About Author

Blue Spruell

Blue Spruell
BIOGRAPHY

Award-winning author Blue Spruell lived and worked in Japan for several years before returning to Atlanta. A trial lawyer and certified mediator, in his "spare" time, he teaches Japanese martial arts. His debut novel, Tarō, an historical fantasy adventure is an an Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, IAN Outstanding Action Adventure Book of the Year 2021, 1st Place Fiction CIPA Book Award 2021. Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner 2021. www.Taro.fan

Blue Spruell's Books

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Book
TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan
(1) $2.99 kindleeBook, Paperback, Audio,
TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japanby Blue SpruellPublish: Dec 15, 2020Fantasy

Blue Spruell's Awards and Achievements

    Blue Spruell has earned excellence awards over time. Here is the glimpse of the accolades clinched by the author.

  • 1st Place Fantasy Fiction, Colorado Independent Publishers Association
    2021

    TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan

    award
  • 2021 Grand Prize Winner, Dante Rossetti Young Adult Fiction
    2021

    TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan

    award
  • 2nd Place, Best Fantasy Book / Honorable Mention, Best New Fiction Author
    2021

    TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan

    award
  • B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree
    2021

    TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan

    award
  • Bronze Medal, Best Cover Design, Wishing Shelf Book Awards
    2021

    TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan

    award
  • Gold Medal, IANOutstanding Action Adventure Book of the Year
    2021

    TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan

    award
  • Gold Medal, Readers' Favorite Book Award
    2021

    TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan

    award
  • Silver Medal Book Cover Design
    2021

    TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan

    award

Blue Spruell Interview On 30, Jun 2021

"Blue Spruell lived and worked in Japan for several years before settling in Atlanta. A trial lawyer and certified mediator, he runs The Outlaw Firm, specializing in family law and civil litigation. In his “spare” time he teaches Japanese martial arts at Peachtree Aikikai."
Which is your most cherished memory while being raised in Atlanta, Georgia?

I was fortunate to meet a lifelong friend at age 5 and my fondest memory of growing up in Atlanta was the endless hours spent on make-believe and gaming with my best friend.

Of all the day jobs you've had, besides writing, which one was the most memorable?

Well, it’s a close call because my current day job as a trial lawyer presents memorable moments daily but I’ll have to give the deciding vote to my years teaching in Japan, which truly changed the course of my life in so many ways.

What is the best age to write your first book?

Any age is best so long as you get it written!

How long did you train in order to get your black belt?

It depends on the art. I earned my first black belt in Kyudo (Japanese archery) after about 3 years. I have black belts in Aikido and Iaido as well but these days I feel as if I’m still earning those black belts.

How has been your experience of being a certified mediator?

I truly believe in mediation for many reasons, not least the importance of parties reaching their own decision as opposed to a judge’s decision, which neither party is likely to embrace completely. I like to go to court, but the transaction costs are not worth it. Everyone should settle, and mediation should be encouraged in all forums. But that’s not a new thought – A wise man once said, “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser – in fees, expenses and time wasted. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity to be a good man. There will still be business enough.” That was Abraham Lincoln.

What inspired the plot of your novel, TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan?

The plot was inspired by 3 classic Japanese folktales – about 3 different Taro – as well as the political climate of late 16th century Japan. I thought it would be fun to do a mash-up of the 3 folktales in parallel with the great warlords of that period.

What kind of cultural value do you think reading and writing have/brings?

I’ll steal a few more words here from the Spanish writer Unamuno – and Twain – Reading cures fascism (and travel cures racism). I believe both reading and writing are essential to knowing ourselves and others – and these days it seems more and more we need a healthy daily dose of both.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

Insane. It usually involves even less sleep than usual because I wear a number of hats but the one key to writing – at least for me – is just that: schedule it!

What are your tips for penning a catchy and intriguing book title?

I don’t have any real wisdom here – the title for TARO was a no-brainer since he’s the protagonist, not simply of my story but also of the 3 classic Japanese folktales I borrowed. Subtitles can be important, especially for improving visibility in the digital age, so I chose LEGENDARY BOY OF JAPAN to get some metadata punch.

When you're not reading or writing a book, what are some other things that you love to do?

Eat, drink and be merry (which used to mean “travel” and, hopefully, will be again soon)!

How can someone improve their writing skills?

Read. Write. Revise. Repeat.

If you could write a letter to any fictional character, what and who would you write?

Jim Hawkins, What are the coordinates of Treasure Island and the treasure not yet lifted?

What percentage of your daily writing do you end up not using in published works?

My daily writing is always project-focused whether it’s legal brief-writing or novel, and I try to use as much as possible, but I’d say at least 30% ends up on the chopping block.

Are you working on a new book? Is it going to be a series or a standalone?

Yes, I’m working on a new one, different from TARO but set in Japan, and though it’s currently standalone I do see the potential for a series.

How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?

I’ve enjoyed it. There are a number of good author-support platforms out there, but I’ve especially enjoyed using AllAuthor’s promotion tools. Thanks, AllAuthor!

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