William Paul Young, author of the bestselling novel "The Shack," says he anticipates renewed criticism from some Christian quarters over his upcoming sequel, echoing the backlash the original book received. Young has said he intends to accept any fresh controversy without being deterred, noting that the first novel similarly divided religious readers despite becoming a huge commercial success.

"The Shack," published in 2007, followed a grieving father's encounter with God after the murder of his young daughter, and drew criticism from some evangelical figures who felt its portrayal of the Trinity strayed from traditional Christian doctrine. Young has reflected on that earlier reception as he prepares to release a follow-up work, suggesting he expects similar theological objections but does not plan to let them shape how he writes.