I wouldn’t a real Rock Star if I didn’t have liner notes, would I? Because realistically, you don’t get anywhere in life without the help of others, and some people have gone underappreciated long enough. So here are my sincerest Thank You’s to those that have helped me get here:

Mom :: Simply for your neverending encouragement, I’m eternally grateful. You’ve always been astounded by my writing abilities, even when they were way below par. But it’s that faith that you’ve kept in me that’s always pushed me to do better. You always have been my number one fan, and although it pales in comparison to the 7234795679569260962 other things you’ve done for me in this lifetime, I use this opportunity to thank you for that alone.

Sondra :: My best friend, my sister, my other half, and whatever other sentimental jargon there is to halfway describe just how essential you are to my life. None of this would be possible without you, because it’s your ineffable capacity for creating another world outside of your own, which simply amazes me, and my only regret is that you don’t get the credit you deserve. What we’ve created here is something incredibly special and I hope that you realize just how much I treasure all of your exceptional input. Who would’ve thought that repeatedly watching the making of ‘Like I Love You’ would turn to this, huh? I guess it just goes to show that the world really is at our fingertips; we just have to take hold. I love you, girl.

All my Abs girls (especially Paige, Heather, Jordin, and Laura) :: You guys have been there for me, steadily, from beginning to end, supporting me with endless feedback time after time. You guys are where I started and what truly gave me the drive to branch out into other areas. I don’t even think I can explain to you in words just how inspired I was to find out that you actually enjoyed my work. It was a welcome addition to the amazing friendships we’d created along the way, and I just want you all to know that every time I sit down to write a new chapter of something, y’all are the first thing that comes to mind. I’d say Thank You a million times if I could, but it still wouldn’t convey just how thankful I am for each and every one of you lovely ladies.

Helena :: I didn’t forget about you, girl. I just wanted to thank you separately, because I wanted to highlight just how invigorating your talent is to me. You have a creativity that remains beyond expression, and one that I’ve always admired. And you’ve never complained or lacked in feedback for me, even when I became inexcusably behind in your stories. You don’t know how much you rock, baby. And I swear, we’ll finish ‘Bad Boy’ one day. If you still want to, that is.

Sharry :: I didn’t forget about your crazy ass either. You and all your damn talent. ‘June & Jo’ was the swift kick in the ass that I needed to tell me I could do this, too. Even as intimidating as you were to me, there was always that part of me that wanted to be like you. And now that we have this little thing called a friendship under our wing, I’m relieved to have you on my side. I’m never satisfied until I get the *Bubs Seal of Approval*. Thanks for hookin’ me up lol. Now that we’ve got all these awards under our belts, we really should look into that Bitch.com thing. I love you, ho!

Nikki :: I don’t think I can give you enough praise and thanks for opening your arms and bringing me into your family. I never planned to take a leap into fan fiction this way, but you gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse. You gave me a home. I’ve watched you work so hard and you’ve inadvertently taught me so much over the past few months. You’re a beautiful inspiration with a beautifully kind spirit and I love you so much for all that you’ve done for me.

Rachael :: You introduced me to the world of *NSYNC. You dragged me through the ice storm to the NFL Experience so that I could revel in the true merriment of those five men. That’s one of the most memorable days of my life, I swear. And the domino effect that it’s had... well just take a look around lol. I don’t know whether I should thank you or blame you for this unhealthy obsession, but hey, it’s gotten me this far. Thank you, baby.

Other authors :: Thank you for being a part of this whole surreality that we exist in for a couple of chapters. Your hard work is such a pleasure to be a part of. And to those of you that I first read and admired, all I can do is bow down to you and grovel at your feet for unknowingly encouraging me to try this myself. You guys have all given me something to be a part of, and there’s nothing more reassuring than feeling connected to something. Thank you for giving me that network to be interwoven into. 

Justin Timberlake :: Will you ever read this? No, probably not. But you deserve recognition just as much as anyone else. It’s you that’s been my muse. Your endless talent, remarkable beauty, and the gorgeous personality that I perceive you to have is what has brought out this gift in me. Five years ago, I fell in love with you, along with the rest of the world, with no idea of just how far that idolization would take me. It’s been a pleasure to watch you grow as a man in the same capacity that I’ve grown as, not only a writer, but a person as well. Thank you for sharing your exhilarating gift with the world so that I had a reason to shine along with you.

The readers :: I have no way to put all of my gratitude into words. All the ‘Good job’s and ‘Amazing chapter’s, along with the page-long reviews of random stories have made me just that much better at my work. So, to every person that’s stopped by, that took a look at this page, and found some emotion to be evoked while reading my words, all my love and thanks go out to you. You guys are what this site is all about. You’re the real rock stars. Thank you.

In typical Rock Star fashion, I gotta say that I truly apologize if anyone especially important isn’t a part of this list. This all came off the top of my head and I only had a handful of people that could fit up there. My head may be jumbled, but my heart isn’t at all. I love you all, whether you’re here or not, and the impact you have in my life in no way falters because of it.

-Ashley