Karin; the creator of Thought Provoking Thursdays. Thank you for the butterfly necklace, a gift to me and Little Marissa. She didn’t get what she needed as a child, but she is getting it now–in large part thanks to you. We’ve been through so many ups, and so many downs, but I wouldn’t have life any other way.
Jenn Jackson, I love you. I’m so happy that for that brief snapshot in my life we were neighbors and then became lifelong friends. You are one of the most incredible women I have ever known. You raise me up as we grow together.
L. Steinworth, who is incredibly cool. Really though, you have been one of my best friends through all the ups and downs of publishing. The ups and downs of surviving narcissist abuse. The ups and downs of being a creator. Liz, thank you for the hair dye. For the avocado. For the cover. For the format. For the feedback. For holding my hand through this daunting journey. Your friendship means everything. Shoot True.
Huge, huge, HUGE thanks to Ashley and Scott Knapp for being my real life Bobby and Lexie in so many ways. I love the way that the cover and promo photos turned out. I am forever thankful to both of you for making my dreams a reality in such a magnificent way. I’ve been dreaming of this book cover since I started this book when I was fifteen years old. Seeing it come to life with the two of you is better than I could’ve imagined.
My incredible team of Alpha and Beta readers, some of whom include: Laura Phillips, Melissa Ivers, Danielle Hill, Rachel Mitchell, KM Rives, and Jessi Phillipson.
Julie Soper, who loves me for who I am. Julie, you have no idea what your constant support has done for me. That whenever I’m feeling down, I can come to you and you remind me that I am ready for this path. For helping me know about the hospital scenes. For always telling me to invest in myself. Thank you for being you and for sharing that with me.
Keri Sandford, for knowing who Bobby is, even before I did. Having you in my life is one of the most precious and unexpected things. I love that we connected and that we have bonded over so much. You brighten my life in a million colors. Thank you for being my constant in a sea of shifting friendships.
Eris Marriott, I thought I was your editor, but really in a lot of ways you became mine. So much of your feedback helped me make this book a work of art. I love our many writing sprints and conversations. The support you give me. The deep and real conversations we have.
Brandon Martinez, thanks for being there for me, kiddo. I loved chatting with you about workouts and what Bobby would have on his counter. Thanks for being one of my early readers. When you published your book, it really told me it was time for me to publish mine.
Christy Miller, I love you. I love the chibis and our virtual hot chocolate time. I love that you’re so real with me. I love that we are writers together.
Matt Buckley, it is celebration muffin time.
M. Jae Cooper, for being the first to read my book start to finish. Your enthusiasm got me through many dark days that followed the first draft of this book.
Cameron Asbury, thank you for being my sensitivity reader and helping me shape the scenes with Bobby and Cody. Your thoughts and suggestions, as well as support, helped me so much.
Erika Zimmerman, my longest known friend. I love that you knew me as the little girl with the notebook. You were the first person I called on our home phone to tell you I finished my book. Really, you were one of my only supporters. You’ve read my fantasy book. You’ve read A Game Like Ours, even when it was littered with mistakes. You’ve always believed in me. Thank you. After all these years, I’m glad we are still friends.
Katie and Pete we miss you. Even though we are far away, you have shown so much support for this book. From the video chats, to asking for a link, to pre-order, I love and appreciate all you do for me.
Tyson and Catie Williams, every time I’ve mentioned my writing you’ve been excited for me. It means a lot to have your friendship and support. We miss you guys.
Melanie Atkins, we’ve had so many important conversations over the years. So many friendships have come and gone, but you’ve always been here for me. I appreciate your friendship and enthusiasm as I continue to live my dreams.
Byron Lane, when you said “keep going” it kept me going. I was at a pivotal point in my writing career, where after years of writing and learning how to write I wasn’t sure if I was up for it all. Something happened in my personal life that made it so I was ready to set my book aside, again. Instead, I listened to you. It gave me what I needed that day, to take the next step. One step at a time, I got this book ready to publish. Thank you for always, always, always encouraging me. You’re a gem of a person. I’m forever grateful for you.
Emma Scott, for being you. Your books inspire me. You inspire me. I’m so glad you’re in my life.
Steven Rowley, your books make me laugh. They make me want to write. They make me think about things in new ways.
Stephen and Madalyn Batman, thank you for asking my baseball question! I appreciate you making sure that my details were accurate.
The Captain. I appreciate you, your hype and your babytalk voice. Thank you for the macaroni and cheese packages, among other things.
My Therapist, Kim Fernandes, thank you for the many sessions of helping me work through my past so that it no longer hinders my future. So often you talked me through the trauma that told me I wasn’t good enough to write the book, and the backlash I got after the fallout from circumstances that rapidly spiraled out of control from a fellow writer. I appreciate your perspective about writing about Bobby’s eating disorder and helping me have confidence in myself as a writer. Our sessions built me up so that I was able to make this book what it needs to be.
Dr. Mick Lynch thank you for answering my many questions about an athlete with an eating disorder. Thank you for sending resources. They were very helpful.
Reeve Carney, your music has played on repeat through my kitchen and my car. Though you don’t know me, you mean so much in my life. Your songs bring comfort and hope to me that I don’t feel any other way. Thank you for being such an inspiration.
200 Rogue Fantasy Writers, the first writing community I really felt a part of.
And always, thank you to my angel on the other side, Jeff. You got me out of my personal hell. All of the life I have now would be drastically different, if not for you. I wish so much I could read my book to you. I don’t get to do that, not the way I would like to. But you are still there for me every moment, helping me live my dreams. I’m so glad I’m here. And I’m so glad you helped me get here.
About the Author
Lover of stories since before she could walk, Marissa has always had a passion for creating characters and worlds. Learning to read was a challenge, so she learned words by writing them–taking her notebook everywhere and asking total strangers how to spell. Since then, a laptop has replaced her trusty notebook and her stories have evolved into novels.
Marissa lives in Texas with her husband, two children and an endless collection of David Bowie hats. She enjoys reading in the sunshine, with a big bottle of chocolate milk and music playing in the background.
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