What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dirge of the Dead?
Dirge of the Dead was written as the pandemic lingered on. Many people felt alone and isolated, myself included. I wanted to harness those feelings and use them to help shape Xlina’s evolution as a character. After being separated from her supports and with former allies turning into adversaries, Xlina must find the strength to overcome the odds on her own.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Dirge of the Dead, what would they be?
For Xlina, the Baku warrior that consumes nightmares, “Higher” by Creed and for Oxivius Soulforge “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Greenday.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I love to read both Fantasy and Urban Fantasy. I write both, but my only published works at the moment are in the Urban Fantasy genre.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I recently picked up Melissa Snark’s Captain Hook and the Pirates of Neverland series that I am looking forward to.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene in Dirge of the Dead is the spawning chamber. When the characters realize how a demon is made. I is a powerful moment and the scene is filled with so many layers. It also contains my daughter’s favorite moment from the book: “tell them I said… It was the right thing to do.”
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I like to listen to instrumental music when I write. Especially when writing Oxivius I listen to dark gothic instrumental pieces.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Quote to live by, I have to go to my all-time favorite author. “Every day is a chance to start over. Any day can be bad, surely, but any day can be good, can be great, and that promise, that potential, is a beautiful thing indeed.” R. A. Salvatore
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
None of us are ever truly alone, so long as we carry the friends we have made along the way in our hearts.
Reed Logan Westgate is the author of the new book Dirge of the Dead
Connect with Reed Logan Westgate
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