As always, we make our Members of the Month reveal their deepest darkest shipper secrets by asking the REAL QUESTIONS and sharing their answers here:

From kaoscraze82, Author of the Month:

1. What draws you to the Caryl ship?

I have always been one of those girls that’s a sucker for a good television romance, although many times I’ve been burned either due to shows being cancelled or the characters going way off balance and ruining the chemistry. When I saw the interaction between Carol and Daryl in season 2, I wasn’t exactly sure what was going to happen between them (mainly since I knew that Carol hadn’t survived in the comic book and Daryl wasn’t in it at all) but when I heard the Cherokee Rose speech and witnessed the death of Sophia, I knew that there was no way I could turn my back on them. They went through something so incredible horrific together and yet managed to come out on the other side of it stronger and better able to take care of themselves. I was fascinated by the idea that through pain can come strength and in that strength comes love and acceptance. Whether or not they get a chance to prove their love for each other on the screen, I still believe with all my heart that they love each other and there are very few characters I’ve encountered who have been able to convey that in the simple yet powerful way that they can.

2. Who are your writing influences?

I grew up being an avid book reader (my mom told me at two years old I used to fool adults by memorizing my favorite stories and flipping through pages ‘reading’ them back) and one of the favorite authors in my household was definitely Stephen King, although I didn’t get into him until much later because I was a huge scaredy cat. I try to pull the essence of his storytelling into my own work in hopes that it will bring the reader into that moment with me. I also adore JK Rowling and, despite being in my early 20’s when I discovered the books, found myself being transformed back into a child again at the absolutely magical adventure she took me through for those seven years. I also love an up-and-coming YA author named Jennifer L. Armentrout, who never seems to run out of ideas for stories and who makes her female lead characters strong and witty at the same time.

3. How do you handle writer’s block?

The simple answer to that is that I really don’t. Like everyone else, I come across it a fair amount, and find that the only way to really get rid of it and allow my creativity to flow again is to step away from writing until I feel the ideas starting to flow again. I started writing Caryl fic back in 2013 when I was not working a full time job so I had lots of time to sit around and just think about stuff. Now back in the working field it can be tough to even find the time to entertain the notion of writing but I find that if I set time aside to write I usually set myself up for failure. I went through a period of almost a year before I finally felt ready to start typing again, but I try to start with small ideas and work my way up. Doing the last three challenges really helped get my creative juices flowing again for sure, and now I have an idea for a new story as well, which is great!

4. Anything you want to say to your readers?

As always, thank you for all the kind words and support you’ve given me over these last three years. If I hadn’t found this ship and the lifelong friends I’ve made in it (including the woman who took me in and gave me a new lease on life) I don’t know where I would be right now. Despite the messy shipping wars and general annoyance at the writing on the show, this has been a good place for me and I’m so grateful to have gotten to know so many of you and share this experience together!

From faegal04, Reviewer of the Month:

1. What draws you to the Caryl ship?

There is so much about Caryl that I adore. They are two people who up until the world ended had been dealt very bad hands. They gravitated towards each other because they both can see the person who was hurt and treated badly, and they want to remind the other that they do matter in the world. I could go on an on, but I will stop now :-)

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

There are so many different things that I look for. The plot is a major one for me! If the author can pull me in with just a brief summary, I am hooked! I have found that I prefer the AU world for Carol and Daryl to meet in and find each other.

3. What are your top five favorite stories?

This is a hard one! There are so many fabulous writers on this site but I will try to narrow it down :-)

Mad City by Fairies Masquerade

9 Lives by AffairWithACrossbow (this was actually the very 1st Fanfic I had ever read)

When the Levee Breaks by Haitus80

Wayward Sons by halohunter89

Demons by SOA Loving Mom

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

Thank you so much for the stories you share with us! Sometimes it can be hard to write something and put it out there for other people to read. Some may like what we write and some won't -so be sure to write what you want and not worry about the ones who don't like it! Also I know we have had a rough past season but I truly believe that Caryl will happen, so don't give up hope! Caryl is endgame!