"The Shack" was one of those surprise books that came out of nowhere -- a self-published religious novel about a missing girl who is found years after her disappearance, and a man's personal visit from God.
Written with "the imagination of a writer and the passion of a theologian," as one reviewer said, it has sold millions of copies in 30 languages.
Canadian author William Paul Young's second novel, "Cross Roads," has just been published by FaithWords. Young, who now lives in Oregon, will be in the Twin Cities on Monday for a reading and signing. Here, he talks about how writing is a lot like being pregnant, and how he could really use a writing room.
Q You've had an unusual life -- growing up in New Guinea, facing many personal hardships [sexual abuse, an extramarital affair] that ultimately led to a break with your church. And yet "The Shack" is a very religious book. How does your faith inform your life and work?
A I think that faith and the content of what we believe informs everything about the way we live. That content spills over and out of the ordinary and customary of our lives.
I would not want you to confuse my resistance to institutional religion with a lack of love for the Church. I adore the Church -- people of community who are stumbling heavenward together. You'll find me right in the middle of that motley mix.
Q You're one of the few who have found success through self-publishing. What would you tell other writers who hope to crack the bestseller list on their own?
A I actually don't have much advice. I had no such hope and it still is not a force in my life. For writers, write. Write for those you care about. Write to get the inner world out. When you share your work, listen closely to those who don't know you. Write to create and open space, not to reduce it. As best you can, write without expectations. When we can learn to live without expectations, everything is a gift.
