Let's hear it for our Members of the Month for March 2016 – NotLaura and mikymowse!

From NotLaura:

 

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
I've written about what drew me here in the first place before, so lets go with what KEEPS me drawn to these two? Like everyone else, I have my moments of frustration with what is or isn't happening on screen, but every time I think that maybe I'm ready to move on... I remember the moments that make Carol and Daryl so special in the first place. There isn't another couple like them on television. Full Stop. They are both struggling with the world, both trying to do the right things for their family unit, and both so connected to each other even if they're not sure how to define it. I love how, even if they've been apart for a stretch, you get Carol and Daryl in the same scene and it's all still there. The chemistry, the emotion, everything. I also think that there's an important story to be told, about people with the backgrounds that Carol and Daryl come from, finding love at the end of the world and at their age. It's something I hope we get more of.

Who are your writing influences?
When I was in college I read several books by Jeanette Winterson (I highly recommend her, "The Passion" is my favourite!) and something about the way she puts words together has stuck with me ever since. I don't come anywhere near her style, but, god I wish I did. Outside of that, though, I read a lot of fic in a lot of fandoms. Anyone who makes me feel something is an influence, since that's what I try and achieve.

How do you handle writer's block?
Who says I handle it?? Does rending garments, moaning at my cats and crying about my lack of talent count as handling it? Aha, see, it depends what kind. If I'm working on a project and I'm blocked at a particular point, I usually try and push myself through by writing one sentence summaries of the scenes. (At one point, part of my chapter for the Team Fluff round robin just consisted of IDK SOMETHING HAPPY WITH TEA). If I'm not working on anything in particular, and lacking for inspiration in general, I tend to watch a lot of fanvids. As another form of creative expression and shipping, I find that sometimes it really motivates me to create something of my own.

Anything you want to say to your readers?
From the very first story I posted here, being nervous about stepping into a new fandom, Nine Lives has been such an incredibly supportive community. Thank you to everyone who reads what I put out there, and leaves reviews, and engages with me. I have made some wonderful friends from this site (Lamp & Liddy, I'm looking at you!), and there's nowhere as supportive, talented, and fun as Nine Lives. Thank you, everyone! :)

and from mikymowse:

What draws you to the Caryl ship?

Honestly, I'm going to  be real about this one. I grew up in a household with an abusive father, so I was naturally drawn to Carol because she had experienced similar trials and tribulations. I found out that Daryl had a similar background and was immediately drawn to him as well (and not just for his good looks!). It was encouraging to see the growth and development of each of their characters, and it gave me hope for change in my own life. I started shipping Caryl pretty early in season one to be quite honest. I think it was the uniqueness of both of those characters and the gravtational pull they seemed to have towards one another even from day one. I have been and always will be a part of the Caryl shipping community simply because I love the fact that two damaged people can find happiness through each other. I want nothing more than to see them happy, and part of that is probably because of my own desire for a happy ending. What really draws me in to the Caryl ship is simply their intimate emotional connection and similar backstories. 

 

What do you look for in a story to keep you reading?

Originality is the biggest thing. No one wants to read a story that's just the different version of something they've seen ten times before. Try to come up with something unqiue. Personally, I'm not drawn to baby fics, but I know some people are, and that can be a really dynamic writing topic. The biggest thing for me is when a writer comes up with their own plot line, but it somehow connects to the prestanding characters and universe. I am also a sucker for discription. I think writing is art, and I love when a writer is able to paint a really vivid picture in my mind or is able to make me feel a specific emotion. I'm not very picky about what I read, and if you have a strong introduction that catches my attention and an intriguing synopsis, I'll likely check out your works!

 

What are your top five favorite Caryl stories?

Birmingham Safe Zone by Rhinozilla

FIve Veils by Argent Gale

Mad City by Fairies Masquerade

A Break in the Storm by silversundown

Embers by Equuleus86

There are so many others as well, these are just the top five at the moment!

Anything you want to say to all the Caryl authors out there?

Thank you! You guys never cease to brighten up my day and entertain me with your stories. I love reading all of your writing and I appreciate the things you all do to make the Caryl family happy. I know it can be tough to finish a story sometimes, but I think I speak for all of the readers out there when I saw we love when you do! Please keep up the great work- you guys are the only ones getting us through the hiatuses and the ups and downs of the shipping scene. We love you guys!