Hey there party people! Does anyone know what time it is? ... TOOL TIME!! 

...I'm kidding. (I totally just dated myself, didn't I? LOL) 

It's time to honor two of our own: serpetinefire and marybethorama - our February Members of the Month!

serpetinefire - Author of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
I think the biggest thing that draws me to Caryl is the uniqueness of them. They are unlike any couple we have ever seen on TV. The way they support, defend (sometimes from themselves), understand and are just THERE for each other is a beautiful thing. Each gives the other a sense of peace neither has ever really had in their lives. They are different when they are together vs how they are with anyone else. He softens, uses that voice that he only ever uses with her. She becomes playful, almost joyful at times.  There is something almost ethereal to their bond, something deeper than love, they are to me at least, the living embodiment of what is “soul mates”.

Who are your writing influences?
Some of my influences are: Shakespeare, R A Salvatore and Christopher Moore, Each for different reasons.

My biggest influences are some of my fellow writers. SOALovingMom was the first one to encourage me to write. Halohunter, EnglishPoet18, Hiatus80 and Fairies Masquerade have supported me personally but have also given me a goal, to craft a story as perfect as they have. The Reader’s Muse gave me the gift of bravery. All of these very fine writers have inspired me and shown me that being true to who I am as a writer and a person is the best I can do AS a writer.

How do you handle writer’s block?
To me, writers block is an all-encompassing phrase to cover a multitude of writing issues. Everything from being uninspired, not planning the story all the way through, feeling less than thrilled with what I have written, and honestly being bored with what I have written. What I usually do is talk to one of the above mentioned ladies (I really love them to bits!), share what I am working on and taking any feedback they offer. (the hardest thing to accept is criticism). For the uninspired aspect of writer’s block, I read some of my favorite stories, watch my favorite eps, check out whatever new Meta Sanjamac has written to fix the lack of inspiration. Sometimes I just have to step away and rethink how I want the story to go. If all else fails, I just step away for a bit until I am ready to write. One of the other lessons I have learned in the last three years of writing is if I try to force it or write something that is not true to who I am as a writer, it will not be something worth posting.

Anything you want to say to your readers?
Thank you! I really was not expecting this and you have no idea how much it means to me to be included with the amazing writers that have won this honor before me.

My style of writing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I salute you brave souls that venture into one of my stories. Whether you silent reader, a reviewer or send me PM’s/messages I appreciate every one of you.

marybethorama - Reviewer of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
What draws me to Caryl? I was gone the moment Carol picked up that pickaxe and 
Daryl watched her. I started shipping them with Cherokee Rose and the bus scene did me in. What I love best about those two is that they have brought out the best in each other. Daryl was quietly there as Carol first found her strength and she inspired him to be the man he could be. She saw his true worth and was able to give him something he needed. Their bond is unique.  They truly are equals though they also have helped each other. While Daryl was initially physically strong and able to help Carol that way but Carol had the emotional aptitude to know what he needed from her.  They are each other's person and they are forever Caryl.

What do you look for in a story to keep reading?
What keeps me reading?  I think it's emotion. I want to know how the characters are feeling.  Also the thing I love to read is how each writer interprets the character. It's like we all have our own particular version of them and each writer creates that.

What are your top 5 favorite stories?
This is very hard.  Very hard.  These are not in order because it's hard enough to chose 5.

-Broken Mirrors by Ramblin Rose-the AU to end all AU's and one I go back to again and again.

-Deep Down in the Hollow Ground by Ravenesque-this is a jewel of a story

-Comiconned by Darylsdiva-so much fun to speculate on real events

-Roses and Thorns by Bonnyblonde-because I like to think of Caryl living a long time and growing old together

-Damaged Goods by Hiatus90-one of my current obsessions

Anything you want to say to all the Caryl authors out there?
Keep writing. I love you all.  The best thing about the Caryl ship is the amazing talent of the members. We have 2 of the most memorable characters ever and I never get tired of reading about them.