Here they are - your Members of the Month for August 2016.

Author of the Month: silversundown

What draws you to the Caryl ship?

This is a tough thing for me to answer since there’s so many different aspects to their relationship that pulls me in and won’t let go. They sort of snuck up on me around late season two and then season three. Then it just hit me over the head and I was a goner. I’m a sucker for a slow burn and while at this point in the show it’s starting to be a little too slow, that was what hooked me at first. Then I saw the way they support each other unconditionally, how they bring out the best in one another and how the only times they really seem happy is when they’re together and it’s a perfect storm. 

Who are your writing influences?

I’m going to be honest here and say that I don’t spend a whole lot of time reading published works anymore. I know, I know…I feel some kind of way about that too, but every time I think about getting back on that I get sucked into some fanfic. So lately, all the lovely writers who’s works I read both in this fandom and in a few others serve as influences and inspiration. Some of these stories…wow, better than a lot of the published works I’ve come across. You all blow me away on a regular basis.

How do you handle writer’s block?

Mostly I try to plow through it. I find that if I just start writing sometimes it’ll flow on it’s own. If I try to plot out something in my head and get stuck on it before even attempting to write I’ll sit and ponder that forever and writer’s block will claim me as it’s victim. So, I try to just start and see where it takes me. Sometimes it works, other times I end up with a bunch of stuff I can’t use, but either way it gets the words flowing. Other times I give up, watch some netflix and admit defeat. I’m a night owl and most of my writing is done in the middle of the night, so sleeping on it after stewing for a while can help too.

Anything you want to say to your readers? ;)

Yes! How much I appreciate all of you! This fic writing stuff is pretty new to me in general, I dabbled a long time ago in another fandom but I haven’t felt the bug hit me this hard until I fell for Caryl. Those two have sparked so many ideas that I can't help but want to write them and share them, so the fact that you all embrace those ideas that have turned into stories is pretty wild and fantastic and amazing to me. I feel so grateful to have found this site. It’s become my happy place and I spend more time here than I will admit too. Thank you for making me feel so welcome and for going on these little fic journeys with me. You guys are the best.

Reviewer of the Month: LovesDarylDixon

What draws you to the Caryl ship? 

Wow that’s tough to answer…lol I think what really drew me to them was very early on.  Their first scene really, Daryl's holding the pick ax ready to take out Ed, and Carol comes over and tells him that she can do it.  And then he really just stands over by her, not moving away like he probably would anyone else and just watches over her… Protecting her, but not wanting to at the same time.  I think it’s just their chemistry that draws me in.  The way they support each other really that it’s unconditional, they bring out the best in one another.  I’m one of those that likes a slow burn in a relationship, one that’s built on a firm foundation of friendship, and just love. (Though have to admit the show is moving slow, so that's why I started to read fanfiction :))  So I think that’s what draws me in.  Their chemistry on screen and just that Daryl would do anything for Carol, and vice versa I'm certain that Carol would do anything for him.  It's just a beautiful relationship that the two of them have. 

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

That the story is engaging, and that it draws me in as I'm reading.  That I can't put the story down.  That the story can hit me emotionally whether that be with humor and happiness, fear, sadness, or despair even.  I just like to be drawn into the world that the author creates.  And I've found that on here and in reading stories.  :) 

What are your top five favorite stories on Nine Lives?

This will be a very tough one because everything I've read on here I've loved, and I don't think I can just pick five.  But here we go :)

1. This Is Now by sienna27

2. The Days In The Cedar Forest by sienna27

3. The We You Don't See by sienna27

4. Heart Song by CarolPeletier

5. Sophia's Choice by SOA Loving Mom

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

Thank you all for your stories! And thank you so much for sharing your talent.  I love to be able to come to nine lives and read, and just escape to the worlds that you all create :)