lilabut - May Author of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?

They crept up on me. I only started watching the show last November, and then binge watched it all over a few weekends. Around season two, I started to really enjoy the Caryl dynamic, but I wouldn't have said that I shipped them at that point. It wasn't until they were separated and the prison fell that I realized I'd been shipping them all along.

It's a combination of many things for me. I love slow burn and angst, and they provide both in ample amounts. One aspect that many of my ships share is being kindred spirits, which is something that definitely draws me to Caryl immensely. In addition to that, I love the way they have influenced each other's character developments over the seasons, and the unique bond that they share with nobody else. It's something very exclusive and intimate.

Who are your writing influences?

I am actually a little ashamed to admit that I don't read much and never really have. So, I can't really say who influences me. I did, however, read a book in school years ago called 'Effi Briest' by Theodor Fontane (I'm German, so this is a thing we read in class), and something about the writing really stuck with me, and still fascinates me to this day. He had a very descriptive style, and fleshes out even the tiniest details about the setting. While I thought it was extremely tiring to read, I still think about it today, the way he used simple descriptions of curtain colors, tile shapes, etc in ways that tie perfectly into the character development or overall theme of the story. It all has a deeper meaning in an almost casual way.

What really influences my writing is music, though. I almost always listen to music while writing, and that helps me set the mood. Years ago, when writing for a different fandom, I listened almost exclusively to one piece of music, and revealed that at some point. One of my frequent readers back then wrote something that nicely shows the influence music has on my writing: 'This song literally explains every single thing you've ever written.' Also, music lyrics really inspire me often, and play a huge part in my writing process.

How do you handle writer's block?

Essentially the same way I handle all my problems: blatantly ignoring it. I've been writing for about eight years now, and one thing I have come to learn is that it serves me no good to force myself to write. Never once have I been happy with the result of something I forced myself to write in order to update a story or finish a chapter, and the older I get the more I feel the need to actually be happy and satisfied with what I put out there.
I try to do other creative things instead. Vidding is a big passion of mine, and it's so time consuming that it takes my mind off writing for a while. All I can really do is wait to be inspired again.

Anything you want to say to your readers?

There is so much that I'd like to say, but I will try to keep it short. The response and kindness I have received here has been so overwhelmingly amazing, and unlike anything I have experienced before. Writing for this ship has been such a joy for me, and knowing that people enjoy what I write is the best reward for all the exhaustion it has brought (because writing does drain me).

I really feel like I have not earned this at all yet. Still, it's a real honor, and I am so excited about this. Thank you all so much for being so kind, smart, creative and supportive!

fangirl8494 - May Reviewer of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?

It’s such an unconventional love story and we don’t get nearly enough of those on television.   I adore that their relationship is borne out of their being able to truly see one another and all their strengths and flaws.  It’s not a pretty, bland relationship, but a rich one rife with uncomfortable truths and absolute devotion.

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

I’m a sucker for rich characterizations and believable dialogue. If you have those two components, chances are that I will make a pest of myself and review each and every charter you post. I also adore those authors who take chances with their stories. Those authors who continually challenge themselves in their writing and who don’t revert to simply recycling the same clichés are the Caryl MVPs in my opinion and we’re so lucky to have so many of those authors here at 9 Lives!

What are your top five favorite Caryl stories?

I agonized over this list because let’s be real. I’ve got Caryl top ten lists divided out by genre and authors just sitting here on my computer mocking me. Seriously, if you’re ever looking for Caryl recommendations, hit me up! But because the instructions said only five, I went with the ones that make me swoon so much I’m sure their respective authors have considered restraining orders. It’s no coincidence that these five stories are written by authors I consider to be the gold standard. So go read and review everything by them!

In no particular order because I REFUSE!

1. Broken Mirrors by ramblinrose: Brimming with the most fantastic details (Carol’s unshaved legs!), this is one of the most realistic love stories that I’ve ever read.

2. The Wonder That’s Keeping the Stars Apart by Shae: Breathtakingly original and with the most pitch perfect dialogue, this story has just captured my imagination like no other.

3. Watch it Burn by Haitus80: This story just devastated me emotionally in all the best ways and just feels so unflinchingly honest.

4. This is Now by sienna27: I just discovered this story a few days ago and haven’t even had a chance to review it. But it’s a brilliant reimagining of the show with insanely pitch perfect original characters that you will not want to miss!

5. Malevolent by Lena Carr: The idea that there could be a story where Caryl is perceived as anything but perfection is sort of unheard of and this story just executes that premise brilliantly and bravely in ways that ring very true to the characters.

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

4 Things:

1. Thank you. I fell down the 9 Lives rabbit hole when I was stuck in bed for months recovering from radiation. I laughed, cried, and blushed my way through most of the stories on this site and I am so grateful for you all who gave me little worlds to escape into when reality wasn’t so groovy.

2. Because fan fiction is such a labor of love for writers, I think that readers have a responsibility to give constructive input and to do a little cheerleading, especially for first time authors.  BUT if you’ve written something that doesn’t seem to get a lot of comments, please don’t automatically think it’s a reflection on your writing. Sometimes us readers are just lazy.

3. I have to give a special shout out to those authors who write their stories in their entirety before posting. Not only do I selfishly love knowing that frequent updates will be forthcoming, but I ADORE that you are telling the story you want to without reader input swaying you. Ya’ll are my fan fic heroes!

4. And because I’m not above begging in a public space, Daryl + Carol + a ranch setting x jealous awkwardness is my kryptonite! So if anyone wants to write more of that, I wouldn’t be mad ;-)

Happy Smutfest Day, Carylers! Our first round of our 3rd Annual Summer Survival Series has come to a close with a huge smash! So many took up the challenge and it has filled all of us with delight. 

Without any further ado, we present the master list of all our Smutfest 2 challenge stories!

FANFIC SUBMISSIONS

• Pop the Clutch by My Life Is


• Compass by Sira


• Tender is the Night by lovesdaryl


• with your broken heart in tow by lilabut


• Starting Over Together by Starfur373


• 311 and a Bottle of Cheap Wine by krissyg927


• Felicity by Lesoni


• Taking a Stance by marybethorama


• Dream Magic by SOA Loving Mom


• Every Story Has Its Scars by AlannasTara


• If... I Was Your Girl by SOA Loving Mom (McReedus)


• FedSex by ghostofzanarkand


• Trust Me by SOA Loving Mom


• Catharsis by silversundown


• Trigger by CarylBinx


• Full of Surprises by Fairies Masquerade


• Easyby fricks75


• Hiding from the Sex Police by ramblesandshambles


• Cold Wave by ThaliaSandy


• One Last Time by serpetinefire


• Their First Time by mizzieontumblr


• Going Down by equuleus86


• Benefits by kaoscraze82

FAN ART SUBMISSIONS

• Colors of Love by lovesdaryl

We have a few authors who were granted extensions by the admins, so keep checking for updates to the challenge list.

THANK YOU to everyone who chose to participate in our first round of the Summer Survival Series! You're helping us achieve our goal of flooding the Caryl fandom with love, creativity and amazing works during this haitus. 

Its up to #TeamReader now to continue the Caryl-love fest by reviewing all these amazing stories and works of art!

Stay tuned - the details of our May challenge ("Caryl-fying" Season 6) will be announced on Friday, April 29!

Until then - happy reading and Caryl on!

Oh, Carylers. Let’s be honest: it’s been a rough season for all of us. The waters are stormy, the tempest is raging and it is officially time to break out the emergency measures for another hiatus from hell.

It’s time for the NINE LIVES 3RD ANNUAL SUMMER SURVIVAL SERIES!

Indulge me for a moment and allow me to explain the backstory: we started the Summer Survival Series in our first year. FM cooked up the name about midway through the hiatus between Seasons 4-5 and it has come to encompass any and all challenges that Nine Lives’ hosts in between seasons of The Walking Dead. The past 2 years, there was a general plan but lots of room for improvisation and changing things around - it was a little planning, more than a little improv and a general “hey, why not?’ attitude, but it worked for us.

And then Season 6 happened, and the (Un)Holy Trinity of Fairies Masquerade, Ikkleosu and subversivegrrl decided it was time to go hardcore. Seriously hardcore. This year, for the first time, the Nine Lives admins have planned the entire Summer Survival Series from start to finish. Every major event from April to August has been laid out. We culled from our own previous challenge list, new ideas and suggestions from members of the Nine Lives family and have cooked up the ultimate challenge series for Caryl fans everywhere.

Before we reveal this summer’s lineup, there’s something else we need to talk about. It’s part of the reason we decided to announce the full series lineup in advance - maximum planning and preparation time. For the first time in our history, we will be expanding certain challenges to include not just fan fiction, but fan art, graphics, and fan videos.

Yup, you read that right. We told you: Seriously. Hardcore.

So, without further adieu, we present the lineup for the 3rd Annual Summer Survival Series:

APRIL 2016 - Smutfest 2
Challenge Dates: April 11-24
Open to: Fan Fiction, Fan Art, Graphics
WARNING: All challenge submissions will be rated M (Mature) and E (Explicit)
It’s back! By incredibly popular demand (no joke, it’s the single most requested challenge prompt we get) we’re kicking things off and hoping to flood the Caryl fandom with some much needed down and dirty sexy times. Sweet, loving and tender; nervous, gentle and awkward; fast, hard and angry - however you want to see our favorite characters get it on, this is your moment.

MAY 2016 - “Caryl-fying” Season 6
Challenge Dates: TBA
Open to: Fan Fiction
Season 6 gave us a lot of Carol and a lot of Daryl, but not a whole lot of them together. Given how much we got from interviews, behind the scenes talk and more about how Carol and Daryl care about each other, think about each other, blah blah blah, not having them onscreen together seemed weird. It’s a Season 6 rewrite challenge! Challengers will pick from a list of scenes that featured only either Carol or Daryl and then show what happens when you add the other half of our dynamic duo into the scene. What happens? Caryl magic happens.

JUNE 2016 - First Kiss
Challenge Dates: TBA
Open to: Fan Fiction, Fan Art, Graphics
You think the “first kiss” trope has been overdone? Think again. This challenge will run on the premise that every episode with a Caryl scene could have been the moment of their first kiss.

JULY 2016 - Thy Kingdom Come…
Challenge Dates: TBA - pending release date for Season 7 trailer
Open to: Fan Fiction, Fan Art, Graphics, Fan Videos
WARNING: This challenge will include heavy potential spoilers for anyone not familiar with the TWD graphic novels
Based on our knowledge of the graphic novels and specifically who Carol and Morgan met in the Season 6 finale, we have a pretty good idea of what lies in store in the coming seasons. This is our first look ahead to Season 7 and what could be…

AUGUST 2016 - Missing Moments
Challenge Dates: TBA
Open to: Fanfiction, Fan Art, Graphics
The showrunners have admitted that we miss a lot of the in-between moments between characters. So much of what makes our heroes Team Family happens offscreen… dammit. Well, this is where we intend to fix that by focusing on moments we know have happened but never got to see unfold on our screens. 

**Specific details and dates for each challenge will be released over the coming weeks here on the archive and through our social media accounts.** 

There you have it, my ducklings. That’s our summer in a nutshell! We’re kicking things off on April 10 with Smutfest 2, but stay tuned as we roll out more for our crazy summer of fun!

Stay cool, friends, and as always: Caryl on!

Le sigh. 

It’s been a rough season, amirite? To make it worse, another 7 month hiatus looms in the not-so-distant future. 

We feel you, Carylers. 

Which is why the admins have been hard at work and we have come up with a seriously kickass plan to help us all survive the hiatus. That’s right: 

We’re amping up the crazy and doing things differently this summer. This is going to bring BIG changes, not just to how we do our challenges, but to Nine Lives itself. Are you ready for this?

Big change #1: we’ll be announcing the entire lineup and schedule for the Summer Survival Series on April 5. Fairies Masquerade, Ikkleosu & subversivegrrl have planned every challenge from April - August and we’re giving you the general idea for everything in advance for maximum prep time for all our NL family & Caryl fans.

Because we’re not just talking fan fiction anymore...

... but FM will reveal more on that on April 5. 

Stay tuned and stay strong, Carylers! Shenanigans are afoot on Nine Lives!

Hello Carylers and loyal, wonderful, fantabulous members of the Nine Lives family! I'm just gonna be super fast and leave a few things here for everyone:

First and foremost: technical maintenance is done! Everything should be working like normal again, including email notifications. Can I get a hallelujah?! Huge props to everyone on the staff for getting this major behind the scenes overhaul completed at last!

We've made some updates to the content on our tumblr account, so feel free to mosey on over and browse around!

There are a few updates to the FAQ page, primary a new section regarding the Writer's Chats. 

A new challenge is headed your way soon, as ar the April Writer's Chats, so check out the events tab, mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more fun news!

So happy Friday, party animals, and Caryl on!

Greetings and salutations, Caryl fans and Nine Lives family!

Fairies Masquerade presenting, and it’s time to get technical up in here. So I'm just going to get straight to the point.

We will be doing a serious behind the scenes overhaul of and technical maintenance to the Nine Lives Archive this weekend. Sadly, this means we will have to pull the site offline while we work. The site will go down around 11am MDT Saturday morning and will be offline for up to 24 hours. (That’s the max - obviously, we’re hoping to finish our work sooner than that!)

We’re going to be working at resolving the glitches we’ve been experiencing lately as well as reorganizing the database to conserve space. One of the things we’ll be doing is deleting PMs older than 6 months from the site’s database. This will affect everyone, so if there are messages you want to save for posterity, go through your inbox and save them now because come Saturday, they will disappear.

We’ll be posting frequent updates to our tumblr and twitter accounts while the site is down, and we might even host a game or two to help pass the time! ;) The NL Chat room will also stay open during the site's down time for anyone who wants to hang out. So make sure you know how to find us on social media:

• 
  

  Tumblr: ninelives2.tumblr.com

  
  


• 
  

  Twitter: @NineLivesCaryl

  
  


• NL Chat Room: chatzy.com/carylwriters

Onward we go, my friends! If you have any questions, please comment here or PM an admin.

Caryl on!

The Shoutbox is turned off for 24 hours due to repeated rule-breaking. The shoutbox rules are not that hard and they're posted in multiple places - including just below where it says SHOUTBOX - and yet in the past 48 hours we've deleted more comments & issued more warnings than in the past 4 months alone. 

So it's off.

EDIT 3/9/16: Its been almost 24 hours. We're being nice & turning the shoutbox back on a little early. Read the Shoutbox Guidelines & follow the rules, please. -FM

Questions/comments can be sent to Fairies Masquerade, Ikkleosu or subversivegrrl.

Let's hear it for our Members of the Month for March 2016 – NotLaura and mikymowse!

From NotLaura:

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
I've written about what drew me here in the first place before, so lets go with what KEEPS me drawn to these two? Like everyone else, I have my moments of frustration with what is or isn't happening on screen, but every time I think that maybe I'm ready to move on... I remember the moments that make Carol and Daryl so special in the first place. There isn't another couple like them on television. Full Stop. They are both struggling with the world, both trying to do the right things for their family unit, and both so connected to each other even if they're not sure how to define it. I love how, even if they've been apart for a stretch, you get Carol and Daryl in the same scene and it's all still there. The chemistry, the emotion, everything. I also think that there's an important story to be told, about people with the backgrounds that Carol and Daryl come from, finding love at the end of the world and at their age. It's something I hope we get more of.

Who are your writing influences?
When I was in college I read several books by Jeanette Winterson (I highly recommend her, "The Passion" is my favourite!) and something about the way she puts words together has stuck with me ever since. I don't come anywhere near her style, but, god I wish I did. Outside of that, though, I read a lot of fic in a lot of fandoms. Anyone who makes me feel something is an influence, since that's what I try and achieve.

How do you handle writer's block?
Who says I handle it?? Does rending garments, moaning at my cats and crying about my lack of talent count as handling it? Aha, see, it depends what kind. If I'm working on a project and I'm blocked at a particular point, I usually try and push myself through by writing one sentence summaries of the scenes. (At one point, part of my chapter for the Team Fluff round robin just consisted of IDK SOMETHING HAPPY WITH TEA). If I'm not working on anything in particular, and lacking for inspiration in general, I tend to watch a lot of fanvids. As another form of creative expression and shipping, I find that sometimes it really motivates me to create something of my own.

Anything you want to say to your readers?
From the very first story I posted here, being nervous about stepping into a new fandom, Nine Lives has been such an incredibly supportive community. Thank you to everyone who reads what I put out there, and leaves reviews, and engages with me. I have made some wonderful friends from this site (Lamp & Liddy, I'm looking at you!), and there's nowhere as supportive, talented, and fun as Nine Lives. Thank you, everyone! :)

and from mikymowse:

What draws you to the Caryl ship?

Honestly, I'm going to  be real about this one. I grew up in a household with an abusive father, so I was naturally drawn to Carol because she had experienced similar trials and tribulations. I found out that Daryl had a similar background and was immediately drawn to him as well (and not just for his good looks!). It was encouraging to see the growth and development of each of their characters, and it gave me hope for change in my own life. I started shipping Caryl pretty early in season one to be quite honest. I think it was the uniqueness of both of those characters and the gravtational pull they seemed to have towards one another even from day one. I have been and always will be a part of the Caryl shipping community simply because I love the fact that two damaged people can find happiness through each other. I want nothing more than to see them happy, and part of that is probably because of my own desire for a happy ending. What really draws me in to the Caryl ship is simply their intimate emotional connection and similar backstories. 

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

Originality is the biggest thing. No one wants to read a story that's just the different version of something they've seen ten times before. Try to come up with something unqiue. Personally, I'm not drawn to baby fics, but I know some people are, and that can be a really dynamic writing topic. The biggest thing for me is when a writer comes up with their own plot line, but it somehow connects to the prestanding characters and universe. I am also a sucker for discription. I think writing is art, and I love when a writer is able to paint a really vivid picture in my mind or is able to make me feel a specific emotion. I'm not very picky about what I read, and if you have a strong introduction that catches my attention and an intriguing synopsis, I'll likely check out your works!

What are your top five favorite Caryl stories?

Birmingham Safe Zone by Rhinozilla

FIve Veils by Argent Gale

Mad City by Fairies Masquerade

A Break in the Storm by silversundown

Embers by Equuleus86

There are so many others as well, these are just the top five at the moment!

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

Thank you! You guys never cease to brighten up my day and entertain me with your stories. I love reading all of your writing and I appreciate the things you all do to make the Caryl family happy. I know it can be tough to finish a story sometimes, but I think I speak for all of the readers out there when I saw we love when you do! Please keep up the great work- you guys are the only ones getting us through the hiatuses and the ups and downs of the shipping scene. We love you guys!

It's challenge time again, my lovelies!

This time, on the heels of our "Beginnings and Endings" writers' chat, we learn whether The First Line's the Charm.

THE CHALLENGE: Follow this link and click on "Generate a First Line." There's your inspiration -- let the story begin! (Don't like what you get the first time? Honestly, we'll never know if you click on the button multiple times to get something you're genuinely excited by.)

Do you have to use that as the actual first line of the story? No, but your randomly generated line DOES have to appear *somewhere* in the story.

THE DEADLINE: Stories must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, March 6th. Posting day is Monday, March 7th.

THE RULES

• Send a PM to Ikkleosu or subversivegrrl stating that you’re going to enter the challenge (FairiesMasquerade is on vacation until March 1st.) This is very important! If we do not get a PM, you won’t be on the list.


• Write your fic!


• Caryl and McReedus fics are allowed and yes, you can submit multiple entries if you wish.


• Each story submitted must be a minimum of 100 words.


• DO NOT UPLOAD IT YET! Wait until March 6th to upload your fic – just like in challenges past, we will be suspending automatic validation for that day for all authors who enter the challenge.


• Submission Day is Sunday, March 6th– post your fic by 11:59 PM, Pacific Standard Time. It will not immediately appear on the archive, but will enter our validation queue. Make sure you submit it under the Nine Lives Challenge category!


• Posting Day is Monday, March 7th– We will post the master list and all of the challenge entries so everything shows up at once. That way, we’re all surprised by what we get to read!


• Any challenge fics posted before March 6th will be deleted.

As always, direct any questions to your admins. Now go forth and be randomly inspired!

8 ½ months ago, we started an adventure. An experiment, if you will, to determine just how insane we could make a challenge. In many ways, it was sheer madness, the idea of throwing people into a big pot with two amazing characters - Carol Peletier and Daryl Dixon - stirring everything up and seeing what came out.

There were ups and downs and sideways twists every few days, it seemed; and though the road was long, in the end we were gifted with two stories that will stand the tests of time and linger on in the halls of Caryl fandom for a lifetime. Showcasing the most amazing array of talent, emotional depth, characterization and just plain wonderful storytelling…

Team Angst sent us on a whirlwind adventure that ripped our hearts to pieces, hold our breath and skip more than a few heartbeats...  and made us love every second of it with Seperari (dividus).

Team Fluff countered by promising us sweetness and… well… fluff, but delivered a heaping dose of action and laughter as well with What’s In A Name.

Both stories are absolutely amazing, the result of countless hours of behind the scenes work by our incredible teams. From all of us on #TeamReader to all the Angsters and Fluffsters - thank you, thank you so much for sharing your incredible talents with us on this most epic of challenges.

Team Fluff: Ravenesque (team captain), Selbyzipper, leigh57, NotLaura, Stephtron312, munchkin78, LAH, indigo_bunting, meeshie, Caryl Warrior, jaibhagwan, krissyg927, Stellamare, sweettooth7
Team Admin: Ikkleosu

Team Angst: TheReadersMuse (team captain), Lamport, Piper, faegal04, Equuleus86, lovesdaryl, Peonies01, Argent Gale, dismantledrose, TheWalkingCaryl, heyansky99, inallthechaos
Team Admin: subversivegrrl

Each team member will receive a gift, which FM will be sending out via PM to each of you shortly. I would say more, but I’m going to leave it to my co-admins, Ikkleosu and subversivegrrl, who each took on being the point of contact for our teams and were heavily involved in the ride of the Round Robin.

Ikkleosu: Wow we've finally reached the finish line of the Round Robin, I'm sure it felt for some like we'd never get here. Congratulations on a fantastic job by all, but as admin for Team Fluff I have to say special well done to my team. Ravenesque/Megan did amazingly at keeping track of the authors and making sure everyone knew what was happening, with thanks to some terrific organisation help from Bedlinens. She also did some great work brain-storming with authors who were struggling with how to keep the fluff going. And boy did you ever all manage that! All the authors contributed such brilliant chapters, and as a Brit, obviously I am emotionally attached to tea and am so impressed everyone gave us so many feels with cups of the tasty stuff. Everyone should be so proud of their contribution, as both teams balanced the content so well which is amazing given the variety of authors . We've ended up with two fabulous stories to read over and over.

subversivegrrl: One of the best parts about being involved with Nine Lives as an admin is jointly figuring out and trying new things -- in this case, our first Round Robin. Was it a smashing success? Well, yes and no. Was it worth it? I think so. It's been fun - and humbling - being the admin liaison for Team Angst. TheReadersMuse was a terrific captain, staying in frequent communication with everyone and wrangling any difficulties that arose with regard to scheduling, writer anxieties, and any of the other complications that can arise mid-project. The writers went into it with a "clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose" attitude and I think they enjoyed the experience - great teamwork and support for each other when people were struggling. It took a community, but I think that's how NL does it every time!

ALL OF YOU: please give it up and fill the comments with your praise and admiration for our amazing teams of authors!

Thank you for continuing to push us and inspire us. Thank you for being part of Nine Lives.

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. 

As promised here is the list of the best of Nine Lives for 2014 and 2015, as recommended by you the members. 

Hopefully you'll be reminded of some old favourites, or find some new ones that may have slipped your notice.

Thank you to everyone who took part.

(If you want to keep adding recommendations, feel free - just make it one from 2014 and one from 2015 and put them in the comments!)

Link to stories sorted by year

2014

A Love More Than Love by sweettooth-7 (justliketodance)

All The King’s Horses by ramblinrose (erikaskars)

Broken Mirrors by Ramblin Rose (fangirl8494)

Dress You Up in My Love by darylsdiva1 (shinyorangeskulls [heyansky])

Drifting by Noxid Anamchara (fairiesmasquerade)

Enough by EleanorK (chestertonsfence)

Flutter by The Readers Muse (anon2)

He Noticed by Sweettooth-7 (Laurie Horton)

It Started With a Kiss [MCREEDUS] by Three Little Kittens (applexofmyeye)

Know You’re Enough [MCREEDUS] by meeshie (equuleus86)

Lay of the Land by tinkerbell99 (sweettooth-7)

Of a Certain Age by Ramblin Rose (maesgirl)

Reading the Stars by PixieGrunger (anon1)

Road Dogs by Ramblin Rose (nursekris927)

Survivors by UncagedMuse (daisylou2013)

The Lesson by Argent Gale (ghostofzanarkand)

The Long Road Home by tinkerbell99  (lovesdaryl, amalynjon)

Three Little Birds by FairiesMasquerade (onedayyoujustchange)

Tied by The Readers Muse (untapdtreasure)

What The Sky Looked Like by Leigh57 (subversivegrrl)

2015

Arrows and Roses by rhinozilla (fairiesmasquerade, subversivegrrl)

Erotic Reverie by Tennessee Whiskey (anon1)

Friday Nights by Ramblin Rose (nursekris927)

Heyday in the Blood by Lamport (shinyorangeskulls [heyansky])

Horizonby CarolPeletier (daisylou2013)

If It Helps by Sweettooth (amalynjon, untapdtreasure)

Kintsugi by Jaibhagwan (maesgirl)

Kismet by CarolPeletier (erikaskars)

Mad City by Fairies Masquerade (fangirl8494, anon2, equuleus86)

State Lines by NotLaura (justliketodance)

Swaying the Odds [MCREEDUS] by Clare009 (applexofmyeye)

The Sunny Side of You & Me by Stephtron312 (sweettooth-7)

The Very Merry Widow by darylsdiva1 (ghostofzanarkand)

This Time There is No Looking Back by wndrw8 (chestertonsfence)

Thrall by Argent-Gale (lovesdaryl)

Unseasoned Hearts by Englishpoet18 (Laurie Horton)

What is a Soulmate by EnglishPoet18 (onedayyoujustchange)

Carylers, McReedus fans, authors, reviewers, readers, casual visitors, anonymous guests – welcome one and all to the Nine Lives Fanfiction Archive! The first and only archive of its kind in this fandom, geared specifically towards providing quality fanfiction for Caryl fans everywhere. This is where the good stuff lives. 

We started small and have grown by leaps and bounds into a powerhouse of the Caryl fandom. It is thanks to all of you that we have some so far. Thank you, all of you reading this, for being what keeps Nine Lives alive. Those who write, those who read and review, those who lurk in the shadows thirsting for every drop of fanfiction this fandom can squeeze out – you are awesome beyond measure.

Something very exciting is on the horizon: in 7 days, Nine Lives will turn 2 years old! You know what this means… 

CHALLENGE TIME!

Given that it’s our 2nd anniversary, we decided a dual challenge was in order to mark this most momentous occasion. That’s right: 2 challenges!! One for our brave and valiant authors and one for those who simply love to read. 

Challenge #1: Pic-Spiration 

This challenge is geared towards the authors out there! We’ve compiled 24 different photographs – one for each month of Nine Lives’ existence – that we think could spawn a brilliant story from your wildly creative minds. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to pick one or more of the photos from our selection & create a magnificent new tale featuring Caryl or McReedus! 

Click photo to go to the folder and see the images in full.

Challenge #2: Best of the Best

This one is for everyone, but more for our loyal, wonderful readers. What is a fanfiction archive without fanfiction? … I hope I never find out. Too scary to imagine, amirite? We’re all here for the fanfic, so its time to honor those stories hosted here on Nine Lives! 

This challenge is a Fic Rec Challenge.  Hit us up on either of our social media accounts – tumblr and twitter – with your fic recs and a short note of WHY you love that story so much. However, there’s a twist: you’re only allowed 2 recs and you must submit one from each year of Nine Lives’ existence! That means your favorite story from 2014, and your favorite story from 2015. 

Link to Fanfiction Sorted by Year

Got it?! All right, lets get down to the nitty gritty! Here are the details, peeps:

THE CHALLENGES: Challenge #1: Pic-Spiraion and Challenge #2: Best of the Best as described above! Each challenge has slightly different rules & deadlines, so please read the information below carefully!

THE RULES – CHALLENGE #1: PIC-SPIRATION

• Send a PM to Fairies Masquerade, Ikkleosu or subversivegrrl stating that you’re going to enter the challenge. This is very important! If we do not get a PM, you won’t be on the list.


• Write your fic!


• Caryl and McReedus fics are allowed and yes, you can submit multiple entries if you wish


• Each story submitted must be a minimum of 100 words


• DO NOT UPLOAD IT YET! Wait until January 30 to upload your fic – just like in challenges past, we will be suspending automatic validation for that day for all authors who enter the challenge.


• Submission Day is January 30– post your fic. It will not appear on the archive, but will enter our validation queue. Make sure you submit it under the Nine Lives Challenge category!


• Posting Day is January 31– We will post the master list and all of the challenges entries so everything shows up at once. That way, we’re all surprised by what we get to read! Any challenge fics posted before January 30 will be deleted.

THE RULES – CHALLENGE #2: BEST OF THE BEST

• Scroll through the full list of stories sorted by year & pick your favorites


• You only get 2 recommendations total: one for 2014 & one for 2015, so choose wisely!


• Send a submission to either our Twitter account or our tumblr account with your chosen rec and a short note explaining why this story means so much to you as a Caryler, TWD fan, reader, etc.
  
  
  
  • Nine Lives Twitter
  
  
  • Nine Lives tumblr: Submission Box
  
  
  
  


• You do not need to have a tumblr account to participate! Guest submissions are available for the NL tumblr, which means ANYONE can play. If you want to stay anonymous even though you have a tumblr, that’s cool. If you want to include your NL username at the end of your note, that’s fine too.


• Fic Rec Submissions are due by January 23! That gives you 6 days to get your 2 recommendations in. Deadline to submit is midnight PST.


• Posting Day is January 24 – We will flood our social media accounts with all the submissions given on the actual anniversary of Nine Lives. We will also provide a master list, linking to all the submissions received & the comments, here on the archive along with a special message from the administration team.

And there you have it, my turtle doves! 2 epics ways to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. Any questions, please comment below or drop a PM to FM, Ikkles or Subs. Happy reading and writing and above all: Caryl on!

Welcome 2016! And here to kick off the new year are January's terrific Members of the Month -- Tennessee Whiskey and Peonies01!

Tennessee Whiskey - Author of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?

It took me a few seasons to pinpoint what it is exactly, but I think I have narrowed it down to two things - Firstly, call me crazy, but I LOVE a slow burn.  I love that slow progression and I crave the little moments.  I swoon over a look or a tiny conversation and I pretty much die when we get a big moment like the reunion hug.  I'm surprised I'm even still alive after Consumed.  An entire Caryl episode - best thing ever!  The second thing is that I root for the underdog.  Who would have ever thought at the start of this show that Carol and Daryl would become one of the most popular ships on the show?  Daryl was the sex symbol right from the start.  In a more traditional love story he would have ended up with Andrea or Maggie, but they didn't go there.  Instead he's totally in love with Carol (right??) and it's just perfection.  Whether or not they ever go Canon - their story has been and continues to be beautiful and I will watch and root for them until the end. 

Who are your writing influences?

I honestly don't know that I have any significant influences.  I have a lot of writers that I enjoy, but I don't think they necessarily influence my style.  I very much just go with the flow so to speak when I write.  I don't even really know that I have a style yet - I'm still figuring things out.  But just to give you an idea of what I like to read I can throw a few names out there - Ellen Hopkins (if you have never read her work I highly recommend it.  She's a YA author, but I adore her unique writing style and how each story has a twist), Diana Gabaldon, Dan Brown, George RR Martin, Dean Koontz and Nicholas Sparks. 

How do you handle writer's block? 

I haven't had an issue with this yet that I know of.  But I do find that I like to start new things frequently because I have so many ideas and I love the high of starting a new story and seeing what people think of it.  If I feel like I'm losing reader interest in a story (whether it's true or just my perception) I will start something new to get excited again.  I suspect as I write more I might find writer's block popping up from time to time so I will probably hit up youtube and watch Caryl videos and hope the feels get my juices flowing again. 

Anything you want to say to your readers? 

I am honestly in shock right now.  I didn't expect to win this ever, let alone so soon.  It blows me away that people sit down for a few minutes to read what I write.  I am so grateful to those reviewers who take the time to let me know what they thought.  I would love to bestow you all with awards for doing that.  It means so much.  To all of you who voted for me - I don't know how I can ever express my gratitude other than to promise to keep writing and hope you continue to enjoy reading it.  There are so many incredible authors out there and so many amazing stories.  The fact you are even reading what I write is very humbling and inspiring. So thank you a million times over.  Happy New Year to everyone.  May 2016 be your best year yet.  Caryl on!  And bring on Valentine's Day.

Peonies01 - Reviewer of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?

"I cannot fix the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words, which laid the foundation.  It is too long ago.  I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun."--Jane Austen, 'Pride and Prejudice'

This quote pretty much sums up my feelings.  I binge-watched Seasons 1&2 right before season 3 started.  I loved Daryl and Carol's closeness and similar backgrounds, but where I went off the deep end (literally) with this ship was when Daryl stabbed the floor with Carol's knife right before he rescued her.  His angst during that scene made me realize how special their bond is and WTF, why haven't I realized I've been shipping it all along??  I've shipped various pairings in other fandoms over the years, but NOTHING has held my fascination like Caryl.  I think the canon relationship has SO MUCH potential to be wonderful.  I only hope tptb do it half the justice all of you wonderful fanfic writers do them.  Which leads me too...

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

Characterization is the primary driver.  If I can't "hear" Daryl or Carol speaking, thinking or acting a certain way in a story then it won't hold me.  I've read high school stories, cross overs, westerns, sci fi etc. that I've absolutely loved because the author is writing with Daryl and Carol's voices in that setting.  Lately, I've been obsessed with non-zombie AU stories because of my frustration with the show.  But I love Season 1-3 fics with farm and prison stories as favorites.  Another smaller quirk of mine is that the story can't have too many grammatical and spelling errors.  They become too distracting after a while and I'm forced to stop.

What are your top five favorite Caryl stories?

This question is impossible to narrow to 5 because different moods strike and different favorites will emerge. This list is by no means exhaustive and it's not in any order, but I've tried to pick some Nine Lives Categories as a guide:

Oneshot:  In the Night Garden by EleanorK.  This is a gorgeous one shot at the prison.

Season 2/3 Interlude:  Tethered by SamiWammy.  I love, love this story.  I mean love.  Slow-burn at it's finest! 

Season 5:  Arrows and Roses by Rhinozilla.  651 chapters?  All of them amazing. I mean every word is brilliant.  A must read.

Alternative Universe #1:  Broken Mirrors by Ramblinrose. As this was being written, I had a crazy obsession with this fic.  I've read it 3 more times in its entirety since it's been completed.

Alternative Universe #2: If It Helps by Sweettooth.  This is such a beautiful and compelling story.  One of my favorites for certain.

McReedus: All That And A Bucket of Chicken by Three Little Kittens. This is a fun and smoking hot story!  I loved it all the way around!

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

I don't review as often as I should, but I am so grateful for every word you write.  Thank you for writing such amazing stories for all of us hopeless romantics!!  Caryl on...Always!

Give it up, give it aaaalll up for our wonderfully talented and just plain wonderful December Members of the Month: Equuleus86 and Erika_Sakura!

Equuleus86 - Author of the Month

What draws you to the Caryl ship?
God, the two of them are just made for each other. They say we’re all made of stars, and I think Carol and Daryl fell from the same one. When I think of them individually, there are so many little pieces each one has, that the other one is missing. That’s why I can never imagine either of them with anyone else. Melissa nailed it when she said that nobody else shares that relationship. It’s something that only the two of them fully understand and appreciate, and I think that’s a very rare thing to find, especially given the world that they’ve found themselves in. How unlikely is it that you find someone who’s the other half of you in the real world, let alone one where life is extra precious and fleeting? Their relationship isn’t overstated, but it’s blatantly obvious to anyone who’s watching that these two are soulmates, and that’s one of my favourite things about this ship.

Who are your writing influences?
I’m going to be a total bore and say my biggest influence is Stephen King. (Notable titles for me include The Stand, IT, Lisey’s Story, Full Dark, No Stars and The Gunslinger.) The man is just a genius. I don’t know how it’s possible for one man’s brain to house such a twisted, bizarre, perplexing and at times horrifying universe, but my God does he do it well. His natural affinity with the macabre really does inspire me, and I do draw on him for inspiration. He is so well versed in angst and the darker side of the human psyche, and I just love that. Hence my delight at writing angsty things. I find it easier to explore the darkness than the light –but I am a bit of a weirdo anyway ha! Another writer who really did inspire me was J.G Ballard. Empire of the Sun also had a really angsty, dark feel to it, with descriptions so vivid I felt like I was there. If you get the chance you should read it, it’s a fabulous story.

How do you handle writer’s block?
Urgh my nemesis of late… Well, usually, I sit and stare at my screen, typing and deleting the same sentence about ten times before giving up, raiding the cupboards for food and moaning the face off my good pal kaoscraze82. But sometimes, something as simple as changing a word or an emotion in the sentence I’m writing, or having someone think something instead of outright saying it, can make all the difference. When things go the opposite way from how you intended, it sometimes works out for the better. Music can help too – I’ve often found myself having an idea about a fic (or for a whole new fic!) from just one word or sentence of a song. Other than that, try writing something else, even if it’s just something crappy you’re not gonna show anyone. All it takes is a word to unblock your block! *tries to drill this into self!!!!!*

Anything you want to say to your readers? ;)
YES! Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my cold Scottish icicle heart, thank you. I still am amazed and thrilled when anybody reads or reviews something I’ve written. Both my regular readers (you know who you are you gorgeous lot!) and new ones, you’re just awesome sauce. You’re the ones who stay up ‘til 3am and other crazy o’clocks reading, reviewing and pm’ing, and when I’ve had a bad day with naughty dogs and morons a-plenty, all it takes is a thoughtful word from someone who read one of my fics to cheer me up. You guys – you rock!!

Erika_Sakura - Reviewer of the Month

1.What draws you to the Caryl ship?
Well, my friends say that I identify with Carol, lol! (Admin Edit: Don't we all?! Solidarity! LOL - FM)

I love the development of the two characters from the start. Now, what really made me board the ship was the 2nd season, the search for Sophia, I cried with Carol, I adored Daryl, I saw the potential there, and the Cherokee Rose, was so beautiful and the Hug in the 5th! Wow, best episode ever.

2.What do you look for in a story to keep reading?
This question is difficult. Because my biggest problem is that I wanted to read all the stories, but I haven't much free time! I love when the authors know where to go with the story. I love the baby fic's!

3.What are your top five favorite stories?
Only 5? Impossible! There's my list:

Snake by Axelrocks
The Surrogate by liveinadive
Out of the Ashes by Starfur373
When the Levee Breaks by Haitus80
Broken Mirrors by ramblinrose
Kismet by CarolPeletier
Safe Haven by darylsdiva1
Contrapposto by darylsdiva1
A Broken Wing by Starfur373 
Iced Tea and Cigarettes by krissyg927
Act Nice And Gentle by krissyg927 
Good Fences Make Good Neighbors by Booksrbetter 
Our Little Secrets by ramblinrose 
Love Child by ramblinrose

4.Anything you want to say to all the Caryl authors out there?
Thank you! Really! There are so many things I want to say! I love you all!

Thank you for your dedication! You don't know how happy that makes me read a story! You have helped me so much, you have no idea!

Sometimes I get lost in translation, but that doesn't stop me to give a review!

Gracias Infinitas!