Greetings and salutations, Carylers and McReedus fans alike! I am so very late in getting this posted, so my apologies. My feet got tangled up doing the time warp and it took a few days to fix.  Nevertheless, it's time to rejoice and celebrate our November Author and Reviewer of the Month! 

Author of the Month: ramblinrose

What draws you to the good ship Caryl?
I like the connection between the two characters.  They have a similar backgrounds, and they're very much alike, but they're different as well.  They have the potential to be an interesting couple in whatever universe you place them in. 

I honestly don't know how to answer this other than to say I like the ship.  I think the characters go well together and I think there's an interesting story (or stories) there to tell.

Who are your writing influences?
I read a lot, but honestly much of what I read these days has to do with my work and much of what I write is very different from that which I work with.  I can say that there are authors that I admire, but I really can't say that they are necessarily my influences as my style and choice of plots would differ from theirs pretty dramatically.  

How do you handle writers block?
I keep a lot of stories going.  I have to. If something isn't working out for me on a particular day, I write something else.  There's almost always *something* that I'm in the mood for.  If not, I write a one shot or something totally different to kickstart things again.  

Anything you want to say to your readers?
Thank you for reading and for reviewing!  You're great and I hope you enjoy whatever you decide to read!

Reviewer of the Month: liveinadive

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
Pirates. I was kidnapped by a fleet of pirates off the coast of Indonesia and forced upon the good ship Caryl. Five long years ago. If I could afford to pay the ransom I'd be home, safe and dry by now. Without the recurring case of dysentery ;) 

If you had asked me this question a couple of years ago it might have been that Carol needed a protector. She needed someone she could depend upon to keep her safe. I saw an obvious chemistry between Carol and Daryl and figured that while Daryl was 'saving' Carol, perhaps she could help him save himself. Now, my answer to this question is the way in which they compliment each other as equals. The evolution of their friendship has mirrored Carol's journey into a modern day action hero who doesn't need any man to save her; yet she chooses to keep him by her side, anyway. They seek each other out. They genuinely care for each other. Plus, their names rhyme. 

What do you look for in a story to keep reading?
Updates generally help.

I prefer stories that have a heavy focus on emotion and feeling. Stories where I can relate to the characters and be either empathetic or apathetic to their cause (depending on the day) and understand what they're going through. I like stories that make me feel something. A good plot. Decent grammar. Realism. All of these things help. The inclusion of characters like Glenn and Tara just sweetens the deal. 

What are your top five favorite stories?
This is hard (and so is not making an obligatory 'That's what she said' joke right here). The authors included below basically have my stamp of approval across the board, so check them out.

Comiconned by DarylsDiva1 - I make an excellent cameo in this story in which I became friends with Eulyn and design the clothes and aesthetics for a Walking Dead strip show. How could this not be one of my favourites? Contrapposto and Dreams run a very veeeery close race for this coveted position as well. 

At the Mercy of the Muse by ramblinrose - This story is very special to me in that it's one where I actually like this version of Norman. It's brilliant in that it takes place after the show has ended and Norman is trying to atone for his behaviour toward Melissa many years before and she is the one who is resisting. One of my absolute favourite stories. Ever. (Oh! And Steven and Alanna are in it and they're married and have a baby. That could also be another reason...) Our Little Secrets is also most definitely worth your time. Thank me later.

Turnabout by Little Cinch - Cinchy could narrate the back of a cereal box to me and I would give her a glowing review. I love the way she tuns phrase and the tempo of the story is perfect. Lots of fun and Caryl innuendo here. It's simple and sweet and I love it. Hard. 

The Long Road Home by Tinkerbelle99 - I love the slow burn and the quiet, arresting self doubt from both players in this story. Tink's Daryl and Carol reunite and painstakingly grow closer as Tinkerbelle99 reaches inside your chest cavity, rips out your heart and stomps on it a few times before shoving it back into place, beaten and bruised. 

Happy by LiveinaDive - No one ever said I couldn't include something I've written! This little story was inspired by the feeling of euphoria. That wondrous feeling of giddiness that starts low in the pit of your belly and blossoms in to full blown butterflies, that feeling of utter contentment. Melissa finds she's happy and she finds a friend in the process. That's what this one shot is about. 

Anything you want to say to all the Caryl authors out there?
Write for yourself. Write what you enjoy. Write down anything and everything that pops into your head - you don't know where your imagination may take you. Challenge yourself (write some McReedus). Push your own boundaries (write some McReedus). Hire someone else to make the inspirational speech at your college graduation because I am clearly not worthy. 

Oh and if you're ever in Las Vegas, go to Joe's New York Pizza. I mean, you're welcome.