Thom Dresser is the creator of the fantasy “Beggars Rest” series, starting with “The Heart of the Necromancer.” And I had the opportunity to interview him.

Tamara Wilhite: What is your “Beggars Rest” series about?

Thom Dresser: “Beggar’s Rest” is a fantasy setting based in the imaginations of countless gamers and fantasy enthusiasts who have shaped this imaginary world for many years. In many ways it reflects the mundane world we’re trapped in though it was written as pure escapism.

Tamara Wilhite: You have four fantasy books out now. I believe you’re working on the fifth. When does that come out?

Thom Dresser: Book five (Foghaven) will be available soon and the five-book compilation with illustrations by the amazing Chet Minton will be released as soon as I can get it compiled. They’re so much easier to write than to release.

Tamara Wilhite: How many books do you think it will be when completed?

Thom Dresser: Thousands, I hope. The gaming world has existed for over thirty years and has been colored and influenced by many strange and wonderful minds. Musicians and artists have shaped its evolution and continue to do so constantly. Sometimes I’ve lost control so thoroughly that I had to write the tales. My son’s character broke my campaign with time travel and that was what really gave me the motivation to write these tales. I see no end in sight. There will be more.

Tamara Wilhite: And what else have you written?

Thom Dresser: Oh, no. There are some truly horrific tales of modern horror that I released under a similar name but I’d just as soon not have them associated with these. Anyone who is curious will have to find them on their own.

Tamara Wilhite: You’ve come out with multiple fantasy novels in 2020. May I ask what you do for a day job? Or what you decided to do before jumping into writing?

Thom Dresser: What did I do when I was pretending not to be a writer? Well, I’m a former US Marine with a background in international security, and used to be a level 2 gamma radiographer, but have done many things professionally including trimming trees for the power company, restaurant management and, more recently, a musician. The last doesn’t pay many bills but is its own reward.

Tamara Wilhite: Is there anything you’d like to add?

Thom Dresser: Well, these tales are primarily meant to entertain but, like any writing should, might give a different perspective about the issues involved. Fantasy reflects reality and these are no different. The characters evolved from the minds of real people and their responses to various stimuli and situations. Complex issues like doing bad things for the greater good are explored in depth, and the idea of rising from the ashes of failure and despair to rise again reborn is paramount.

Thanks for giving me this opportunity to share. I hope you enjoy these stories.

Tamara Wilhite: Thanks for speaking with me.