Performed by Val Cole

Get to know the writer:

1. What is your short story about?

'The Nightmare' is a story told entirely through questions. It asks the
audience about their experiences with bad dreams whilst painting a visceral
image of someone consumed by sleep deprivation and night terrors.

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

The genre is hard to pinpoint - it's sort of a surreal, gothic approach to
a true human experience.

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

Challenging, Nightmarish :)

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

Lord of the Rings, more specifically Fellowship of the Ring! It's my
absolute favourite.

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

This changes all the time, but I'm currently loving the classic 'How to
Save a Life' by The Fray.

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

Anything by Lynette Noni I will devour in a day!

7. What motivated you to write this story?

I started writing this for a university assessment, so I wanted a unique
approach. The more I experimented, the further I fell into this intriguing
narration style. I began with this idea of darkness, of terror, of night;
and kept going. And thus 'The Nightmare' emerged.

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

This question is harder than it should be! I think (other than Jesus, of
course) it would be cool to meet Tchaikovsky or Vivaldi and talk music.

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

Reading and writing pretty much sums up my personality, but I also love
music. I play a few instruments, particularly the violin which I've played
since I was 6 years old.

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

I think this piece is powerful. While I've had other works published
through different mediums, it was a privilege to experience the potency of
these words when performed audibly.

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

Write, write, write — don't stop writing! Practice makes perfect. Read and
write 24/7, immerse yourself in your craft, let experience mold your
progress.