The Sword & Pen

The Bystander

A story by J. Aaron Courts

Jan 21 • J. Aaron Courts

6

1

Five Foot Something and A Half: The Conclusion—Poetry, Most Evocative, & Honorable Mentions

A final look at what I read in 2025 and a few books you'll be glad to read in 2026 in three flash essays.

Jan 14 • J. Aaron Courts

2

2

Five Foot Something and A Half: A Continuation—Non-Fic, Translation, & Craft

A different look at what I read in 2025 and a few books you'll be glad to read in 2026 in three flash essays.

Jan 3 • J. Aaron Courts

3

1

December 2025

Five Foot Something and A Half—Fiction

A look at what I read in 2025 and a few books you'll be glad to read in 2026 in three flash essays. First up, Fiction, Historical Fiction, and Horror.

Dec 25, 2025 • J. Aaron Courts

7

5

1

October 2025

Need a lift?

A story by J. Aaron Courts

Oct 27, 2025 • J. Aaron Courts

12

3

5

Coyote Moon

A story by J. Aaron Courts

Oct 20, 2025 • J. Aaron Courts

11

11

3

September 2025

For Dog’s Sake

An essay by J. Aaron Courts

Sep 28, 2025 • J. Aaron Courts

11

5

4

May 2025

Pass in Review

An essay by J. Aaron Courts

May 14, 2025 • J. Aaron Courts

11

6

2

March 2025

Coffee With Friends

A conversation on craft between McCrae, Call, Jauss, McMurtry, and me

Mar 26, 2025 • J. Aaron Courts

5

1

2

White Lines in Rose City

A story by J. Aaron Courts

Mar 25, 2025 • J. Aaron Courts

10

4

2

February 2025

When Ashes Remain

A story by J. Aaron Courts

Feb 24, 2025 • J. Aaron Courts

7

4

3

January 2025

Good Bits are Always Better

a story by J. Aaron Courts

Jan 21, 2025 • J. Aaron Courts

3

2

1