To My Dear Readers,

The first part of this note was originally supposed to be individual review responses for the last chapter. However, me being the brilliant college graduate that I am, closed without saving the document. So, all the responses I had carefully and thoughtfully written out went bye bye!

On that note, since I do want to get this out and work on Jersey Heart, I'm going to skip right to general responses, answering questions, and addressing a few points that have been brought up throughout the course of this story. I know I've been lax about review responses, and I promise in the future, I will try to stay more on top of those!

It's hard to believe that Made To Be Broken is finally over. I first began writing this back in November of 2007, as my NaNoWriMo project. It's been over a year since then, and I still don't consider this story complete-- Major editing is needed! It's been a long road, that's for sure.

From the beginning, I knew what this story would be about. I put hours of thought and planning into Made to be Broken, before a single word was ever put down on the page. Knowing what Bethany and Cage were going to go through, I did consider posting this story under the general category. However, despite everything, Cage and Bethany were in love, and this was a love story. Above all that, it was a story about Cage. As you'll find in Jersey Heart, the story follows Cage as he grows and learns, and loves. It was never really about Bethany, even though she is a vital part of who Cage is as a person.

Writing this novel, I've realized one thing. I've grown up a lot since my Finding Alaska days...I'm not a teenager any more, and I guess it shows. I'm not happy writing fanciful stories where nothing ever bad happens...I can write those, and I know I can do it relatively well to a certain degree. But Made To Be Broken has truly been a test of my strength as a writer. I've never experienced anything like what the characters go through, and I hope that I've done at least a halfway decent job at nailing down those emotions. While I have no intention of killing off every character from here on out, tragedy does exist in the real world, and even when you're in love, not everything can be solved with a kiss. Then again, I've never been in love, so what do I know? That's just the way I see it.

Cage's story has been a battle from the opening sentence. I've alternately hated and loved this story, at the same time realizing that it has the potential to be ten times better than Finding Alaska. I dont know if its at that point yet, but someday. I would hope that you, as the readers, find the emotions and the characters more powerful, and more realistic. From the start, I wanted the readers to have a love-hate relationship with Bethany. After all, who here has liked every person they've ever met? I certainly haven't. There are people in this world I can't stand, just as there are those I can't help but like despite their faults. Welcome to being human. She certainly wasnt perfect, her judgement may have been flawed, and she definitely made mistakes, but I would hope that a part of you liked her anyway.

To address some general questions:

Yes, Jersey Heart is the sequel, and yes it is coming soon to a theater near you. Or, a computer screen near you, but same difference. I hope to have the first chapter posted this week. I've already gone back and changed a few things, so i'm just going through now and making sure it makes some sense! For those who have asked who the sequel is about, I will say it's about Cage. I won't say any more than that at this point.

Like many of you, I believe in romance, and "true relationships" and "The One." I know it's hard for some of you to imagine Cage with anyone else, but I ask that you continue to the sequel with an open mind and an open heart. Jersey Heart has been tough to write for that reason, although I feel that I've succeeded in what I've done with it so far. Jersey Heart will be more traditional, but still not an easy road-- I need to challenge myself somehow! Like I said, I've never been in love, and I've certainly never had kids or spent a great deal of time around them...let's just say that Google is my best friend while I'm writing-- I can't tell you the number of pregnancy and parenting websites I've browsed through looking for inspiration!

Before I end this very long author's note, if you've cried at all reading this novel, thank you. That means I reached one of my goals! I wanted to write a story with a main character that wasn't necessarily likeable (Bethany), and at the same time, make the readers cry because they were so upset by her death. I know it sounds evil and manipulative, but it's been an enlightening write all around, and I have truly enjoyed it every step of the way.

I know a few of you contacted me wanting to ask further questions, etc. Please, feel free to resend those messages with your questions included...If it's personal questions, I can't promise I'll answer them, but I will do my best. I've never been a very 'open' person, but for you all, I will try.

So, thanks for coming along for the ride. Jersey Heart will be up within the week, and for those of you with a LiveJournal, the first two chapters of Cowboy Boots & City Roots are up there. (Leave a comment or send me a private message if you want to be able to see friend's only entries!) CB&CR was my 2008 NaNoWriMo project, and is also a romance that I wrote as a challenge to myself.

If this note is repetitive, random, rambling, or just plain boring, I do apologize!

--Ashley