Hi, I’m Marissa.
Welcome! I’m an author, editor, and educator.
I live in the Snoqualmie Valley with my husband, six children, two cats, and heaps of books.
If you’re here for my novels: I write middle-grade and young adult fantasy and contemporary books. I love reading (and writing!) fairy tales, epic quests, and dystopian science fiction—all with a hint of mystery.
If you’re here for my non-fiction: I have an M.A. in Theological Studies with a concentration in church history and Koine Greek. You can find me writing long form reflections on my Substack.
If you’re here for help with editing or writing, I’d love to hear more about your project through the “work with me” tab.
For rights inquiries, please contact: Keely Boeving of Wordserve Literary.
Press
For some Dobson kids, focusing on the family led to estrangement
Many who raised kids via Dobson’s methods feel surprised or betrayed when their children limit contact; not only were they promised strong families, but because their kids acted compliant for years, they never realized there was a lack of authentic connection.
“It betrayed the entire family,” said Burt. “Certainly, children had the brunt of it. But in many situations, parents were both victims and victimizers.”
6 books that push back against black-and-white narratives of faith
In their forthcoming release, Burt and McGinnis expose the impact of popular Christian parenting books. As they write, “Many parents who had worked hard to raise their children ‘the Christian way’ were now experiencing shame, anger, worry or guilt that they had done it all wrong. Adult children, wrestling with Christian ideals about honoring parents, struggled to separate and set boundaries.”
Anyone whose family shelf ever was filled with the likes of James Dobson, Tedd Tripp or Larry Christenson, who has since questioned narratives of sparing the rod, shepherding children like sheep or “prevailing pattern(s) of relativism and permissiveness” likely will find understanding, solace and perhaps even new ways of training up a child in the way she or he should go.
PRAISE FOR STORYBOUND and story’s end
“An appealing fantasy. Strong writing and interesting characters make Una’s journey enjoyable, and the overall result will have readers on the lookout for the planned sequel.” — Publishers Weekly
“A richly imagined world. Readers will enjoy the mind-bending fun of puzzling together small details.” — Booklist
“Readers who love fantasy may see an opportunity to snuggle up with a cup of cocoa and unravel the plot, which twists and turns in on itself, with happy surprises…its high concept could have cinematic potential.” — Kirkus
“With its unique twist (her roommate, for example, is a snooty Snow White), Una’s adventures should charm those who enjoy fairy-tale reboots, and the cliff-hanger ending could ensure demand for a sequel.” — School Library Journal
“Hits the ground running…there are a lot of compelling plotlines, and the book ends with an all-out bang.” —Booklist
“Burt has strong concepts and a penchant for plot…the book has a magical and endearing quality that may be particularly helpful for readers who need to leave an old story behind and begin to write a new one.” —Kirkus
PRAISE FOR a sliver of stardust and a legend of starfire:
“Burt employs highly descriptive world building and plenty of action.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“[A] mix of traditional fairy tale and fantasy makes it a natural precursor to books like Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials.” — ALA Booklist
“A page-turner for those who enjoy lots of action upon a crazy-quilt landscape.” — Kirkus
“Creative descriptions of magical places and adventures—some strongly reminiscent of classics of children’s fantasy” — Kirkus
PRAISE FOR the twelve dares of christa:
“Dare you to try to put this fabulous book down!” — Heather Vogel Frederick, author of the Mother-Daughter Book Club series
“Inspiring, cozy and full of heart—The 12 Dares of Christa is absolutely lovely!” — Lisa Greenwald, author of 11 Before 12 and the Pink & Green series
“I dare you not to love this heartfelt and funny book!” — Jenny Lundquist, author of The Charming Life of Izzy Malone
“The famous tourist sites they visit are depicted in glorious detail, and the other characters' full personalities emerge as the kids develop into a close-knit group…Burt departs from her earlier fantasy novels in this realistic fiction title that is likely to appeal to travel and theater buffs.” — School Library Journal
“First-person present-tense narration carries the story, and Burt does an excellent job of bringing the magic of Europe to life on the page. A sweet story about letting go and allowing life to lead the way.” —Kirkus