Victor S Dale
@victorsdale.bsky.social
Indie author and habitual neurotic. I write speculative ficiton, chiefly fantasy and horror, sci-fi might be on the horizon. My serial novel, Thereafter, is available on https://buttondown.email/VictorSDale
Pinned
Victor S Dale
@victorsdale.bsky.social
· Nov 24
Thereafter
Where do you put “Saved the world as a tween” on your resume? The year he turned 13, Michael Sørstrand saved the world of the Molefolk from the tyranny of the Lightlord and his armies. It’s been mostl...
buttondown.com
5 good reasons to read Thereafter
1: It's about the wonder of childhood and the weight of adulthood
2: It's set in a vivid jigsaw puzzle city
3: Messy mspecs save the world
4: Post-apocalyptic Fantasy Reconstruction
5: It's FREE
buttondown.com/VictorSDale
1: It's about the wonder of childhood and the weight of adulthood
2: It's set in a vivid jigsaw puzzle city
3: Messy mspecs save the world
4: Post-apocalyptic Fantasy Reconstruction
5: It's FREE
buttondown.com/VictorSDale
#WritersCoffeeClub Apr 12: How would you write a story with a cast of one? Could you?
I think it wouldn't be too easy, but I could see myself doing some Proust shit, preferably with a character trapped in a fantastical and threatening situation. It'd all be a metaphor for depression, of course.
I think it wouldn't be too easy, but I could see myself doing some Proust shit, preferably with a character trapped in a fantastical and threatening situation. It'd all be a metaphor for depression, of course.
#WritersCoffeeClub Apr 12: How would you write a story with a cast of one? Could you?
I don't know. I love dialogue and banter, though. I guess my character would develop a split personality and start talking to themselves 😂
I don't know. I love dialogue and banter, though. I guess my character would develop a split personality and start talking to themselves 😂
April 12, 2025 at 1:10 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub Apr 12: How would you write a story with a cast of one? Could you?
I think it wouldn't be too easy, but I could see myself doing some Proust shit, preferably with a character trapped in a fantastical and threatening situation. It'd all be a metaphor for depression, of course.
I think it wouldn't be too easy, but I could see myself doing some Proust shit, preferably with a character trapped in a fantastical and threatening situation. It'd all be a metaphor for depression, of course.
#WritersCoffeeClub 4/7: World Health Day! What’s your take on the “suffer for art” argument?
There is something compelling about good art coming from suffering, but in my eyes that's mostly Just World Fallacy. Suffering can inform great art like any aspect of humanity can, but it's not a must imo.
There is something compelling about good art coming from suffering, but in my eyes that's mostly Just World Fallacy. Suffering can inform great art like any aspect of humanity can, but it's not a must imo.
April 7, 2025 at 2:34 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 4/7: World Health Day! What’s your take on the “suffer for art” argument?
There is something compelling about good art coming from suffering, but in my eyes that's mostly Just World Fallacy. Suffering can inform great art like any aspect of humanity can, but it's not a must imo.
There is something compelling about good art coming from suffering, but in my eyes that's mostly Just World Fallacy. Suffering can inform great art like any aspect of humanity can, but it's not a must imo.
I'm now well into Season 3 of my Lost retrospective watch and I gotta say the shine is starting to wear off. The endless main cast threeway never having the decency to just end or resolve into an amicable polycule, overcomplicated plans, the fog of ambiguity, and, of course, time loops.
April 6, 2025 at 8:36 PM
I'm now well into Season 3 of my Lost retrospective watch and I gotta say the shine is starting to wear off. The endless main cast threeway never having the decency to just end or resolve into an amicable polycule, overcomplicated plans, the fog of ambiguity, and, of course, time loops.
Reposted by Victor S Dale
man on the corner
April 1, 2025 at 1:11 PM
man on the corner
It's #Thereafter day, and today that means discovering that you've messed up the subject line just as the mail goes out. At least it'll be right in the archive, I suppose.
buttondown.com/VictorSDale/...
buttondown.com/VictorSDale/...
Thereafter Chapter 23: The Heist Part III (Black Blood in Fake Moonlight)
The heist comes to a bloody conclusion.
buttondown.com
April 1, 2025 at 9:11 PM
It's #Thereafter day, and today that means discovering that you've messed up the subject line just as the mail goes out. At least it'll be right in the archive, I suppose.
buttondown.com/VictorSDale/...
buttondown.com/VictorSDale/...
#WritersCoffeeClub 3/31. Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility! What trans author has inspired you the most?
My favorite is Hailey Piper, the queen of neolovecraftian horror, but there also is no denying the deep groove that the Wachowski sisters have dug in my storytelling psyche.
My favorite is Hailey Piper, the queen of neolovecraftian horror, but there also is no denying the deep groove that the Wachowski sisters have dug in my storytelling psyche.
#WritersCoffeeClub Mar 31. Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility! What trans author has inspired you the most?
I must admit I don't know. I don't pay that much attention to the author.
And plus, I don't care much whether a person is trans or whatever as long as I like their story.
1/2
I must admit I don't know. I don't pay that much attention to the author.
And plus, I don't care much whether a person is trans or whatever as long as I like their story.
1/2
March 31, 2025 at 9:46 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 3/31. Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility! What trans author has inspired you the most?
My favorite is Hailey Piper, the queen of neolovecraftian horror, but there also is no denying the deep groove that the Wachowski sisters have dug in my storytelling psyche.
My favorite is Hailey Piper, the queen of neolovecraftian horror, but there also is no denying the deep groove that the Wachowski sisters have dug in my storytelling psyche.
If you can't find the book you want to read the solution is simple, but not easy. ✨Write it yourself✨
Apparently, once again, some men are complaining that there are too many "female-centric" fantasy books and how ever can they manage to identify with stories not written specifically for them? They cannot find MANLY BOOKS BY MEN.
What sad, pathetic, little-minded fools. Cry me a fucking river.
What sad, pathetic, little-minded fools. Cry me a fucking river.
March 30, 2025 at 4:09 PM
If you can't find the book you want to read the solution is simple, but not easy. ✨Write it yourself✨
Reposted by Victor S Dale
Reposted by Victor S Dale
Still eagerly awaiting news of Arkasha Stevenson’s next project. After The First Omen she should be booked and busy with offers.
March 29, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Still eagerly awaiting news of Arkasha Stevenson’s next project. After The First Omen she should be booked and busy with offers.
#WritersCoffeeClub March 30: Do you label your works as LGBTQIA+?
I'm queer and I write queer books. They usually aren't ABOUT being queer (maybe except my horror novel) but there's clear and present queerness in them... or should I say queer and present?
I'm queer and I write queer books. They usually aren't ABOUT being queer (maybe except my horror novel) but there's clear and present queerness in them... or should I say queer and present?
March 30, 2025 at 3:43 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub March 30: Do you label your works as LGBTQIA+?
I'm queer and I write queer books. They usually aren't ABOUT being queer (maybe except my horror novel) but there's clear and present queerness in them... or should I say queer and present?
I'm queer and I write queer books. They usually aren't ABOUT being queer (maybe except my horror novel) but there's clear and present queerness in them... or should I say queer and present?
Co-Signed
An author who's just amused that option's there. Who would possibly be interested in watching me scriven?
An author who's just amused that option's there. Who would possibly be interested in watching me scriven?
Dear Discord:
I do not, in fact, want to go live with Scrivener.
Best,
An author who cannot search through a manuscript because there's a Clippy-style popup from an entirely different app in the way
I do not, in fact, want to go live with Scrivener.
Best,
An author who cannot search through a manuscript because there's a Clippy-style popup from an entirely different app in the way
March 30, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Co-Signed
An author who's just amused that option's there. Who would possibly be interested in watching me scriven?
An author who's just amused that option's there. Who would possibly be interested in watching me scriven?
Finishing up a new chapter, so it's time for some #Thereafter spoilers without context
a pair of white circles with holes in the middle on a black background .
Alt: A pair of round eyes in darkness. The eyes look around and blink.
media.tenor.com
March 29, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Finishing up a new chapter, so it's time for some #Thereafter spoilers without context
Reposted by Victor S Dale
I don’t know how to fall asleep. It’s something I’ve managed to do almost every night of my life, but I always forget what I did that worked so well the night before.
March 14, 2025 at 8:05 AM
I don’t know how to fall asleep. It’s something I’ve managed to do almost every night of my life, but I always forget what I did that worked so well the night before.
Reposted by Victor S Dale
"the author's barely-disguised longing for a better world" is not a joke to me
it's literally the reason i do this 😭
it's literally the reason i do this 😭
March 9, 2025 at 5:31 PM
"the author's barely-disguised longing for a better world" is not a joke to me
it's literally the reason i do this 😭
it's literally the reason i do this 😭
#WritersCoffeeClub 10 March. How do you handle the physical strain of writing?
At least decent ergonomics, and one of those smart watches that nags me to get up and shake the rust outta my bones once in a while. I also stay vigilant against nascent migraines and try not to push myself too much.
At least decent ergonomics, and one of those smart watches that nags me to get up and shake the rust outta my bones once in a while. I also stay vigilant against nascent migraines and try not to push myself too much.
March 10, 2025 at 1:56 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 10 March. How do you handle the physical strain of writing?
At least decent ergonomics, and one of those smart watches that nags me to get up and shake the rust outta my bones once in a while. I also stay vigilant against nascent migraines and try not to push myself too much.
At least decent ergonomics, and one of those smart watches that nags me to get up and shake the rust outta my bones once in a while. I also stay vigilant against nascent migraines and try not to push myself too much.
#WritersCoffeeClub March 9 - Does caffeine intake influence your writing?
It can get me going, and I generally like writing the most at about 1.5 cups of coffee. It's not a requirement or anything, but I do enjoy a cup of Go Faster Juice while I write.
It can get me going, and I generally like writing the most at about 1.5 cups of coffee. It's not a requirement or anything, but I do enjoy a cup of Go Faster Juice while I write.
March 9, 2025 at 11:11 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub March 9 - Does caffeine intake influence your writing?
It can get me going, and I generally like writing the most at about 1.5 cups of coffee. It's not a requirement or anything, but I do enjoy a cup of Go Faster Juice while I write.
It can get me going, and I generally like writing the most at about 1.5 cups of coffee. It's not a requirement or anything, but I do enjoy a cup of Go Faster Juice while I write.
Join us in the ever-expanding fractal labyrinth of writing! Do it! Join ussssssss!
March 9, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Join us in the ever-expanding fractal labyrinth of writing! Do it! Join ussssssss!
Reposted by Victor S Dale
great news buckaroos NOT POUNDED BY STRESS BECAUSE I TOOK SOME TIME FOR MYSELF WHICH IS PERFECTLY REASONABLE AND YOUR JOB SHOULD HECK OFF IF THEY GIVE YOU A HARD TIME ABOUT IT is out now as audiobook. get it here www.audible.com/pd/B0DYPM787...
March 5, 2025 at 5:45 PM
great news buckaroos NOT POUNDED BY STRESS BECAUSE I TOOK SOME TIME FOR MYSELF WHICH IS PERFECTLY REASONABLE AND YOUR JOB SHOULD HECK OFF IF THEY GIVE YOU A HARD TIME ABOUT IT is out now as audiobook. get it here www.audible.com/pd/B0DYPM787...
#WritersCoffeeClub 5 March: What writing-related tools or resources have you found the most effective?
I find myself using dictionary.com and wikipedia a lot, as well as the OneLook Thesaurus which is great for those moments when you know there is a word but can't remember it for the life of you.
I find myself using dictionary.com and wikipedia a lot, as well as the OneLook Thesaurus which is great for those moments when you know there is a word but can't remember it for the life of you.
March 5, 2025 at 2:32 PM
#WritersCoffeeClub 5 March: What writing-related tools or resources have you found the most effective?
I find myself using dictionary.com and wikipedia a lot, as well as the OneLook Thesaurus which is great for those moments when you know there is a word but can't remember it for the life of you.
I find myself using dictionary.com and wikipedia a lot, as well as the OneLook Thesaurus which is great for those moments when you know there is a word but can't remember it for the life of you.
#WritersCoffeeClub 4 Feb: Do your projects start with a sense of new life or new beginnings?
There is a brief period of creative frenzy when I lock in a project, but it's a bit hard to get precise about it since starting a new project is more of a gradient from "I might write that" to "WRITING IT"
There is a brief period of creative frenzy when I lock in a project, but it's a bit hard to get precise about it since starting a new project is more of a gradient from "I might write that" to "WRITING IT"
#WritersCoffeeClub 4 Feb: Do your projects start with a sense of new life or new beginnings?
No, not really.
I'm always writing and thinking about stories so it's not really a beginning. Each new idea comes at me with the draw of angst and horny times, rather than thinking of new life.
No, not really.
I'm always writing and thinking about stories so it's not really a beginning. Each new idea comes at me with the draw of angst and horny times, rather than thinking of new life.
March 4, 2025 at 10:56 AM
#WritersCoffeeClub 4 Feb: Do your projects start with a sense of new life or new beginnings?
There is a brief period of creative frenzy when I lock in a project, but it's a bit hard to get precise about it since starting a new project is more of a gradient from "I might write that" to "WRITING IT"
There is a brief period of creative frenzy when I lock in a project, but it's a bit hard to get precise about it since starting a new project is more of a gradient from "I might write that" to "WRITING IT"
Seasonal depression is such a bad joke of a condition. The weather and length of the days is changing like it does every year, and this makes the brain really really sad for some reason.
March 1, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Seasonal depression is such a bad joke of a condition. The weather and length of the days is changing like it does every year, and this makes the brain really really sad for some reason.
It's the first of the month, which means it's a Thereafter Day. In this chapter, a three-chapter heist begins, new alliances are forged, and Michael does something scary.
buttondown.com/VictorSDale/...
buttondown.com/VictorSDale/...
Thereafter Chapter 21: The Heist Part I (Night Moves)
The Exalted call on a shady contact to gain an inside source on Nih-Ka. Michael goes in as a vanguard on a dangerous mission.
buttondown.com
March 1, 2025 at 2:15 PM
It's the first of the month, which means it's a Thereafter Day. In this chapter, a three-chapter heist begins, new alliances are forged, and Michael does something scary.
buttondown.com/VictorSDale/...
buttondown.com/VictorSDale/...
Thereafter arose from me thinking a lot about portal fantasy stuff and what a bittersweet thing it is to grow up. The Clockwork Boy and His Impossible Brushstrokes came from me realizing I couldn't find sufficiently bisexual genre fiction in the genres I liked to read.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1 Feb: How did your WIP’s premise take shape?
I have, for a long time, desired to write about a character who really hated androids discovering he was an android. For that seemed to me the choicest angst.
It started a little over 20 years ago with a dream in which that happened>
I have, for a long time, desired to write about a character who really hated androids discovering he was an android. For that seemed to me the choicest angst.
It started a little over 20 years ago with a dream in which that happened>
March 1, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Thereafter arose from me thinking a lot about portal fantasy stuff and what a bittersweet thing it is to grow up. The Clockwork Boy and His Impossible Brushstrokes came from me realizing I couldn't find sufficiently bisexual genre fiction in the genres I liked to read.