“I recommend that you take a shot at reading this practical and accessible book on happiness. Maria Baltazzi offers a creative approach that combines journaling and phone photography activities that help you integrate the concepts she writes about.”

– Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, New York Times Bestselling Author of Happier, Former Harvard Lecturer, and Founder of the Happiness Studies Academy

“Reading Take a Shot at Happiness was like being back on the island with Maria! The same heartfelt approach she took as a producer on Survivor can be felt on every page. It’s presented in a way that lets you choose to read it cover to cover or go specifically to sections that are speaking to you right now. It was a great reminder of how quickly you can change your state of mind and the powerful impact that intention can have on your life.”

– Jeff Probst, Emmy award-winning Survivor Host and Executive Producer

“As a TV show creator and producer, I understand the power of storytelling to inspire and transform lives — and so does Maria Baltazzi as a seasoned producer. Her book is a compelling inner journey that offers insights from the production trenches and the films and shows we love. Maria offers practical tools and insights to help you achieve a life of happiness and purpose. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to create positive change in their life from a creative approach.”

– Mark Burnett, Executive Producer, Survivor and Former Chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group

“I'm not an especially spiritual person, but always believed in "trusting the process." Maria Baltazzi's brilliant roadmap creates a clear, concise process for anyone looking to improve their balance of mind, body, and spirit. As someone in professional transition, I found this book both incredibly instructive and inspiring.”

– Kelly Kahl, Former President of CBS Entertainment

“Captivating and uplifting, Take a Shot at Happiness feels like a conversation with a trusted friend. It's a heartfelt and inspiring guide that reminds us of the power we all have within to create a more fulfilling and authentic life. Maria's unique perspective, tips, and engaging creative exercises will encourage you to tap into your inner creativity to uncover your own path to happiness. This is a must-read if you're ready to start your own journey of self-discovery or want a fresh perspective.”

– Roma Downey, OBE, Emmy-nominated Actress, Producer, New York Times Bestselling Author

“So proud of you, Maria. You came into my intro screenwriting class and showed imagination, the ability to execute, and above all, the drive and desire to write, that is so important, as important as ability and the predisposition to learn. You got away from writing for many years but still used a lot of those same storytelling muscles in your TV endeavors. Then you went back to school and truly dedicated yourself and succeeded in becoming, yes, an actual writer—a published author. I am envious of you and what you have done. I feel what I do, by comparison, is more word management and craft, to which there are many shortcuts and ways to fudge and cheat and hide. In real writing, there is nowhere to hide. Congratulations on becoming the latter.”

– Ron Osborn, Emmy Winning Writer, Moonlighting, West Wing, Duck Man: Private Dick/Family, Meet Joe Black

“Television producer, writer, world traveler, adventurer. Maria Baltazzi has done it all -- and on her own terms. Take A Shot At Happiness offers a compelling and very personal look into the world of creativity. Maria shows us how this power within each of us leads to peace, wisdom, and a daily path forward. Recommended for anyone hoping to make a leap of faith to live their best life.”

– Martin Dugard, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of Taking Paris

“This book is an invaluable tool, so effectively laying out multiple cases and methods for “taking a shot at happiness.” Impressive work and applicable to so many facets of our lives. Maria offers fact based reasoning to get to the change or changes we may want or need and also, integrated calls to action that help get us to taking that shot. She makes the case so effectively for the changes toward happiness we need to make (and can make). And Maria takes us there, toward those changes, without the scary upheaval often preventing us from taking that shot.”

– Mark Thompson, Two-time Emmy Award-winning Newscaster and Writer, Specials Host and Producer for the Fox Broadcasting Company Stations

“One of my favorite quotes is, you can't receive when you’re transmitting! As a passionate story teller, I love learning from others. From the moment I met and worked with Maria, more than 20 years ago, I quickly understood her to be a deep thinker. A soulful reflective person who is constantly on a path of discovery. I share Maria’s enthusiasm for making the most of every precious moment we are alive. Focusing on what’s right instead of what’s wrong, being grateful, forgiving, and being surrounded by love. While there is no sure fire method to happiness, Maria’s book will give you a good shot at getting there with entertaining life lessons on how to live, love, and learn.”

– Phil Keoghan, MNZM, Emmy Award Winning Producer and Host of Amazing Race and Tough as Nails

“This is a remarkable book from a new author with a unique point of view. Baltazzi started her personal journey by working in the world’s most intense pressure cooker of human behavior. It wasn’t in a University or a Science Lab - she was out in a jungle directing the TV show Survivor. There she saw people under enormous stress behaving badly - and sometime beautifully. That prompted her journey to discover how people facing enormous obstacles can choose to be happy. So one Ph.D. later, she has compiled her years of observation, research and critical thinking into the most unique guide to Happiness that I have read. So what’s with the “Directing” metaphor? Like on a TV show, the Director makes decisions and the Crew follows them. What are you going to be in your life? the Director or the Crew? This book is a step by step guide on how to take control of your future happiness.”

– Michael J. Miller, Emmy Award Winner, Executive Producer of Specials for Networks including Discovery and National Geographic