Greetings and salutations, Nine Lives family! It's that time again, to honor those lucky winners of our Members of the Month contest. This months winners: Haitus80 for Author and sweettooth7 for Reviewer! Woot woot!

Haitus 80: Author of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
Well, I was kind of a shipper before I knew what a ship was. During the second season I would watch the show and after every episode I would have all of these ideas in my head about how it could go so much better for those two characters. The two characters that seemed to actually need one another. Because, face it, they aren't like anyone else. Anyway, I would kind of make up all these scenarios in my head, envolving Caryl. One night I walked into my living room and my little sister was on the computer and I was like, "What the hell are you reading?" And she was like, "Fanfiction." And she told me what it was. So I called her a dork, laughed at her and walked away. Then she was like, "There is walking dead fanfiction and people write Daryl and Carol together." I laughed it off, of course... and then asked my boyfriend to buy me a laptop and I never looked back. I needed to put them together because them being together made sense to me. Their chemistry is what drew me to them before I knew anything about any of this. Oh, and I don't laugh at my sister anymore. But every now and then she laughs at me. lol

Who are your writing influences? I read everything. I stole my mom's Dean Koontz books when I was a little kid and read the hell out of them. It took a long time because that was back when I was still sounding words out. lol I love him still. He's probably my favorite writer. I also love to read anything classic. Harper Lee. Oh man! I had a Last of the Mohicans book that was published in 1903 but some ass spilled something on it. Anyway, I love that book. Umm... really, I'll read anyone that can weave a good tale. I also love poetry. Kipling, Poe and... Jim Morrison. I love Jim. So yeah. I don't know if any of these influence my writing but those are my faves. Jesus, I'm so long winded... And I've cussed. Am I allowed to cuss? You can just bleep out the bad words if you want.

How do you handle writers block? One shots. If I'm stuck on a chapter story sometimes I'll write a one shot and it jiggles my muse a bit. Music is always a plus. Sometimes though, I just get burnt out and need to step away. Far away. And I wait for it to just come back. 

Anything you want to say to your readers? I am amazed by my readers. Most of them have been with me from my very rocky early stories. I hear it all the time. People say, you have to write for yourself first. And you know, sometimes that's true. But I really want to write something that I know my readers will love because without them, I would be hiding in my room with a note book and I would really be writing for myself. I love my readers. I appreciate them more than they could ever know. They have pushed me, infuriated me, made me smile, made me laugh, made me miserable. I love them. I absolutely adore them. I write for myself. I write these stories and I post them, for them. It's that simple.  

sweettooth7: Reviewer of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
Caryl is the most beautiful, unique, authentic pairing I've ever seen on television. MMB and NR have created something so special with these two characters, and I've been enamored with them right from the beginning. Even without the physical aspect of their connection, they're the strongest and most solid unit. I've never seen anything quite like it, really. They're just...perfect, you know? (You know.)

What do you look for in a story to keep reading?
This is an excellent question, and I have no idea! I've started reading stories before and haven't been interested enough to make it through the first chapter, but a month later I'll try again and be completely hooked. Some days I love OOCs or AUs (for example), and other days I don't so much. I will try anything and everything, really, and can really enjoy an author's individual style for what it is (not a very helpful answer, I know).  : P

But I really do appreciate a story where you can tell that the author has put a lot of heart and effort into it. It's so amazing to see what people come up with, I'm constantly blown away by the talent and creativity of the writers on this site. 

What are your top five favorite stories?
This is the hardest question! There is no way I can pick just five, it just can't happen. Maybe five authors? Let's go with that, though that's really not much easier  ; )  There are a handful of new-to-me authors that have consistently floored me with everything they write: Stephtron312, Lamport, wndrw8, strychnine and TheWalkingCaryl. But really, I could name 25 more. (please let me? Please?) (ADMIN NOTE: I told you it would have been ok! LOL! - FM)

Anything you want to say to all the Caryl authors out there?
Thank you!! Your hard work and creativity are very much appreciated. Each of you inspires me every single day. Keep on writing even in the hard times (*coughSeason4cough*), because reading fanfic is the best way to keep the Caryl feels good and strong!  oxox

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Congratulations to our February Members of the Month! Special thanks, as always, to the wonderful untapdtreasure for the custom banners for the winners. Happy ficcing and Caryl on!