Educator Dr. James Spruill (aka Doc Spoon)
This week’s Writer Wednesday features Dr. James Spruill, an educator and writer who writes under the pseudonym Doc Spoon. The Detroit resident is currently working on a novel about the intersection of historical violence against Black soldiers and veterans.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
My favorite part of the writing process is the exploration. I am constantly excited and amazed by having a general idea about an issue or scenario and going off in a different direction and ending up in a completely unexpected destination once I actually start writing.
What does your writing workspace look like?
It changes depending on my mood. I am a morning writer so I have written using my cellphone while sitting in the parking lot before the start of church (pre-pandemic). When wanting the energy of people, my favorite spot is the food court at the mall with my laptop. My favorite spot is on Belle Isle where I sit in my car and watch the water flowing by with the occasional freighter or stand up kayakers and use my phone to capture my thoughts.
How has your experience as an educator shaped and informed your writing?
I have to write various communications almost daily to parents, students, staff, board members and community stakeholders. I have to take special care to make sure that I consider and answer any potential questions. This practice has helped me make sure to avoid leaving any plot holes or inconsistencies.
What is your favorite non-writing hobby?
I am a sports fanatic. It doesn’t matter whether it’s basketball, football, hockey, soccer baseball. It doesn’t matter whether it’s PAL, high school, college, pro etc… I will watch it for hours on end.
What is your favorite piece of writing advice?
The best piece of writing advice I have ever received was to finish it. It sounds simple but it takes an incredible amount of discipline, perseverance and dedication to take ideas from your mind and put them on paper.
What writing projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a novel about the intersection of historical violence against African American soldiers and veterans based upon the idea that Blackfolks have been nothing but mercenaries for America. Understanding that a mercenary is a paid soldier for a country and not a citizen. Therefore, mercenaries fight on behalf of a country but do not have any of the rights, protections or liberties of a citizen. Black people have served willingly and fought in every war of this country yet we have never enjoyed the rights, privileges and freedoms of full citizenship after the cessation of whatever war.