Book 1 Fan Experience

My idea for a fan experience for The Shack is obvious when you think about it. Build the shack. Using input from the author, the book’s cover, and descriptions from the book, the shack would be recreated as accurately as possible,

including Mack’s car in the road and Missy’s coffin in Jesus’ workshop. none of the characters would be present, because that might influence how people view the characters. The whole purpose of this shack is so people can sign up online for a weekend at the shack. They would come and have a free weekend, able to go and do whatever they wanted, whether it be hiking, swimming, canoeing, or just being in community. In community with each other and with God. It would be a weekend of relaxation and worship, for anyone who wants to come and be a part of it.

This idea comes from the fact that the entire book takes place in the shack. Mack takes time away from his life to be with God; the real life shack offers the same thing. we cannot promise that God will show up in the flesh, but we know He will be there, and people can spend time with Him and each other. People will love their time there, just as Mack did. He said himself, when recalling the events, “And every facet of that glorious weekend.” Recreating certain objects and places from the book will help people feel like they are actually there and immerse them further in the experience. Missy’s coffin, with its “Details of Missy’s life carved into the wood.” The garden, “So gorgeous and in such a secluded spot.” The landscape was filled with the “Richness of roses and orchids and other exotic fragrances found in more tropical climates.” All of these things will add up to an experience all visitors will never forget. An experience where the world’s problems will melt away, and the only thing on visitor’s minds is God and his grace. In short, a perfect weekend for everyone. People who already know God will be refreshed and renewed during the relaxing weekend, and people who don’t will be introduced to Him, and hopefully come to love Him.

Simply put, this will work. Very well. People who like the book will love to have an experience like this one. And people who haven’t read it can come and get a taste of what it would be like to read it. The author could even be present for one or most of the days, talking with people about his life and writing the book.

The people who like this book are the kind of people who would enjoy spending time worshiping God and being in community. I personally would be ready and willing for a weekend in a place like that, and I would sure want to bring some friends along to be with me, which is what most people will probably do as well. Advertisements would be placed on websites and magazines that feature popular vacation spots, so people who don’t know the book or don’t know God can come and experience as well, and hopefully their eyes would be opened to The Truth.