Luminous and Numerous

“Mighty,” Shan whispered. “That will be your name.”

The were-kitten blinked back at her, orange eyes luminous and numerous. This one had five arrayed across its perfect forehead, the largest in the middle and two to each side. Its nose was a dark amber brown, matching the rest of its fur. No spots, no stripes, one solid hue.

There was a boom behind her, and another. Getting closer. She grabbed the were-kitten and stood up, heart pounding.

“We’ve got to go, little one. This will be quick.”

She nestled the were-kitten in her bag, closed the flaps. No yowl of protest, maybe Mighty knew Shan was taking her somewhere safer. Another couple of booms were followed by a roar, but Shan was already running. Skirting through the alleyway as quiet as possible, avoiding puddles and bags of trash. She danced across cobblestones and jumped over the bodies of rats.

All dead, the live ones were long gone.

The next roar was slightly closer, even through she’d ran six blocks. Not good, the giant was on her trail. The little were-kitten wouldn’t help, smelling profusely of garbage, probably leaking blood from flea bites. If Shan could find a place where those smells would blend in, maybe she could shake the giant.

The next manhole that Shan passed was conveniently already opened, and she squeezed through the slimy opening with resignation. Why did her jaunts to the city always end in a trip through the sewers or the garbage dump?

Welcome to the Catalyst Hijinks in Progress Newsletter (Chip’n).

In January I began querying agents for RED AND WOLF, which is a super exciting milestone for me. Agents are incredibly busy people, sorting through dozens of fantastic story pitches every day while managing their existing clients, and querying is typically a multi-month process. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

My list of Chip 10 Best Books of 2025 is live. As always, if you read something amazing, please send me your recommendations!

Stay tuned for more writing updates as I continue my publishing adventure!

“Process is nothing; erase your tracks. The path is not the work. I hope your tracks have grown over; I hope birds ate the crumbs; I hope you will toss it all and not look back.” - Annie Dillard, The Writing Life

This quote perfectly describes the last few months of revisions. Thank you Carol and Jean for introducing me to Annie Dillard’s writing!

• Reading 📚

  • Books Finished:

    • The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson, epic fantasy

    • Kaua’i Storm by Tori Eldridge, thriller

    • Dead Lions by Mick Herron, spy mystery

    • Real Tigers by Mick Herron, spy mystery

    • Where the Dark Stands Still by A. B. Poranek, epic fantasy

  • Coming up next:

    • Reaper’s Gale by Steven Erikson (#7!!)

    • Spook Street by Mick Herron (#4!!)

• Watching 🎆 Finally watched K-Pop Demon Hunters and Wolfwalkers and loved them both!

• Listening 🎶KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack

Have a fantastic February!

She/Her

Fantasy Writer | Cybersecurity Consultant | Provider of Cat Treats | Blount Scholar

https://mrrdixon.com/