Wow, where did that month go? It's time for MOTM again! Congrats, Stephtron312 and Lamport!

Stephtron312 - Author of the Month

IS THIS REAL LIFE?!?!?!!! I'm blushing so hard right now it's embarrassing and a noise just came out of my mouth that made my dog leave the room. ahhhhhhhhhhhhh THANK YOU!

Alright, down to business:

1. What draws you to the Caryl ship?

In one word: subtlety. Which looking back at Caryl through the years, there are very few things that are actually subtle about these two, but in the grand scheme of the show this relationship developed in such an understate, natural way that I didn't even know I was shipping them until it hit me with feels like a bad 80's ballad or something. I didn't watch TWD until last year, a few months before S5 started, and I was so caught up in the binging and the big plotlines of each season that I didn't have time to notice all the sweet moments between these two. But the buildup was so perfect that when Daryl sweeps Carol up into his arms during No Sanctuary and that darn hug, well, I felt like I was wrapped into that embrace right along with them. I was completely smitten. It's the kind of love story that I fall for; the ones that happen without you noticing it at all.

2. Who are your writing influences?

Oh boy, I have a lot! I read a ton and I always try to make note of things that stand out to me! JK Rowling can tell a story, the Harry Potter series is a masterpiece in the way she weaves plots together through seven books and her attention to detail is mind blowing. JD Salinger, too, is an author that has stuck with me since middle school. Especially his short story collection, Nine Stories, there's just such a depth to his writing that on the surface seems very simple but it's so multilayered that you can go back and re-read them and discover something new every time. But, really, I love anything that entertains me, and possibly makes me ache over fictional characters or a different world and that's what I hope to achieve with my writing as well!

3. How do you handle writer's block?

I feel like I get two types of writer's block. The first being the kind where I know what I want to write but the words are just not happening. I get too caught up in the semantics that nothing comes out at all. Or, I draw a blank and have absolutely nothing left. In the case of the first type, I just try to let it go and write! Doesn't matter if it sounds like gibberish because that's what editing and an amazing beta is for. In the case of the second I like to go back to my outline, or start a new one (I'm a planner through and through, I can't function without my outlines). Or I go to my beta or other writing buddies and bounce ideas off them! Just working through the simple actions of a piece is easier than trying to full on write it out sometimes. But if that doesn't work I try to distract myself completely. Read something else, write something else, listen to music, anything to stop myself from thinking about it. Typically that means I get a great idea just as I'm falling asleep and have to rush to write it down (which I never do because I'm lazy and like to sleep)! 

4. Anything you want to say to your readers? ;)

YOU GUYS ARE MY HEART!!! Anytime I see that reader count go up one, or get a review I just explode with happiness. To know that anything I write has connected with one of you, made you laugh or tear up or even just entertained you for twenty minutes while you were bored means the world to me. I love you all to the depths of my soul and cannot thank you enough! Cookies and Caryl hugs for you all <3

Lamport - Reviewer of the Month

Aw! I am very honoured. Thank you.

1. What draws you to the Caryl ship?

Everything.  The mutual respect and admiration that they show each other, and how it grew over time.  Their patience with each other.  The fact that they are equals, and treat each other as such.  Wordless communication.  Playfulness.  Comfort.  Love. Hot people.  

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

A solid grasp on the characters and their motivations.  Of course, this is completely subjective since my versions of Carol and Daryl are different than other people’s.  A unique plot.  Canon moments expanded.  Insights into characters.  Humour, angst, fluff, I like it all!

3. What are your top five favorite stories?

Well, this is an impossible question.  There are so many gems on Nine Lives, it’s hard to narrow it down.  The featured stories are all amazing!  And looking back through the recs from other ROTM, I see some overlap.  So, I’m going to make my suggestions based on fics from my personal favourite authors that maybe haven’t received as much love as they deserve.  Check them out!  There are more than 5.  Oops!  :P

1. Poker Night by EleanorK

2. What Remains by leigh57

3. Absolution by Lena Carr

4. State Lines by NotLaura

5. The Watch by Stephtron312

6. hold my hand consign me not to darkness by queenpeletier

7. Promise by strychnine

8. Fallen by sweettooth7

9. i can make you forget (all the chaos) by wndrw8

10. Last Refuge by jaibhagwan

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

Thank you.  I know that it can be incredibly nerve wracking to put your writing out there for the world to see.  Thank you for being brave enough to post, because then we all get to enjoy your interpretation of characters and events, and share our love of Caryl together.