Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by Calvin Bland, author of Thought of a Pure Mind: Are your thoughts pure? For any of our readers that haven’t come across your work previously, can you take a moment to tell us all a little about yourself, Calvin?

CB: Hi, my name is Calvin Bland and I’m from Springfield, Massachusetts, I’m 27 years old and writing is my passion. I am the oldest of three boys and my family is very close, I’m a firm believer that if you don’t have family then you don’t have much. I never finished college because it just wasn’t for me and working a 9-5 behind some desk all day isn’t my cup of tea. I’ve always been a creative person and writing has always been within me since I was a young child. I suppressed my gift for a long time just to fit in with the norm of what others thought I should be. I think that everyone should find their talent and pursue it, I’m finding out by not following your dreams is the only time you lose. To sum it all up I’m an average person that decided to follow their dreams. I think an average person can accomplish above average things with belief within themselves.

SPS:  What are your perfect writing conditions, and how often do you write?

CB: My perfect writing conditions would be me all alone in my bedroom with complete silence. I’ve found that this is when my writing is at its best with no distractions. My writing is very sporadic some days I can write for 3-4 hours straight and some days I won’t write at all it all depends on my mood.

SPS: Can you put your finger on the moment where you decided that you wanted to publish your work?

CB: I can’t really put a finger on it but I started to realize that I had notebooks filled with poetry writings. I let close friends and family read some of my writings and it was all positive feedback, so I decided I wanted to get my writings out and share them with more people because I believe my writings have something to offer. That’s when I made the choice to publish my writings.

SPS: Why do you think it is that you have decided to write poetry, and do you see yourself ever writing in other genres?

CB: This might sound weird but it’s like I never chose to write poetry, it’s like it chose me. It comes so naturally to me I didn’t really have to make a choice it just feels so right. Yes, I can see myself in the future writing short stories, I would like to write fantasy adventures.

SPS: Can you tell us about Thoughts of a Pure Mind?

CB: Thoughts of a pure mind is a book of poems that I have written. I wrote the book to inspire people to become the best person they can be. I’m speaking for myself because I was once this way. We go through life basically just going through the motions and believing everything that is told to us. We’re made to believe that we’re not great so we never strive for greatness. I wrote Thoughts of a pure mind for people to gain the power within themselves to see their lives can become as great as they want them to be. Because I’m just an average Joe that decided to follow his dreams and I want to show others they can do the same.

SPS: Is there a particular type of mind you feel the books would appeal to?

CB: I honestly think the book can appeal to anyone with an open mind. I wrote the book in a way that anyone would be able to understand and get the concepts no matter your age, race, or background. I think the book will appeal to anyone that wants to become the best they can be and live the best life they can live.

SPS: Can you give us an example of a thought of a pure mind?

CB: An example of a thought of a pure mind is just being truthful with yourself. Not feeding into the woes of society, not feeding into peer pressure and just thinking and making conscious decisions for yourself not based off of irrational emotions or fear.

SPS: Do you feel that your concepts can work for everyone?

CB: Yes I do believe my concepts can work for everyone because my concepts can be used many different ways, for many different situations. The same concept that worked for one person might benefit another person in a different and unique way. People can take what they learn from the concepts and use them in their own unique way to help them in life. I believe with pure thoughts we can all become the person we always wanted to be.

SPS: How would you say that your poetry differs from others’?

CB: I would say my poetry differs from others in the simple fact that my poetry is very deep, but I’ve managed to keep it where people will still be able to understand and relate to the concepts. My poetry gives you a feeling and will have you feeling better about yourself and life. I would say my poetry is like music without sound.

SPS: What sort of feedback have you received so far?

CB: I’ve received great feedback so far and people really enjoy the book. Some people can’t believe I’m the one that actually wrote the book…lol. Because I look like your average Joe that couldn’t possible have these type of deep thoughts in their head. But like I said earlier in the interview – an average Joe can accomplish above average feats.

SPS: Was there a point in your own life where you wish you’d had access to such a book?

CB: I can’t really say that there was a point in my life when I wish I could have had the book. Well I guess my teenage years the book would’ve really benefited me. I believe thoughts of a pure mind can really benefit teenagers of today and young adults. What I’ve realized is there wasn’t a point that I needed the book because the book was always within me and I finally had enough belief within myself to bring it out. Thoughts of a pure mind can help give power to people to show them they too have greatness within themselves and all they have to do is believe and unleash it.

SPS: We do like to take a look at covers and the stories behind them. Can you tell us about how your cover for the Thoughts of a Pure Mind came about?

CB: The cover for Thoughts of a pure mind came about when I thought up the title of the book. Once I had the title of the book a picture of an illuminated mind came into my head. It really happened just like that, there isn’t really any big great story behind it, I wish there was, lol, but there isn’t.

SPS: What can we expect next from the pen/keyboard of Calvin Bland?

CB: What you can expect next from me is my forthcoming book called The End of Times (prophetic poetry) I don’t have a release date for it yet but be on the lookout for it. But for now, get to know my work by reading Thoughts of a Pure Mind which is available @ amazon.com and barnes&noble.com.

SPS: Was the Self-Published/Indie-Published route always your preferred route for your work?

CB: Yes the self-publish route was always my first option, because I want to have full control of my work and not have to depend on anyone else. I really just want to build a great fan base and connect with the people, because that is the greatest part of it all.

SPS: Has the experience so far been all that you thought it would be?

CB: I always believed when I first started this the experience would always be what I made it out to be. So far the experience has been a great one – I’m meeting and connecting with new and great people. I’m starting to realize when you believe in yourself others will start to believe in you also which is a great feeling.

SPS: If you could give one piece of advice for someone looking to get into writing, what would it be?

CB: The one bit of advice I would give to someone would be write about what motivates you and have fun doing it. Stay true to yourself and always have belief in yourself even when others don’t. And, the only person that can hold you back is the person you look at every day in the mirror.

SPS: Before we bring this interview to a close, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

CB: The authors writing that I have recently enjoyed is Michelle Alexander, she is the author of The New Jim Crow. It’s a very interesting and thought provoking book that I think people should really check out.

SPS: Thank you for joining us today, Calvin, and all the best for the future.

CB: Thanks for having me and I wish you the same.

CB: For more information on Calvin Bland and his work, please do visit his Author page here.