Although Annika is blind, she doesn't need eyes to "see," and she finds joy in the small things. This Easter is no different as she plays with her cousins, helps her family bake, and comforts her little sister.

Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your short story about?
"Annika's Easter" tells the tale of a little girl who enjoys celebrating Easter with her family, and who is able to join in the fun despite having a disability, as she is blind.

2. What genres would you say this story is in?
Most likely Children's Fiction

3. How would you describe this story in two words?
Heart-warming and Simple

4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?

Probably the 1994 version of "Little Women!"

5. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the
most times in your life?)
This is so hard for me to answer. I don't have one favorite, but I do love Electronic Dance Music. I also really love "The Weeknd." One song that has recently been on my playlist is "Cry For Me" by the Weeknd.

6. Do you have an all-time favorite novel?

For a modern novel, I really love "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid!

7. What motivated you to write this story?

I wanted to depict a character with a disability who does normal, fun things and embraces her dis(ability). People who have a disability can lead lives just as happy as anyone else!

8. If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would
that be?

Ooh. Probably Sylvia Plath! Her writing has always spoken to me.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

I love animals, spending time with my dogs, reading, and traveling when possible.

10. What influenced you to enter your story to get performed?
I wanted to put out the story of a young character who was different, but utilized this uniqueness in a special way, demonstrating that all people can have full, productive lives, even with a disability!

11. Any advice or tips you'd like to pass on to other writers?
Write from the heart. Always from the heart, even when it's scary. It will get you the best results.