Picture a Kentucky-born storyteller who forged magic swords and battled dragons in the heart of modern Seattle—meet J.A. Pitts! This urban fantasy maestro, born in 1965, captivated readers with his Sarah Beauhall series, starting with Black Blade Blues in 2010. With a knack for blending Norse mythology with everyday grit, Pitts crafted stories that felt both epic and relatable, earning a devoted following until his passing in 2019.
The Making of J.A. Pitts
John A. Pitts grew up in rural Kentucky, where his grandmother sparked his love for storytelling by reading him tales from Edgar Rice Burroughs and Robert E. Howard. Surrounded by strong women, including his mother who raised three boys alone after his father’s death, Pitts developed a deep appreciation for resilient characters. He earned a BA in English and a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Kentucky, later working in tech while honing his craft at the Oregon Coast Writers Workshops.
J.A. Pitts’s Unforgettable Stories
Pitts burst onto the urban fantasy scene with Black Blade Blues (2010), introducing Sarah Beauhall, a blacksmith and props manager who discovers her sword, Gram, is tied to Norse mythology and dragon-slaying destiny. The novel’s gritty Pacific Northwest setting and Sarah’s journey as a lesbian navigating self-doubt set it apart, earning praise for avoiding genre clichés. Sequels like Honeyed Words (2011) and Forged in Fire (2012) deepened Sarah’s battles against shape-shifting dragons and her own insecurities, while Night Terrors (2016) explored darker magical realms. Pitts’s style mixed vivid battle scenes, heartfelt relationships, and a playful nod to medieval re-enactments, reflecting his own interests.
His short fiction, collected in Bravado’s House of Blues (2013), showcased his versatility, appearing in magazines like Talebones and anthologies like Swordplay. Pitts’s stories often celebrated underdogs—especially women—who faced mythical threats with courage and wit, a nod to the strong figures in his life.
Why J.A. Pitts Matters
J.A. Pitts brought a fresh voice to urban fantasy, weaving Norse lore into modern life with authenticity and heart. His portrayal of Sarah Beauhall as a complex, queer heroine resonated with readers seeking diverse representation, earning Honeyed Words a Gaylactic Spectrum Award. Though his career was cut short, Pitts’s worlds continue to inspire, reminding us that even blacksmiths can slay dragons. His legacy lives on through fans who cherish his blend of myth, humor, and humanity.
- Born: February 13, 1965, in Kentucky
- Key Works: Black Blade Blues, Honeyed Words, Forged in Fire, Night Terrors
- Award: Gaylactic Spectrum Award for Honeyed Words
Snag Black Blade Blues and dive into J.A. Pitts’s thrilling urban fantasy today!