Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
When a writer loves you...
When a
writer loves you…you will never die
A loved on recently shared a quote with me. While I am
unsure who penned the phrase, I am glad they did because it stirred within the gratitude
for who God created me to be, and the reason for pure expression. Whether
brushes of paint on a canvas, tools chiseling stone, the elongated movement of
limbs as they give glory in dance, the lingering sound of a melodious voice as
it echoes into the atmosphere, or inspiration that births thoughts who grow up
to be words poured onto pages; no matter how it is expressed…
art. is. love.
That being said, I will take the saying further and add, If an
artist loves you, you become immortal. The thread of who you are
will fill their hearts, hands, arms, and toes and you will be in every
movement, your name spoken in every word, your laugh in every painting. What I
know for sure is that God is real and his love for us is expressed every time
an artist breathes.
. 
Friday, May 30, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
The Best of Us!
Ladies and Gentlemen it's time to order your copy of my breakout novel: The Best Of Us!!!
(If you wish to have your copy signed, please order it directly from me on Craig's List)
My goal is to make sure that the printed word never dies; to encourage others to write and to use my resources to help build the future writers of our great nation, but I can't do it without you. Buy your copy today!
For autographed copies, simply click below and leave me a personalized message!
*
*Nakeia is pictured above with her beautiful daughter, Naomi - Mother's Day 2014*
For autographed copies, simply click below and leave me a personalized message!
*
Nakeia Council-Daniels has been an active artist for more
than twenty years. A writer, vocalist, poet, and musician, she is now the
author of her debut novel The Best of Us: A story of love,
loss, corruption and family set in New York City.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. Nakeia now lives in
Southern California with her husband Jerry and their three children, Jerry III,
Jonathan and Naomi.
Chapter 1
[Excerpt]
Viola
Today is the first day of summer sessions. Great. This is just
what I need; a brand new class of melodious monsters to torture me with
their impeccable musicianship and subterranean personalities. Traditionally
speaking, most of the students who entered my classroom or concert hall
were third and fourth generation musicians; their entrance to the historic
conservatory where I taught had as much to do with their parents’ financial
contributions as it did with their classical training. They fought to get into
my class as I had come to be known as one of the most dogged professors
on campus. Apparently disagreeableness and stubborn determination are
plusses at my job. Go figure. That’s my name on the door:
Dr. Viola Freeland-Graham.
My students know me as Doctor Graham but most days I have to look
over my shoulder to see who they’re talking to. Even after all these years
I can hardly believe it. Armed with an ironclad façade I encapsulate the
image of a bourgeoisie musician with all the pomp and unnecessary fluff
that goes with the territory. The truth is music had become my sanctuary.
I didn’t pursue it because of any special genius or passion. It was the only
place where I knew I was safe. Deep in the wells of Beethoven’s Symphony
number 9 in tempo ordinario I was resurrected from hopelessness for an
hour or so. I would succumb to the pulses in each measure and forget.
Forget my hurt, anger, and questions; forget my tears and loss. I would
remember instead the hope that first pulled me inside of music. I remembered
Saturday morning cartoons, smiles and sunshine, baked chicken,
and mashed potatoes and gravy on Sunday evening.
Music, pure music, reminded me of the hope that life brings. Music is
my salvation. Teaching is my way of ensuring I can hear it in its purest form.
[end of excerpt]
Nakeia Council-Daniels has been an active artist for more
than twenty years. A writer, vocalist, poet, and musician, she is now the
author of her debut novel The Best of Us: A story of love,
loss, corruption and family set in New York City.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. Nakeia now lives in
Southern California with her husband Jerry and their three children, Jerry III,
Jonathan and Naomi.
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