It's April Fool's Day, but this is no joke - The Reader's Muse is Member of the Month for April 2018!

Once again, it is an honor to be featured as the Member of the Month. It is surprising how time flies and how it seems like some of us are here to stay. I hope that our little part of fandom will continue to thrive in the years ahead.

1.) Who are your favorite Caryl authors?
I don't read much in the Caryl fandom, in truth. Or the twd fandom period. As some of you know, I generally only read friend's work - especially if I have been the 'naughty' catalyst. I have limited free time so I often stick with writing when I am in the creative mood. I will say that @onedayoujustchange has a very unique poetry-like style that I often find almost lyrical. You should check out her work.

2.) Favorite Caryl fics of last 12 mos?
Again, I hate to be boring but I would have to refer you to the explaination above. The reason for it is simple, fandoms I write dedicatedly for, I rarely read in. I have always been very careful about keeping my characterizations personal and true to myself and how I see them. Call me silly, I suppose! I am very well aware I am missing out on a vast and indeed richly talented treasure trove of amazing authors and fics. But I have found this method forces me to get in-depth in terms of characterization every time I write and it works for me!

3.) Favorite Fic trope
Soulmate au, sentinel/guide au- and those are just for starters. I generally do one of each for every fandom I write for. I started something years ago for Caryl in regards to the sentinel/guide au but that kind of fizzled out on me. Hopefully I can get back to that when real life and my current fic-load gives me a break.

4.) What would you like to see more of, or what haven’t you seen in a fic that you would like to see?
Experimentation. Never be afraid to try new things or take a chance. It is the best way to grow as a writer!

5.) What made you start shipping Caryl?
Frankly? I have eyes. It was so beautiful, wounded and obvious right from the get-go. The axe scene in season one suckered me right in at the Quarry camp. Daryl respected Carol's choice and silently handed it to her. Standing there in the background watching a woman he had to know was being abused re-discover herself through every stroke of that axe. Resuscitating herself and her power even as she cried. I think it was like looking at a better reflection of himself in a lot of ways and I think it was why he stuck so close to Carol and Sophia in the intervening episodes.

To close, I would like to take a moment to thank the lovely admin and volunteers that do so much work in providing, maintaining and enriching Nine Lives. You have created a place for us to come together in fellowship and always try your best to foster the best out of all of us. We are forever thankful for you guys! Never forget that.