“In our decades helping writers, we’ve often been asked to name the single most important trait an aspiring creative should cultivate. The answer is simple. It’s courage. The courage to put one’s work into the world, to bare one’s soul, to subject oneself to criticism and even derision. The courage to create. In this wise and compassionate book, Teresa Funke provides artists of all stripes with a road map to developing an inexhaustible supply of bravery.
Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life is a work to revisit again and again, whenever the slings and arrows of the creative process test one’s resolve. It is nothing short of a call to our higher creative selves to get started, to persevere, and, ultimately, to triumph. Be brave and share your work with the world. With this book, you now have a steadfast friend at your side.”
—Jon Bard & Laura Backes, WritingBlueprints.Com
“As an expert on overcoming perfectionism and creative blocks, I know that shame is one of the main causes of both. Teresa’s book, Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life, offers many solutions for neutralizing that shame, so you can go on to live the joyfully creative life you’ve always dreamed of.”
—Hillary Rettig, author of The 7 Secrets of the Prolific and The Lifelong Activist
“A random Twitter search for authors led to the pleasant surprise of finding Teresa Funke’s blog, Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life. After I read my first post, I added the blog to the top of my Feedly list so I’d be sure to see new articles as soon as they were released. I believe creativity is the birthright of every human being, not just the artistic ones. This book will be an ongoing source of inspiration and encouragement for all of us who want to stoke our creative fires. Share it with everyone who is ready to give their imagination a boost!”
—Franklin Taggart, business coach for creative professionals
“As a certified Happiness Ambassador and Peak Performance Coach, I love how Teresa combines such diverse topics as clutter clearing, reframing shame, and embracing the full potential of your creative self in this uplifting, action-oriented, and simple-yet-profound book. Whether you need a boost in energy, morale, or an increase in your happiness-factor, Bursts of Brilliance is a must-read.”
—Kathryn Kemp Guylay, MBA, CNC, bestselling author
and founder of MakeEverythingFun.com
“With the heart and analysis of a historian and an artist’s vision and soul, Teresa Funke’s Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life takes us to a place of encouraging real life guidance. As a business owner and executive coach, I often find myself referring to her blogs and book to help my clients and myself feel more artistically inspired. To follow the writings of Teresa Funke is the most Brilliant choice ever.”
—Hilary Blair, CEO and speaker, Articulate Real and Clear
“Teresa is a beautiful writer who takes you into her world like an old friend. She inspires you to live the life you were meant to live and to recognize how talented, unique, and impactful you are. Her nuggets of wisdom in Bursts of Brilliance give you hope for who you are and what you want to create now and in the future.”
—Jean Marie DiGiovanna, speaker, executive coach, author/artist
“Eloquently written and with great insight, Teresa Funke’s writings will resonate with anyone who has wrestled with finding a greater sense of mindfulness and peace while struggling with the solitary life of the creative process. Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life is a wonderful resource, no matter what your age or level of experience.”
—Jephta Bernstein, founder and executive director, Off the Hook Arts
“The insights we can gain by embracing Teresa Funke’s wisdom in Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life will help us each live a happier life that is more congruent with our life mission. Her accessible style and commonsense approach make reading the book a delight!”
—Jill S. Tietjen, P.E., co-author of Her Story: A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America
“Whether working with writers in classrooms or in film production meetings, I’ve learned that creative people need to nurture their spirits as much as their craft. Bursts of Brilliance connects creatives to the inspiration so essential to their process and success. We need this book.”
—Trai Cartwright, story development professional, Craftwrite
“In my 25 years of coaching leaders and physicians, I have noticed that many of my clients struggle with the Imposter syndrome, emotional exhaustion, and disconnection from meaningful work. Teresa Funke provides real stories that generate higher awareness for readers, which leads to new actions to connect them to their best self. Her book Bursts of Brilliance for a Creative Life provides support and practical tools for all of us to live a more authentic life.”
—Sandy Scott, president/CEO of Sandy Scott Consulting Group
“Teresa’s insights on the creative journey are thoughtful and inspiring. Bursts of Brilliance is liking having your own personal coach providing support and cheering you on. Highly recommended!”
—Stephanie Chandler, author and CEO, NonfictionAuthorsAssociation.com