lilabut - May Author of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?

They crept up on me. I only started watching the show last November, and then binge watched it all over a few weekends. Around season two, I started to really enjoy the Caryl dynamic, but I wouldn't have said that I shipped them at that point. It wasn't until they were separated and the prison fell that I realized I'd been shipping them all along.

It's a combination of many things for me. I love slow burn and angst, and they provide both in ample amounts. One aspect that many of my ships share is being kindred spirits, which is something that definitely draws me to Caryl immensely. In addition to that, I love the way they have influenced each other's character developments over the seasons, and the unique bond that they share with nobody else. It's something very exclusive and intimate.

Who are your writing influences?

I am actually a little ashamed to admit that I don't read much and never really have. So, I can't really say who influences me. I did, however, read a book in school years ago called 'Effi Briest' by Theodor Fontane (I'm German, so this is a thing we read in class), and something about the writing really stuck with me, and still fascinates me to this day. He had a very descriptive style, and fleshes out even the tiniest details about the setting. While I thought it was extremely tiring to read, I still think about it today, the way he used simple descriptions of curtain colors, tile shapes, etc in ways that tie perfectly into the character development or overall theme of the story. It all has a deeper meaning in an almost casual way.

What really influences my writing is music, though. I almost always listen to music while writing, and that helps me set the mood. Years ago, when writing for a different fandom, I listened almost exclusively to one piece of music, and revealed that at some point. One of my frequent readers back then wrote something that nicely shows the influence music has on my writing: 'This song literally explains every single thing you've ever written.' Also, music lyrics really inspire me often, and play a huge part in my writing process.

How do you handle writer's block?

Essentially the same way I handle all my problems: blatantly ignoring it. I've been writing for about eight years now, and one thing I have come to learn is that it serves me no good to force myself to write. Never once have I been happy with the result of something I forced myself to write in order to update a story or finish a chapter, and the older I get the more I feel the need to actually be happy and satisfied with what I put out there.
I try to do other creative things instead. Vidding is a big passion of mine, and it's so time consuming that it takes my mind off writing for a while. All I can really do is wait to be inspired again.

Anything you want to say to your readers?

There is so much that I'd like to say, but I will try to keep it short. The response and kindness I have received here has been so overwhelmingly amazing, and unlike anything I have experienced before. Writing for this ship has been such a joy for me, and knowing that people enjoy what I write is the best reward for all the exhaustion it has brought (because writing does drain me).

I really feel like I have not earned this at all yet. Still, it's a real honor, and I am so excited about this. Thank you all so much for being so kind, smart, creative and supportive!

fangirl8494 - May Reviewer of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?

It’s such an unconventional love story and we don’t get nearly enough of those on television.   I adore that their relationship is borne out of their being able to truly see one another and all their strengths and flaws.  It’s not a pretty, bland relationship, but a rich one rife with uncomfortable truths and absolute devotion.

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

I’m a sucker for rich characterizations and believable dialogue. If you have those two components, chances are that I will make a pest of myself and review each and every charter you post. I also adore those authors who take chances with their stories. Those authors who continually challenge themselves in their writing and who don’t revert to simply recycling the same clichés are the Caryl MVPs in my opinion and we’re so lucky to have so many of those authors here at 9 Lives!

What are your top five favorite Caryl stories?

I agonized over this list because let’s be real. I’ve got Caryl top ten lists divided out by genre and authors just sitting here on my computer mocking me. Seriously, if you’re ever looking for Caryl recommendations, hit me up! But because the instructions said only five, I went with the ones that make me swoon so much I’m sure their respective authors have considered restraining orders. It’s no coincidence that these five stories are written by authors I consider to be the gold standard. So go read and review everything by them!

In no particular order because I REFUSE!

1. Broken Mirrors by ramblinrose: Brimming with the most fantastic details (Carol’s unshaved legs!), this is one of the most realistic love stories that I’ve ever read.

2. The Wonder That’s Keeping the Stars Apart by Shae: Breathtakingly original and with the most pitch perfect dialogue, this story has just captured my imagination like no other.

3. Watch it Burn by Haitus80: This story just devastated me emotionally in all the best ways and just feels so unflinchingly honest.

4. This is Now by sienna27: I just discovered this story a few days ago and haven’t even had a chance to review it. But it’s a brilliant reimagining of the show with insanely pitch perfect original characters that you will not want to miss!

5. Malevolent by Lena Carr: The idea that there could be a story where Caryl is perceived as anything but perfection is sort of unheard of and this story just executes that premise brilliantly and bravely in ways that ring very true to the characters.

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

4 Things:

1. Thank you. I fell down the 9 Lives rabbit hole when I was stuck in bed for months recovering from radiation. I laughed, cried, and blushed my way through most of the stories on this site and I am so grateful for you all who gave me little worlds to escape into when reality wasn’t so groovy.

2. Because fan fiction is such a labor of love for writers, I think that readers have a responsibility to give constructive input and to do a little cheerleading, especially for first time authors.  BUT if you’ve written something that doesn’t seem to get a lot of comments, please don’t automatically think it’s a reflection on your writing. Sometimes us readers are just lazy.

3. I have to give a special shout out to those authors who write their stories in their entirety before posting. Not only do I selfishly love knowing that frequent updates will be forthcoming, but I ADORE that you are telling the story you want to without reader input swaying you. Ya’ll are my fan fic heroes!

4. And because I’m not above begging in a public space, Daryl + Carol + a ranch setting x jealous awkwardness is my kryptonite! So if anyone wants to write more of that, I wouldn’t be mad ;-)