People always like to talk about themes when it comes to books, and I do have to say I wanted to explore themes that were important to me. So when people ask, "What are you trying to say in your books?" my answer is: "I can tell you what it means to me." The truth is, the book might mean something different to you. And something different still to Jane down the street. I firmly believe a book means whatever the reader takes out of it, and that it's not necessarily what the writer thinks.

So, when you read, it, write and tell me what it means to you. Until then, however, here's what it meant to me.

On a thematic level, I think Waking Lazarus is about destiny, and the resulting responsibility--or burden--of doing what we're called to do. That's part of why the novel is named Waking Lazarus, a Biblically-inspired title from the book of John: "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him." Jude is like Lazarus on a couple of levels. First, and most obvious, he's been miraculously returned to life three separate times. Second, I picture him slumbering in secret, waiting to be awakened by his true calling.