I occasionally get questions about my use of the famous sci-fi catchphrase, "The sleeper must awaken," and how it applies to my book series—or if it is unoriginal to borrow another author's phrase.

Growing up in the 1980's, I like to think most well-tempered Gen Xers were naturally drawn to science fiction. Frank Herbert’s Dune is a sweeping epic following Paul Atreides, a gifted young noble navigating political intrigue, betrayal, and destiny on the desert planet Arrakis—the universe's only source of the priceless resource known as "spice." As rival factions vie for control, Paul must embrace his mysterious powers to protect his family and his people. 

David Lynch's 1984 film adaptation was far more prophetic than I think the director fully grasped at the time. Much of the narrative centers on a hero coming to terms with his destiny. Early in the film, while the family is still on their water-rich home planet of Caladan, Duke Leto Atreides shares a quiet, profound moment with his son, delivering the line: “Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken.” Later, after embracing his destiny on Arrakis, Paul echoes this call to action with his triumphant cry: "Father! The sleeper has awakened!"

In Book 1 of my series, The Great Awakening, I kick things off with a whimsical tale of growing up at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. I recount the night I was completely smitten by a beautiful, blonde-haired girl with hazel eyes, comparing her enchanting presence to the mystique and power of a Bene Gesserit.

These subtle clues in my writing serve as "Easter Eggs," honoring the real-life influences that inspired me as a creator. The cinematic call to action, "The sleeper must awaken," is just as potent today as it was in 1984, when I first watched it on the big screen in our single-screen movie theater on the town square in Camdenton, Missouri. I use it in the hope that it strikes a familiar chord with our generation—a calling that awakens memories of the dark forces, fierce power struggles, and epic battles young Paul faced on Arrakis.