Date: August 03, 2007 07:15 pm Title: Chapter 6
I really liked this story. You did a very good job of presenting Karen in a three-dimensional, sympathetic way.
Date: April 22, 2007 05:33 pm Title: Chapter 6
Excellent. Loved the Karen backstory, and how's she's not a bitch about the Jim/Pam thing- she's way too classy for that. Great job.
Date: March 08, 2007 09:59 pm Title: Chapter 6
wonderfully well written I'm smitten with your karen prov and take on her past and character. The car ride... so good.
Author's Response: Smitten is my #1 favorite word in the whole world. you rock. THANK YOU. thank you. :)
Date: March 07, 2007 09:28 pm Title: Chapter 6
I actually really like that this is about Karen, and not Jim and Pam.
It's kinda of tragic, but not kinda of like...burning down an old building in order to be able to build a new one in it's place.
Thank you.
cheers.
--Lex
Author's Response: Thanks Lex! That is the kind of tone I was going for. I just started reading your most recent story and I've been meaning to review. I really like it so far!
10 [Report This]Date: March 07, 2007 03:28 pm Title: Chapter 6
What a thoughtfully crafted ending with so many insightful lines - "So now she’s trying to figure out a way to secure her role in their story as neither the tragic supporting heroine or the ill fated mistake. Watching their faces, the radiance that comes from truth, she suspects she would feel best if she could erase herself altogether." and "Every night the sounds invade her slumber until finally the once haunting memory of footsteps on the stairs fades and footsteps blurs into her dreams as waves in the ocean." I'm glad Karen was able to move on with dignity and strength as she re-discovered herself. Really enjoyed this and although I'm sorry to see it end, I look forward to your next story!
Author's Response: Thank you for this review!! I love that you have picked out the lines that resonated with you. I always end up wondering what translated well and what didn't and it means so much to me that you spent the time to pick those things out. Thanks for reading!
Date: March 07, 2007 11:27 am Title: Chapter 6
You've written a really compelling Karen here -- neither the noble martyr nor the pitable fool. This line sums it up so well: That car ride was the most honest self she’s been in awhile and she decides she means it when she thinks she is done serving herself up as the victim.
Now to have this happen on the show. (I'm not too demanding here, am I?)
Author's Response: Thanks so much lisahoo! Definitely not too demanding. If we will it, it will happen. Right? Here's hoping..
Date: March 07, 2007 11:09 am Title: Chapter 6
I didn't really get the very last line (footsteps, footsteps, waves) or the absentmindedly lazy rubberband. I love the finally! and the suddenly! - I think you could just start that sentence with "It manages to be both..." and it would work as well, and not cause me to think "hey, what the heck IS an absentmindedly lazy rubberband, anyway?"
The 1st sentence is such a great start; I especially like the nervous glances and flushed cheeks. This sentence made me fill in the background that Pam didn't make a big confession of love to Jim, since I would think that would have led to a pretty quickly bonded couple (I'm coining the phrase "full frontal dating"), rather than tentative steps. I could definitely see either thing happening and being in character, and I really like how you described it.
I enjoyed your tale.
Feel free to write more fanfic.
I will still review.
Author's Response:
Those are great comments! I have tried to tweak both lines so it better conveys what I was trying to get across. I really appreciate your honesty!
Thanks for all your reviews. I've really appreciated them along the way. I'll watch out for you in the future. :)
8 [Report This]Date: March 07, 2007 10:30 am Title: Chapter 6
"It is during this self imposed solitude that she realizes how little she knows the rest of the office, how little she has bothered to know them before."
This is such a great observation and seems not only indicative of Karen in the office but also Karen in relation to Jim. Great job with this piece!
Author's Response: Thank you! There are so many little ways I just don't see them as truly compatible and I'm glad that line worked for you. I love how Pam and Jim are so much the heart of the office, not just in their romance but as people. Like Pam may not always like these people but you can tell she genuinely cares about them, as seen in her odd little "friendship" (if that's the right word) with Angela. Thanks for the review Sharky!!
Date: March 05, 2007 08:15 pm Title: Chapter 1
Me again.
They discuss casual Fridays on one of the commentaries, I think. Possibly the one where they talk about the fun jeans. It was one of those things that was mentioned and never continues (like the "annual" events we only see once).
When Jim and Pam tricked Dwight into thinking Thursday was Friday, on the ACTUAL Friday (when Dwight came in after noon), no one was casual.
Sorry if reviewing is the wrong way to tell you this: I don't know another way...
Author's Response:
BUT I WANT FUN JEANS!!! Yeah you are totally right, there was no casual wear that episode. I'm completely impressed and a little sheepish by your superior office episode recall skills. I'm ashamed. Clearly I'm overdue for a dvd rewatching. Oooh also, I think my next fic will be about what happened to casual fridays.
I should probably put my email in my profile or something but for now this worked. It is too cloudy out for smoke signals. Thank you!!
10 [Report This]Date: March 05, 2007 03:12 pm Title: Chapter 5
I love, love LOVE this story. I can't believe it's only your third one - you truly have quite a talent for this! Every chapter has been amazing. You created a great backstory for Karen, so believeable and appropriate to what we know and what has happened. And the conversation they had in the car coming back from the party was just perfect. So many great lines. I especially loved these 2 from this chapter -
"She’s debating the meaning of ending, trying to make it sound a little less like failure and a little more like progress. It might just be the end of the first bottle feeling but its actually almost working." and "She suspects he doesn’t need something different, never did, he just needs what he always almost had."
I am a true Jammer and can't wait for Karen to leave, but your story has really humanized her (not sure that is the word I need) and made me truly feel so sorry for the siutation she finds herself in. This is definitely going into my favorites! Can't wait to read the next chapter.
Author's Response:
Wow. (/Jim. Clearly.) This review was just what I needed and I can't express how amazing it was to read. Thank you so SO much! There have been a couple of times when I've almost been tempted to let the story slide and it means a lot to me to know that you are following along and enjoying it! I completely love Jim/Pam but I was surprised by the people willing to blame Karen for their setbacks, even going so far as to villify her a bit. I'm ready for her part in their story to be over but to me she is just a girl who got in the wrong relationship and is too flawed herself to handle it any better. I'm happy just to have anyone else consider that.
Also, I'm so glad to know you liked the line, "She suspects he doesn’t need something different, never did, he just needs what he always almost had." It was actually one of the first lines I wrote of the entire story! Thanks again for reading and for the review!!
Date: March 05, 2007 09:28 am Title: Chapter 5
No haiku request.
So I will not write in it.
It takes way too long.
I continue to enjoy this. I love this: "and now, apparently the whole office is worried for my safety. Which is just awesome.” I could picture Jim saying that. I love the whole phone buzzing texting going on in the prior chapter.
I enjoy the last kiss description and the taste of regret, as well as Karen drinking wine in her underwear in the dark. (Wow, I hope this was all a Friday night; I think we're all assuming it was. They all need the weekend to sober up and avoid the aftermath for a few days.) I really like the last sentence about Jim needing what he always almost had.
I look forward to the next chapter and have enjoyed getting a possible background of Karen's mindset. Hey, is this the day on Lost when we do Karen's backstory?
Oh, and you can't scare me off by liking my former haiku review - I'm glad you did.
Author's Response:
I can't thank you enough for your consistent reviewing. Seriously, it really helps to motivate me and it means a lot! Thanks!!
I'm split on the Friday thing, because doesn't the office have casual Fridays? I see no casual attire. I want fun!jeans. but I really can't imagine it being any other day of the week. It would be great though if we had a scene of the next day and you see that the entire office has called in sick. Mental health days all around...
Date: March 05, 2007 08:58 am Title: Chapter 4
"The Big Lebowski" and the coconut army just floored me, here. Hee!
Author's Response: Haha yay! Thanks :)
Author's Response: Oh also, I love your bookmarks..
Date: March 02, 2007 08:28 am Title: Chapter 4
You are demanding.
Who knew I could write haiku.
It surprises me.
I still enjoy this.
These two are not doing well.
They should break up soon.
Author's Response: Wow I don't think I've ever liked anyone more than I like you in this very moment. Please don't be scared. Seriously, awesome haiku. I really appreciate you reviewing!! And don't worry, there are two chapters left. I'm pretty sure we all suspect where this is headed.
Date: March 02, 2007 06:16 am Title: Chapter 4
i love this. you actually make me feel bad for Karen. my heart breaks for her situation. she just got stuck in the middle of something bigger. and they're being so honest! it's wonderful!
Author's Response: aww yay! Thank you so much! That is exactly what I am going for and I'm so glad to read that it is coming across. For all of its problems their relationship has been so mature in so many ways and I like to think that even in the heat of conflict they wouldn't lose that. Thanks for reviewing!
Date: March 02, 2007 05:30 am Title: Chapter 4
this is really great. i especially liked the desert island flashback what a great way to tie the two scenes together. i can't wait to read more.
Author's Response: Thank you! I've always wanted to write a backstory for the Bridget Jones' dvd. I have the last two chapters almost done! I just want to finish tweaking before I put them up.
Date: March 02, 2007 03:44 am Title: Chapter 4
I've been following this story, but realize I've never reviewed. Really enjoying it - I like that you gave Karen some backstory (makes her more accessible/sympathetic than even on the show.) And your Jim seems very Jim-ish - especially like their desert island convo (coconut army was too funny.) And how subtle, but clear it was when he explains his situation with Pam simply by saying It wasn't just a kiss. Looking forward to more.
Author's Response:
And your Jim seems very Jim-ish
That's the greatest compliment ever and very kind. Thanks so much for this review Colette!!
Date: February 28, 2007 07:32 pm Title: Chapter 3
there definitely needs to be more of this. i really like your characterization. everything seems realistic and not rushed. i can't wait to read more.
Author's Response: Thanks! For me all these characters get so caught up in the drawn out that it is hard to write a story in which their actions are anything but. I don't want to rush them to a happy ending I feel like the story hasn't taken them to yet. But its coming at somepoint! Thanks for the review
Date: February 28, 2007 12:27 am Title: Chapter 3
Yes, please keep going. It not only seems realistic, but I'm verrry (/Jim) interested in what happens next.
Author's Response: Yes! Thanks:) I have the next two chapters almost done so I promise to have them up soon. I'm just saying, I think its time for a little courage and honesty from everyone.
Date: February 27, 2007 11:09 pm Title: Chapter 1
it's good! is it realistic? well depends on who is texting Jim, if it's Pam I doubt he'd turn off the phone and throw it in the backseat. He just seems to care about her too much as a person to not be there for her in her time of need. But I can totally see Jim wanting to clear the air with Karen over her exes. Oh but I still hate her though, sorry can't help it.
Author's Response: Thanks for your comments! I see what you are saying so I made some tweaks to clarify my concept. In my mind they are stuck in the car on this long drive so there is really no way Jim could be there for Pam right now, regardless of whether he wants to be. For me the Karen/Jim conversation has to occur before the Jim/Pam conversation and I am acting on the assumption that Jim, being aware of what has happened that night, is forcing himself into a conversation with Karen about their relationship so that he can take stock before he tells her what happened in Scranton.
Date: February 23, 2007 09:26 pm Title: Chapter 2
Yikes! You've made this fit really well - she was joking, but not really... ooh. Please do keep going; I will keep reading.
Author's Response: I'm so glad you agree! I totally don't buy that she was completely kidding or lying. Thanks for reading and double thanks for reviewing!
Date: February 23, 2007 02:21 pm Title: Chapter 2
keep going! I want to read Karen fic. I do. [/Angela]. Moreover, I want to read YOUR Karen fic :)
Author's Response: That was totally what I needed to hear. You are my favorite. Thanks!!
Date: February 23, 2007 12:58 pm Title: Chapter 2
good stuff. i'd like to read some more.
Author's Response: That is good to know. Thanks so much!
Date: February 23, 2007 11:31 am Title: Chapter 2
wow. it is interesting. like, yeah. interesting. it makes me think of karen differently. i think she is growing on me, so don't feel like hatred to her any more.
write more if you want to, cause i will read it
Author's Response: Great. Thanks!
Date: February 22, 2007 09:29 am Title: Chapter 1
sdafjsdklfasdf. Seriously. This is some great insight into Karen, and a completely plausible backstory. I love this: She doesn’t want to be a catalyst or a roadblock.. And you wrote the dysfunction between her and the ex so well!
Author's Response: Seriously thank you so so much. I can never decide if people want to read Karen fic at all but I can't seem to stop writing it! Unfortunately I totally identify with Karen (totally sucks) and I feel like there has to be something a little dark in her history to explain her behavior. Thanks for the review!
8 [Report This]Date: February 21, 2007 05:33 pm Title: Chapter 1
YAY Karen fic. Always love when people invest background for her that feels real and reflects what we've seen of her on the show. She's her own person, and has her own things going on outside of the Jim/Pam mess--loved your exploration of what that could be.
Author's Response: Thanks!! I refuse to let her be crazy and jealous just for jam plot development sake, you know? Thanks for the review!