durham @ 4:54 pm:
As I understand, this is the Heart of God.
I read with many tears.
Thank you
Ron
March 28, 2008
Crissy @ 2:37 pm:
I bought this book on Weds. night, finished it on Thurs. and went back to the book store on Fri. to buy 2 more copies for a friend and my brother. I can’t tell you how much this book has meant to me! I will never look at the Trinity, God’s love, or gardens the same way again.
This story was full of a hope and love that I could truly feel. I cried my eyes out because of my own faults and the realization of God loving me through my sins has never been more clear, which made me cry more! I laughed at the witty banter that Papa, Jesus and Sarayu had with Mack as I have always thought that God has a great sense of humor. 
Willie, this is my favorite book and I am so glad that you have listened to Papa’s calling for you, one of them atleast! I am so happy that I have found this book and can’t wait to share it with others!!!
Your sister in Christ,
Crissy
June 4, 2008
Leslie @ 8:39 am:
I just finished youe book after a friend of mine gave it to me a couple of months ago. It took me a while to understand all the different representations of Papa, but once I let my mind to as to why, I stopped reading with my mind and started reading with my heart. I will always remember that, as long as Yeshua is with me, I will never be lost.
Now, I just got to figure out who to give this book to…
In the Palm of His hand,
Leslie
June 8, 2008
Jady @ 7:48 am:
I bought this book to read on vacation and couldn’t wait until my trip b/c once I peeked at the first few pages I couldn’t put it down. Within a few chapters I knew this book had made the top of my “favorites” list. I know this will only be my first read of many with this book. I want to reread and highlight and journal all the amazing messages I received from this gift of a story. I couldn’t help but share with anyone around me when I read something that touched me from the book. I am recommending this book to everyone I know………….in fact, I know I will be buying this book as gifts over and over. This story touched me in ways words can’t explain. At times I felt as if it was saying things I have been feeling regarding religion/spirituality and just confirmed to me that I am on the right path for myself!! Thank you, Willie, for writing this book and sharing it with the world. It had an amazing impact on me - which I plan on sharing with any one who will listen!!! Jady
Barbara @ 2:24 pm:
Willie I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing The Shack. I have been a Christian for many years but not with total clarity of the Trinity. You have allowed me to feel God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in my life as part of every breath I take.
God bless you and thank you again.
I am now going to go and buy 6 more copies, 1 for each of my children and for a couple of friends.
Barbara
June 16, 2008
Cheryl @ 11:14 am:
Wow! Just finished the best book I’ve ever read. I found myself propelled through each chapter wanting to know more of who God was. I found it most amazing the relationship built between Papa, Sarayu and Jesus and how they mirror one another yet are different. I truly felt in my heart the healing of forgiveness when Mack gave into God. I’ve been hurt by religious folks (who hasn’t?) and have found myself second guessing my own actions. I want to return to the carefree days of just loving Jesus and being who He wants me to be, not what others think I should be. How freeing indeed! Thank you Mr. Young for following your heart which was evidently connected to God. I too will buy many copies to share. I don’t know anyone that won’t benefit by reading this. God bless you as you continue to walk with God.
July 16, 2008
Algaude @ 2:47 pm:
Tonight I’ve heard an interview with Paul Young on the BBC radio and about his book, how he self-published it and has already sold over a million. I thought ‘that sounds like Noah, that must be God…’ and then I went to Google to do the search. So, here we are! Hello! I see now that your first name is more ‘Willie’ than Paul, so you are not to be confused with that famous singer who appears too much in the Google. Now I need to buy The Shack, read it and and maybe, Papa-Daddy-God willing, translate it into Lithuanian, as I’m a translator…
August 1, 2008
Christine @ 11:15 am:
I’ve just finished it. For the first time. This book is so full of big meaty morsels that I cannot possibly digest it in one reading. True or not true - it is truly inspired! Thank you, thank you, thank you - I am especially fond of you, dear writer!
August 20, 2008
Peggy @ 11:37 am:
I just finished The Shack. I feel like everything I have known about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit has gone from black and white to Technicolor! Thank you for writing this book.
August 22, 2008
Jeff @ 12:20 pm:
I just came back from a business trip. I usually pick up some book to read on my flights. This time it happened to be “The Shack”. Phenomenal! I’ve already started reading it a second time and will be buying additional copies to share with family, friends, and my pastor. To echo Christine’s comments -I am especially fond of you! Thank you.
August 24, 2008
Barbara @ 12:55 pm:
I’m still absorbing the experience of this book. FYI, the quote,”Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal” was written by Thomas Moore, 1816. The hymn “Come Ye Disconsolate, Where’er Ye Languish” has the line in verse one. I’m opening the book for a second read right now. So much to take in. Thank you!
August 26, 2008
Linda @ 6:28 am:
This has become my favorite book. I bought extra copies to lend to people to encourage them to read it. I have been telling people about the website as well. I really enjoyed reading about and learning how these special people relate to one another and to Mack. I now want to make my relationship with them stronger. Thank you.
Leroy Sundquist @ 11:53 am:
Yesterday I had lunch with a dear friend who is presently going through a horrible divorce through absolutely no fault of his own.
During lunch I mentioned THE SHACK and how I felt that I had “my shack” experience 20 years ago and just now he was having his “shack” experience. Immediately after lunch I went home, grabbed a copy, and took it back to him. I genuinely believe that the concept of forgiveness in this book will assist him greatly. Genuine forgiveness is probably a stumbling block for the majority of people. This book is certainly the most succinct confrontation with total forgiveness that I know of.
I am truly grateful for this book! May any negative critic of this book look a bit deeper into themselves about just why they may be objecting.
August 31, 2008
Joan @ 8:16 pm:
I finished reading The Shack today. I’m just another person who picked up the book to read on vacation. (I’m surprised that no one recommended it to me. The cover caught my eye at Sam’s Club, and when I read the back cover, it quickly found its way into my basket.) As I read the book, each day of vacation found me growing spiritually. Now I want everyone I know to read The Shack and experience the opportunity to love and forgive and see things from a new perspective. I thought I understood what it meant to put God first in my life, but now I realize that I’m hanging on to worldly goals that interfere with my relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I’ve already asked my husband to start reading the book. We will benefit from discussing the book together. Also, I will read it again, and I will buy as many copies as possible to share with others. Thanks so much for allowing God to use you to reach out to millions of people. God bless you and your family.
September 3, 2008
Suzanne @ 11:51 am:
I absolutely cannot say enough about this book. It is truly the best book I have ever read. I have had the shack moments in the last few years of my life and have not been able to move on past some of them. I really feel like this book is helping to guide me in the right direction. The fact that this book is fiction is amazing to me. You have done such a wonderful job. I have already given it to my sister to read and she has finished it and given it to her mother-in-law to read. It is quickly spreading throughout our family where I think we can all benefit from reading it. Thanks so much for writing and publishing this.