It's been real. It's been fun. And you know what? It's been real fun. I've had a blast these last three days, and I want to thank each and every one of you who have been part of the blog tour. If I haven't caught your post, please do let me know by emailing me or leaving a comment below; I'll add your post to the chorus.

What's been interesting is the wide variety of responses to the book, and I find that very encouraging. It means that, at least on some level, the book is open to interpretation and discussion. I love that one person thinks it's a thriller, and that another thinks it's more of a fantasy. I love that one person thinks it's maybe a bit too harsh, and another thinks it wasn't as harsh as expected. All those opinions, after all, are correct. That's the wonderful thing about opinions.

Okay, on to some blog posts. In part three of our interview, Chris Well and I talk about the things I wish non-writers--and, more importantly, other writers--would keep in mind. It's something I certainly try to remind myself of each day.

Val admits she hasn't read WAKING LAZARUS yet. Gasp! Perish the thought! How could someone have a copy of this book in their house and not read it? Well, I suppose in the grand scheme of things, Val thus far joins about 6 billion other people in the "Haven't read WAKING LAZARUS yet" category. Do let me know when you leave that sizable group, Val.

Kevin Lucia, whom I've enjoyed corresponding with quite a bit recently--he and I share very similar reading tastes--has posted a thorough review of the book at his "Bookshelf Reviews" blog. (The review has also appeared, in print form, in The Baptist Voice.) Thanks, Kevin. I particularly appreciate Kevin's comments on one of the more subtle aspects of the story: Jude's reaction to his unique gift.

Jezreel posts some kind comments about the book, and says she thinks the book might go on to win an award or two. Well, I guess I'm just hoping Jezreel is prophetic.

At A Disciple's Steps, Kelly has a nice line that really describes the central "hook" of the story: As children begin disappearing in Red Lodge and surrounding towns, Jude Allman finds himself on the brink of self-discovery that can crack the case wide open. Bravo, Kelly.

In many ways, Chris Mikesell at So Much Stuff I Can't Recall is a kindred spirit. And by "kindred spirit," I mean "uber-sarcastic and unhealthily fascinated by zombie stories." So, I suppose it's no surprise that his questions for our interview were decidedly off-center. Not that Chris can't be serious; he offers his comments on the book. Um, at least I HOPE his comments about the book were serious.

At A Christian Worldview of Fiction, Becky concludes her three-part series with her own thoughts on the book--and I love what she has to say about the story, because I think her reading of the book is pretty close to my own. The book's a thriller, naturally--has to be classified and shelved somewhere in the store, after all--but I think Becky really does a nice job of nailing what the book is about.

In his last post for the book, Jason treats the novel very kindly--especially in light of the fact that some of it hits very close to home for him personally. As an interesting side note, I'll point out that of the four people who have felt (by my estimation) the novel is maybe a bit TOO dark for their tastes, three of them have been men. Are men more sensitive than we really give them credit for? Maybe so, maybe so.

Today, Sean Slagle posts his interview with me, and gives me the opportunity to give some props to people who have influenced and inspired me--some of them writers, some of them teachers, some of them mentors.

In the last part of our interview, Kathleen Popa and I talk about a little-known fact about Near Death Expriences (NDEs) and, perhaps most importantly, my favorite soda.

At The Well-Dressed Branch, Jim Thompson calls my online marketing tactics sadistic. Who, me? You want to find a sadist, look up "Dentists" in your phone directory.

Florinda of On Considering Inconveniences puts the book on her "Highly Recommended" list. Thanks so much, Florinda. Your check is in the mail.

Shanna of Sorta Awe-tistic has a very interesting post relating her own childhood Stephen King experience, which is an opposite bizarro-world version of my own. (Um, maybe it would be better to say my story is an opposite bizarro-world version of Shanna's, since I ended up liking SK.) On top of that, Shanna offers what I consider an insightful analysis of the book; in particular, I loved this observation: Jude's biggest problem is that, having built a proven track record of returning from the dead, he doesn't much want to live anymore, either. His second biggest problem is one too many men share with him: what to do with Dad; what to do with being a dad.

And Deeanne Gist, featured author for our second blog tour last year, was kind enough to write a plug for WAKING LAZARUS on her blog. She also gives a tip of the hat to our mutual editor Dave Long: The fella who acquired Bride and all my subsequent novels also acquired Tony. And I have to say, he done good! Thanks to Dee for the endorsement (it's nice to hear people whose writing you admire praise your own), and thanks to Dave for making it happen. As Dee said, you done good.

Once again, thanks to all of you who have been part of this journey by reading this blog, corresponding with me via email, signing up at the Other Side, adding your name to my mailing list, participating in this blog tour, and more. I do sincerely appreciate your efforts.

Tomorrow is the official "release date" for the book, and it feels like we've come full circle. It is, after all, almost exactly one year since this journey started. But in so many more ways, it's just the first step of the next journey.

And, oh yeah, there's that second book I'm working on. Fresh angst aplenty.