Why hello there, Nine Lives family! How's everyone feeling now that The Move is over? Starting to get settled? I hope so, because we have a BIG day today!

The time has come once more to honor two of our own, so please give a shout in honor of our October Members of the Month: liddym2113 and SuperDeadYaz! Liddy has earned the added bonus of being the first among us to win both Reviewer and now Author of the Month! 

We also want to give a special shout out to untapdtreasure, who every month creates custom banners for out MOTM winners simply because she's that supportive of fandom positivity in general and Nine Lives in particular. You're awesome, girl. Thank you!

Now, onto the spotlights!

liddym2113 - Author of the Month

AGAGSHDJDJHSHSJFKKFJDKS!! Omg! IAMDIE. Okay, okay, I will calm down now. Here are my answers. [We had to leave this part in because OMG cute. -- admins]

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
It would probably be easier to list what doesn't draw me to the ship. Everything about Caryl is what makes it my ultimate OTP. I think what is the most appealing aspect of it is the quiet acceptance they show to one another. It's very much an example of a love that is unconditional. (It doesn't even have to be a romantic love.) To me, there is nothing as reassuring, as soothing, or as safe as knowing you are loved no matter what choices, mistakes, or failures you make. Carol and Daryl have shown this many times over and proved just how they know each other and that is what appeals to me in a deep, soulful manner.

Who are your writing influences?
Gahh! This is so hard to answer. I don't really know. I think, stylistically, that Julie Garwood is someone whose writing I love and try to emulate. It's very engaging and draws you in almost immediately. That's most important to me, I think. I want my readers to be "in the story," and really feel it. In addition, there is a layer of humor in her work that makes it FUN to read. I want my stories to give that same feeling of joy and pleasure to the reader. 

How do you handle writer's block?
I try to write for other pairings (crack!ships). Often I find it helps to release words in my brain in a way where I'm not as worried about reception/perception as I would be with my Caryl fics. It helps to get the creative juices flowing for me. I don't try to force the words if they're not coming. Also, I have very good author friends who will brainstorm with me and bounce ideas back and forth with me, and sometimes that helps me when I'm stuck more with plot or dialogue.

Anything you want to say to your readers?
Nine Lives is the most supportive and encouraging place and home to the most wonderful readers and members! I am overwhelmed by the love shown to the members here, and humbled that I was chosen by the readers here as worthy to be included in a list of such esteemed fellow authors. You all are the best, but just so you know, I liked you first. ;-)

SuperDeadYaz - Reviewer of the Month

What draws you to the good ship Caryl?
What draws me to Caryl is the unmistakable bond they have. They need each other to keep them both alive and insane. Like in season two where Carol helps keep Daryl's humanity alive but also reminding him how much of a good man he is and Daryl saving Carol on the farm. There is no way to ignore the chemistry and connection between these two.

What do you look for in a story to keep reading?
I'm gonna lie I'm not very fussy with what I read for there's nothing too specific I need to keep me reading. But my favourites are definitely the ones with unexpected twists and turns or where you have to keep reading to figure out more parts of the story. The best ones are the ones that you can't put down because you have to know what's next and you scream when there's no next chapter button.

What are your top 5 favorite stories?
Only five?! (Haha I love that everyone has this reaction -- FM) Not sure how to narrow it down when I think I've probably read over thousands by now. I think my all time favourite has to be Saints and Sinners by Hiatus80 necause it was one of the first I read and one you just gonna put down. Winter Heat by SOALovingMom, those smutty one shots gave me life. Rhee's little house of strippers, whats not to love about a stripper au. Contrapposto by darylsdiva1 is one of my current favourites and fresh in my mind because I just finished the latest chapter. When Daryl Met carol is another one I adore at the mintue. My favourites are usually AU's. There are so many more I could name but I'm attempting not to babble to much. (Blame it on me being slightly tipsy as I type.)

Anything you want to say to all the Caryl authors out there?
THANK YOU!! Thank you so much to all the authors out there who have kept me going. You are all such lovely wonderful people and I can't even begin to express how much your writings mean to me. Whenever I need it your fic is here to lift my sprirts or stop me staring at the wall all day. You offer me a much needed escape so thank you very much. And I would just like to say thank you so much for giving me reviewer of the month, it's nice to know my crazy rambling comments are appreciated!