Dreams and Nightmares: An Anthology

by Nicole Cheng

Nicole Cheng has always been a dreamer every night. After they dream, they would recall everything they dreamt of and then turn these dreams and nightmares into a different reality by altering these vivid and vague night imaginations into short stories. Some can be romantic. Some can be horrific. Overall, Cheng sought inspiration from whatever they imagined in their sleep at night.

This collection of short stories is based on Cheng’s real-life dreams and nightmares. Now, they have turned into different realities in miscellaneous creative writing.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2025

About the author

After dropping out of pre-med, Nicole Cheng found their true passion for writing. As an English major, and with a BA degree in English, Cheng went on to reading novels by their favorite authors as well as writing their poetry, short stories, and even novels of their own. The main themes in their books focus on certain societal issues, the Asian-American community, and the LGBTQ community. Cheng is non-binary and they go by They/Them pronouns. Their goal is to express their thoughts about life, personal experiences, and the everyday lives of Asian Americans.

Reviews

[Joseph Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Dreams and Nightmares is an enchanting and deeply personal journey through the world of imagination, fear, and emotion. Each story feels like stepping into a living dream, sometimes comforting, sometimes unsettling, but always beautifully human. What makes this anthology truly special is how it blurs the line between dream and reality, revealing how the subconscious can inspire breathtaking creativity.

They writing is vivid and sincere. You can feel the honesty in every line, as if you’re reading fragments of their soul translated from the language of dreams. Some stories made me reflect, others sent shivers down my spine, and a few left me quietly inspired long after I closed the book.

It’s rare to find an author who can take something as fleeting as a dream and turn it into something so meaningful and memorable. Dreams and Nightmares isn’t just a collection of stories, it’s an intimate glimpse into a creative mind unafraid to explore both beauty and darkness.

They has crafted a work that will linger with readers, reminding us that even in our wildest dreams and darkest nights, there’s art waiting to be born.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to thank Daniel Wisdom for sharing Dreams and Nightmares: An Anthology with our club, because this book is an extraordinary find. Nicole Cheng has a remarkable ability to turn the ephemeral world of dreams into stories that are vivid, emotional, and unforgettable. Each piece transports you into a different reality, sometimes romantic, sometimes haunting, yet always compelling.

What sets this anthology apart is Cheng’s authenticity and creativity. These stories come straight from real dreams and nightmares, but they are crafted with such precision and imagination that you feel every emotion, every twist, and every surprise as if it’s happening to you. Some tales leave you smiling, others make your heart race, but all of them linger in your mind long after you turn the page.

For anyone who loves inventive storytelling that balances wonder, suspense, and human emotion, this anthology is a must-read. Thanks again to Daniel for bringing this gem to our attention; discovering it has been a true pleasure.

[Alexander Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first story, Dreams and Nightmares draws you into a world that is as enchanting as it is thought-provoking. Nicole Cheng has an extraordinary talent for translating the fleeting, surreal nature of dreams into compelling short stories. Some tales make your heart swell, others send a chill down your spine, yet all reflect her unique ability to balance emotion, imagination, and insight. Reading this anthology feels like stepping inside the mind of a master dreamer, and the result is a collection that inspires wonder, reflection, and pure admiration for her craft.

[Martha James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreams and Nightmares demonstrates Nicole Cheng’s extraordinary ability to translate the ephemeral nature of dreams into tangible, unforgettable stories. Every tale reflects her creativity, courage, and deep understanding of human emotion. From moments of tenderness to haunting encounters, each story draws you in, leaving a lasting impression long after the book is closed. Nicole’s work is both imaginative and profoundly engaging, making this anthology a true celebration of storytelling

[Laura Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Dreams and Nightmares: An Anthology thanks to Eleanor Jeffery, and just hearing her talk about it made me want to dive in immediately. The idea that Nicole Cheng turns real dreams tender, strange, even haunting into powerful short stories is so captivating. It feels personal, imaginative, and full of emotion. This is a book that pulls you in with curiosity and leaves you eager to experience every dream that shaped its pages.

[Maltida Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning collection where imagination meets emotion. Nicole Cheng transforms their dreams into vivid, heartfelt stories, some tender, some haunting, all unforgettable. Each page feels like stepping into a world between sleep and reality. A beautifully crafted masterpiece from a true creative visionary.

[Debra Muth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant exploration of the mind’s hidden landscapes. Cheng masterfully turns dreams into deeply human stories, each one rich with emotion, mystery, and meaning. Their writing blurs the line between imagination and reality, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page. A remarkable, thought provoking read.

[Katherina Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading this thoughtful collection, and I’m genuinely impressed. The author takes their real dreams and nightmares and transforms them into vivid, heartfelt stories that feel both intimate and imaginative. Each piece carries its own mood, sometimes romantic, sometimes haunting but always creative and deeply honest. A truly unique journey through the landscapes of the sleeping mind.

[Micheal Dolnard]

Dreams and Nightmares by Nicole Cheng is a breathtaking dive into the worlds they dream and transform into art. Every story feels alive with emotion, identity, and the echoes of their own experiences as a non-binary writer. Discovered by Eleanor, this anthology lingers in your mind long after the last page.

[Lily Measterous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreams and Nightmares by Nicole Cheng is a breathtaking dive into the worlds they dream and transform into art. Every story feels alive with emotion, identity, and the echoes of their own experiences as a non-binary writer. Discovered by Eleanor, this anthology lingers in your mind long after the last page.

[Jacquie Mary-rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant exploration of the mind’s hidden landscapes. Cheng masterfully turns dreams into deeply human stories, each one rich with emotion, mystery, and meaning. Their writing blurs the line between imagination and reality, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page. A remarkable, thought provoking read.

[Tony Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving into the stories feels like stepping into a gallery of dreamscapes. Each one paints a vivid picture: romantic, terrifying, or mysterious. The writing is crisp yet lyrical, pulling me into scenes that feel both surreal and strangely familiar like echoes of dreams I’ve had myself.

[Lucy Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book instantly caught my eye! Nicole Cheng’s ability to turn dreams into vivid short stories feels magical. I can already tell this collection will take me on a journey through imagination, emotion, and creativity. Definitely adding this to my “Want to Read” list!

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Nicole Cheng’s dream-inspired short stories, and I’m still in awe. Each piece left an imprint, some sweet, some chilling, all unforgettable. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after the last page.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read Dreams and Nightmares in our Dive Bar Book Club, and I really enjoyed it. Nicole Cheng’s writing is emotional and easy to connect with. Some pieces hit harder than others, but overall it was a meaningful and memorable read. Glad we picked this one.

[Mary Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This concept fascinates me, dreams and nightmares reshaped into short stories. I’m really curious to see how Nicole Cheng balances romance, horror, and imagination. Definitely adding this to my TBR

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few chapters in, and I love how each story has a different tone, some whimsical, others chilling. The variety keeps me turning the pages

[Juliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this and I admire the creativity behind it. The mix of romance, horror, and surreal elements really reflects how unpredictable dreams can be. Definitely worth reading for short story lovers

[Pavers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just started this collection and I’m already impressed by how vivid and atmospheric the stories feel. You can tell they’re rooted in lived imagination.

[Alex Klint · Rating 5 out of 5]

They's dream-inspired storytelling sounds truly original. I’m intrigued by how they transform dreams and nightmares into meaningful short stories, definitely adding this to my list.

[Joe Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheng’s writing feels vivid and surreal, balancing emotion and imagination beautifully. Each story draws me deeper into their dreamlike world.

[Kimberly Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently reading Nicole Cheng’s dream-inspired collection with a friend, and we’re both captivated by the imagination and depth in every story. Cheng’s ability to turn dreams into meaningful art makes this a fascinating shared read.

[Jacaue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the variety, sweet moments of love, chilling fragments of nightmares, and everything in between. The mix kept me turning pages.