Viktor was born and raised on Bainbridge Island. He first began writing ghost stories in the library at Blakely Elementary School with his best friend during recess, until their teachers, suspecting the children would benefit from a little vitamin D, forced them outside to play. Needless to say, the kids kept up their storytelling in the shadow of a cedar tree.
In 2026, Viktor graduated summa cum laude from Central Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in English. That same year, he received the College of Fine Arts and Humanities Achievement in Writing Award, an honor awarded annually to a single student. Two of his poems, written in the Spanish tradition of duende, were also nominated for the AWP 2026 Emerging Writer Awards.
Viktor found early success editing and publishing translated books, but has now shifted his focus to poetry and prose full time. His work wanders through speculative fiction, hardboiled crime, horror, satire and LGBTQIA+ genres, but he’s not afraid of writing an occasional spicy romance.
He is currently pursuing his MFA while raising his children like 90s kids (free-range/low tech). When not writing, he can often be found wandering the many beautiful trails on the Island.
Viktor also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Housing Resources Bainbridge, where he advocates for affordable housing and stronger communities.
Connect with Viktor: viktorcaeneus@gmail.com
