Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your novel about?

My updated version of Shakespeare's classic has the "cool" factor; it is 2023 and Tony, the Merch King of the Kappa House, will do anything for his favourite Frat Bro Baz, even if it means a sketchy business loan with someone he loathes, the brilliant, scholarship student, Shai. The much needed funds will finance Baz's elaborate journey to Belmont, Italy, where he will attempt a Casket Challenge, a bizarre game designed by Sorority Sister Pia's late father to ensure his control, beyond the grave, over his wealthy and attractive daughter. Pia, who is an exchange student at the university, finds herself back in Belmont after her Father's passing and becomes a pawn in his strange Game, which will dictate her entire future. Equally strange are the specifics of the business loan between Tony and Shai. Inspired by Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, this troubling narrative, set in present day on an American university campus and off the coast of Italy, takes the reader on a wild ride and conveys that things aren't always as simple as they appear on the surface and that hate is a divisive and toxic force that threatens to destroy us all. The overarching concept of the book is to convey that human beings are flawed and that we all need to be and do better, irrespective of race, religion and social class.

2. What genres would you say this story is in?

YA

Shakespeare Adaptation

3. How would you describe this story in two words?

Shakespeare Reimagined

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

The Shawshank Redemption

5. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

Probably "Hotel California" by the Eagles

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

Too many to count, but I'm pretty obsessed with The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

7. What motivated you to write this story?

Sadly, antisemitism has been on the rise and an update of the Bard's controversial text about a Jewish moneylender, set up in opposition to his community, seems long overdue. As an experienced High School English Teacher, I have always felt like the students need more Young Adult book options, rich in depth, but not too long or difficult, to get them hooked on reading. Every time I teach The Merchant of Venice to grade 9 students, I am struck by its modern and relatable vibe; the friend groups and social hierarchies, the nuanced romances, the morally ambiguous characters, the divisive nature of hate, the objectification of women, and of course, the prejudice, exclusion and bullying, really resonate with young people.

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

That's an easy one. William Shakespeare.

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

I love teaching English Literature to High School Students and I love travelling with my family.

10. What influenced you to enter your story to get performed?

Audio book readings are a great way to bring literature to life and to take the words off the page.

This recording is only a sample of the full novella, but I figured why not have the opening chapters performed?

11. Any advice or tips you'd like to pass on to other writers?

Write when inspiration strikes. Don't worry if the writing is "good enough". Just put the words on the page and see what happens. Take risks.