Hello Carylers! The time has come once again to honor two of our own, chosen by their peers as the cream of the crop here on Nine Lives. Give it up for our April Members of the Month: whowhatsitwhich and heyansky99!!

whowhatsitwhich - Author of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
God, I went through so many drafts of this answer. I’m almost embarrassed to admit that. I see something in their connection that’s so beautiful and unique and unexpected. It’s made them better. It’s given them something to rely on. Even though it hasn’t been defined one way or another, it’s real. It’s lasting. It’s special.

Who are your writing influences?
Madeline L’Engle, the author of my most favorite book, for how she uses words to paint pictures. Poets like Edna St. Vincent Milay and Robert Frost who taught me the power of a properly chosen word. Stephen King and his use of setting to not only give a scene a place but also to set a tone and demonstrate a character’s mood. He also showed me how a good opening line can be magic…

The man in black fled across the desert and the gunslinger followed.  

That line hooked me, reeled me in, and kept me there through 7.5 books. My fellow fanfiction writers who write stories because they love  the characters and the relationships and  the worlds and can’t say good bye when the screen goes black or the last page is turned.

How do you handle writer’s block?
As much as I hate to say it, writer’s block handles me more often than not. I read. I ask for drabble prompts. I give myself a goal of writing at least 500 words minimum per day. I listen to a playlist I compiled just for writing. I challenge my friends to word war.  I also have friends who have been there for me when I had to kick and scream my way through a chapter. They wouldn’t let me quit.  Sometimes, I just walk away and turn on Netflix.

Anything you want to say to your readers?
I love love love love love love you!  I couldn’t write these stories if not for you. Your reviews and interest and drabble prompts and kudos…you have no idea how much they mean. Some days, they are the only thing that makes me smile. This ship is not a smooth sailing one sometimes. But Caryl shippers have no equals. I’ve never seen such a supportive and enthusiastic group. I’ve met so many wonderful people because of Caryl and made some amazing friends. You guys have a big part of my heart and I cannot say in words how much I heart you.

heyansky99 - Reviewer of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
Caryl is the first thing I've shipped with any sort of intensity since Mulder and Scully when I was back in high school.  That's saying a lot because I am not romantic in the least and fairly pessimistic about love to boot.  I fell in love with Carol and Daryl individually in season 2.  I loved the Sophia arc and the time on the farm.  Then the bus scene happened and I was floored.  Are those sparks?  Are they smiling at each other?  What is this magic!?!?  I spent a lot of time imagining how that closeness developed.  When I discovered a ton of fanfic that explored that time as well I was totally gone.

To me Caryl is a love that is soul-deep.  It seems rare and profound and reverent.  Factor in the chemistry MMB and NR have together on screen and it’s so obvious I don't get how anyone doubts it.  Plus I'm a sucker for the underdog story.  These two tortured people finding each other at the end of the world?  It’s something that both *is* and something they may not even comprehend.  What's better than that?  For me there's nothing that can sink this ship.  It has firmly penetrated the cracks of my cynical heart.

What do you look for in a story to keep reading?
Well that's a silly question because my stack of actual books is covered in an embarrassing amount of dust.  I am truly addicted to Caryl fanfic.  I will say that if the characterization and dialog seem spot on that will keep me anxiously awaiting the next update.  Stories that make me feel something either for or with them are the ones I reread over and over.

What are your top five favorite stories?
I’m cackling because that's impossible to answer.  It's more like a top 50, no joke.  There is so much talent here it is ridiculous!!  Since I'm terribly unorganized and don't have an actual list here are some I absolutely love that have been on my mind recently.

• Three Little Birds by Fairies Masquerade.
• Landslide by Lamport (and Heyday in the Blood, and Pride, and Home).  You can't pick just one!
• Frostbite by Little Cinch (and Turnabout)
• Stages of Grief by NotLaura (and Fences, and State Lines, and Other Half)
• What the Sky Looked Like by Leigh57
• if I had my way i would tear this building down by queenpeletier (and - the midas light turning your limbs to gold)
• Every single thing that darylsdiva1 has written.  She slays both caryl and McReedus.
• Hey, since we're now talking McReedus - Demons and Untouchable Face by meeshie.

And currently I'm loving WIP stories:

• illuminate the heart by lilabut
• Out in the Cold by Haitus80
• Birmingham Safe Zone by Rhinozilla
• Mad City by Fairies Masquerade

I mean I could go on and on...  This was the most difficult question! 

Anything you want to say to all the Caryl authors out there?
Whether you've written a few drabbles, or dozens of multi-chapters, it's all so important and amazing.  I’m sure there are many reasons people read fic.  Personally I was dealing with a lot of loss and grief in my life when I discovered the Nine Lives community.  Being able to immerse myself in all these fics where these two life-ruiners find themselves and each other over and over helped me tremendously.

I’d also like to say to authors and readers alike, take advantage of the ways to get involved, like the challenges and the writer's chats!  They helped me get the nerve to try my hand at writing and I got to meet and talk to a lot of my favorite writers and really feel like a part of the community.

I’m so grateful for all the writers and the founders and admins that keep this the happiest of havens for all of us Caryl lovers.   And thank you to whomever nominated me I’m really touched by that.