Date: April 09, 2007 08:13 pm Title: Chapter 6
Ouch...how do you make the breakroom scene even more heart-breaking?? It makes me so sad that Jim has given up all hope...
Author's Response:
There's always hope! (Jimmy Halpert...you're our only hope... -- sorry.)
I'll make it up to you, I promise!
Date: April 09, 2007 08:12 pm Title: Chapter 7
man, that is a cliffhanger. . . love this fic so far though.
Author's Response:
Glad you like it! It's all planned out, so I should be able to update tomorrow night, providing real life doesn't intervene...
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: April 09, 2007 08:11 pm Title: Chapter 6
Very angsty, but very good.
Author's Response:
Heh, glad you're still with me. (Now you see why I was slightly unnerved by your review for chapter one...)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: April 09, 2007 07:58 pm Title: Chapter 6
I love how Jim can have that great weekend with Karen and have it all swept away by one look from Pam. I mean, I love it because it's realistic--it's never easy, like there's just one person in the world for you and you find each other at the exact right time...it just doesn't happen. So even though I want Jim and Pam together, I like that you've accepted and even fleshed out the obstacles in their way.
Author's Response: That was the most flattering review, honestly, because that's what I was going for (fleshing out the obstacles). Seriously...thank you so much for taking the time to review!
10 [Report This]Date: April 09, 2007 07:43 pm Title: Chapter 6
You did an amazing job with that scene (that horrible, devestating scene....). This is so beautifully written and, really, poignant.
Author's Response: Thank you so much - I really wanted to write that scene in a way that would evoke the kind of response you describe. So thanks again --
Date: April 09, 2007 07:37 pm Title: Chapter 4
I like your take on how Jim left, especially the box o'lovemomentos on Pam's chair.
Author's Response: Hee hee, what a great euphemism for it!
Date: April 09, 2007 07:25 pm Title: Chapter 3
"All the wasted time and things left unsaid" might just describe everything after "You're really gonna marry him?"
Author's Response:
Guh. That was the most painful (and shockingly spot-on) review/statement I've read in a while.
Ditto that, my sister. :o)
Date: April 09, 2007 07:24 pm Title: Chapter 1
wow. you really know how to aim for the grief bone don't you. I didn't think reliving that scene would be that heartbreaking, but wow. I wasn't so into this story at the beginning (i was like another post-cocktails) but you've added such depth and pathos to their story that I'm totally engrossed now. I also love how you show Jim being genuinely conflicted about Karen, I hate it when he's irritated by her but still sticks with her because he 'fears' Pam. I think it's much more realistic when he stays with her because he thinks she's genuinely right for him or because he doesn't want to hurt her (because come on he's jim) wow, this was a long review.
Author's Response:
Before I respond to your review, you should know that I'm taking the fingers-in-ears-la-la-la approach to your two latest, because I'm DYING to check them out (particularly the "Fool's Bargain" because that's just too tempting a premise). But I have GOT to get this story done and out of my system (*clears throat*) before it drives me insane.
I'm glad that you're finding this realistic. I was a bit troubled (just because I love the show too much and have an unnatural affection for John Krasinski) by the majority reaction to the break room scene (i.e. Jim was being petty, an ass, etc.). I still think it's a situation that's so freaking complicated. I'll admit that I'm a sucker for a) angst and b) a tortured man (why I don't know), so I do like to tap into Jim's fear of Pam (because it just hearkens back to how in love with her he is, when it comes down to it). But I don't believe that he feels nothing for Karen or even that he's consciously aware that she's a human shield - so that's what I try to articulate.
And wow, this was a long response!
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: April 09, 2007 07:23 pm Title: Chapter 6
Good Lord, this is just so PAINFUL. Exactly like glass actually. Because sometimes when the glass shatters in shards so small that sometimes you don't even discover them until days later, when you're wiping your palms on your pants and suddenly there's a searing pain caused by something you can't even see.
You've captured all of that so well. And I really do think that it's almost as if Jim's just given up on Pam. I'm not sure there's a good way to bring them back from that.
Thanks so much for this.
*hug*
cheers.
--Lex
Author's Response:
See, this is why I love you people and your reviews: You guys oftentimes point out things in such a brilliant way that I find myself going, huh...wow.
And trust me: It was a personal mission for me to find a way to bring them back from the edge on which they're so precariously teetering right now.
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: April 09, 2007 06:56 pm Title: Chapter 1
Love this story so far. It's great how you go back and forth with the viewpoints. And of course, the anticipation is killing me! Please post again soon.
Author's Response: The points of view will conflate soon, I promise. And I'm writing like a madwoman, posting as soon as I've had time to edit a few times... Thanks for the review!
Date: April 09, 2007 06:47 pm Title: Chapter 2
This seems very realistic to me. I especially liked the "nightmare of humiliation and guilt" and "the very thought that she'd still want to drag him out tonight irritated him to no end".
Poor Jim! You described his feelings so well; this was great.
Author's Response:
Well "realistic" is the best compliment you could give me, so...thank you so much. And thanks for taking the time to highlight the lines you loved; that's always a treat to read.
Date: April 09, 2007 06:34 pm Title: Chapter 1
Wow, I need to just go right on to the next one!
I really like how Karen wasn't touching Jim and then how she was so angry at Pam...
Author's Response:
Heh, I read that you're on chapter one, and I thought, yeeps, I've got to get this thing finished so Too Late Kev doesn't end up pissed at me.... Just believe me when I tell you that the angst is for a reason. I swear. And it hurts me than it hurts you. Heh. :o)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: April 09, 2007 06:31 pm Title: Chapter 6
Thank you for making Jim's weekend with Karen so warm and loving. She really is a wonderful gal, even if she's not the gal for Jim. Although you're starting to change my mind about that. :)
Author's Response:
Don't you get fickle on me, NEJ! ;oP Hopefully I'll change your mind about that again...because I agree that Karen's really great (or has the potential to be - I think the writers leave a bit to be desired/fleshed out), but she isn't Pam. And I'm afraid that'll be her hamartia, ultimately.
Looking forward to reading your latest update!
10 [Report This]Date: April 09, 2007 06:27 pm Title: Chapter 6
Uggh, this hurts so good. I'm pathetically weak-hearted when it comes to reading angst, but I'm putting my faith in you that there wil be somethig to smile about in the end. As for the writing itself...I've just run out of superlatives. So evocative and sharp, so many well chosen phrases, such a natural flow.
Author's Response:
Listen, I'm shameless about writing the angst. I really love to write fluff and humor, but I find the angst more compelling. (And for some reason, this freaking story will not leave me alone - which is quite annoying given that I have to, you know, work for a living.)
I will say this about this particular fic: It's sort of wish fulfillment for me, because with as much angst as we're getting on the show (and with so much left unspoken), I would find just a big confrontation between Jim and Pam to be extremely satisfying. (And we know they're capable of getting heated with each other - ur, no pun intended - from Boys and Girls.)
So that's what this is ultimately building toward - and it'll pave the way for a resolution, I promise. (Probably isn't wise to give away the ending, but really, who am I kidding?)
Thanks for reviewing! Oh, and BTW: When I finally do wrest myself from this story's grasp, your stuff is what I'm reading next; I'm really interested to see the male perspective on all this in fanfic form. (I will, of course, leave you feedback when I read it.)
Thanks again for being such a consistent reviewer!
Date: April 09, 2007 06:04 pm Title: Chapter 6
Wow. I think the break room scene broke my brain. That was just insanely awesome and amazing and I feel like I use way too many "a" adjectives to describe how incredible this chapter is. As much as the show tortured me with that scene, your explanation of it, makes the pain a lot less horrifying to deal with. Its very realistic, very plausible and just... awesome (dammit, note to self: buy a thesaurus) Keep those chapters coming. I'm just so drawn into this story...
Author's Response:
Well thank you! I'm working as we speak (and your contributions will be in the next chapter, along with a great big shout-out)....
Again, thanks for everything!
10 [Report This]Date: April 09, 2007 11:36 am Title: Chapter 5
the sudden realization that Roy had lunged for him while Pam just stood there, knowing it was coming....infuriating.
This line brought me up short, because I don't think Pam knew Roy was out to get Jim. She had left Poor Richard's before Roy uttered his threat. If Jim should be angry at anyone for not warning him, it would be the camera crew, the only people besides Kenny who heard Roy.
Apart from that, I adore how you have written Karen as so vulnerable and real here. Her conversation with Jim rings so true, and I just felt so sorry for her. Also you do a great job of showing how honestly conflicted and confused Jim is right now. So much angst. This is really great. Can't wait for the rest!
Author's Response:
No, I don't think she knew either; my intent here was that Jim is struggling to cultivate the anger (because let's face it, it's easier to get mad than live with the hurt). The next chapter builds more on that notion of him consciously talking himself into believing he's doing the right thing with Karen, while telling himself that Pam will never get away from Roy. I'm trying to set up the break room confrontation here - because I did not read that scene the way that most people did, as him just trying to be a jerk to her on purpose. I thought he was simply done - just worn out and disillusioned and unwilling to even try anymore.
That said, glad you liked Karen - I try to put myself in her position (because it's so easy for us all to hate her for being the tangible thing keeping Jim & Pam apart). I'm happy to hear that her characterization rings true for you here as well, because it'll be one of the catalysts toward what I'm working for (ultimately) with Jim and Pam.
Thanks for the thoughtful review!
Date: April 08, 2007 09:26 pm Title: Chapter 4
Oh man how I've longed for the question of the never responded to text message to be answered, so thank you for doing it in such a realistic (and highly probable) way! Moving on to the next chapter!
Author's Response: I'd always wanted that explained, too, and I'd never addressed it in a fic before - so thought I'd just do it now. Thanks for the review!
Date: April 08, 2007 08:14 pm Title: Chapter 5
"And in that moment, it wasn't a lie."
Perfect ending line for the chapter...because in that moment it wasn't...however most of the time...
I love the part about Jim thinking everything was going to be perfect in those few moments after the CN kiss...I love that he really would think that.
Author's Response:
That's what haunts me most about the whole post-kiss scene in GWH: the absolute joy on his face, the way he looks so totally awestruck and happy. And when he goes in for another kiss, like he just knows it's all okay now...and she stops him. Guh. (Although I always wonder if it was hard for Jenna to let him get that close to her lips and then stop him. The director would've had to yell at me, because I'd have let him go on and kiss me every time. Heh.)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: April 08, 2007 08:13 pm Title: Chapter 5
Oh no...what are you doing to me??? I almost fell out of my chair with that one...
My Jammer heart is slowing down with sadness. No no no no NOOOOO!
:)
Author's Response: Resist the sadness - just keep in mind that I'm building to something, I promise. :o) Thanks for sticking with me!
Date: April 08, 2007 07:20 pm Title: Chapter 5
Ok, this is very difficult for me to admit, but Karen is awesome in this chapter. "She obviously didn't marry him because of you." HELL-O! Earth to Jim!!! (Ok, so it was more than that, but still, Jim was a major reason).
And this made my heart break: And in that moment, it wasn't a lie. Ow. Double Ow. You make a compelling argument for Karen, which really hurts. "she was brave enough to go all in". You are messing with my whole 'Pam and Jim are MFEO' world. So I am really ansty for the update. Thanks for bringing them so quickly.
Author's Response:
Eee, I'm glad you like her here - I really try to make her a little sympathetic, because (frustrated as she makes me), I think she's just a decent person caught in a rotten situation - the magnitude of which she is totally unaware.
I promise I will make all right with the Jim/Pam universe by the end of this thing.....
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: April 08, 2007 07:02 pm Title: Chapter 5
I cant get over how real everything feels. Everything-the dialog, inner thoughts, and actions are so true to character. I loved how you wrote Jim's resignation and bitterness about what happened on casino night, and his inner conflict between his feelings for Pam and wanting to stay with Karen.
Author's Response: Well that's about the best compliment I could get - seriously. Thank you so much, and thanks for the review!
Date: April 08, 2007 06:28 pm Title: Chapter 5
The only thing that she knew with a certainty that was unshakable was that she was in love with him
This line had me. Just completely sucked me in and made me feel for Pam. I think in many ways it summed up her very existence lately.
I thought you did a fantastic job keeping the Karen/Jim sex at a minimum, while demonstrating that Jim was projecting his desire to just forget Pam- when (as shown earlier) he still can't. Can't wait for more!
Author's Response:
I'm glad that came through (the projecting thing), because I really wanted to contextualize it that way. You are awesome!
Thanks!
Date: April 08, 2007 05:52 pm Title: Chapter 1
Dammit. I have no willpower.
it tore at her; in that split second, she realized with a sickening clarity just what her life had become.
Here's to hoping we get some fluff.
Author's Response:
Aww, beetfarm! If it's any consolation, I've been writing for the past three hours and will continue to do so as long as I can stay up!
Yes, you will get a total pay off, I promise. I'm building toward that big fight/confrontation, and then...bring it on, baby! ;O)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: April 08, 2007 05:13 pm Title: Chapter 5
Love that you're updating this so quickly...when I like a story, I'm a very greedy girl. Interesting that even though Jim, understandably, wants to be alone, he relents to Karen's insistence that they see each other that night. The sense that he's consciously trying so damn hard to follow her lead and get on board with her really comes through here. And I also like that you made his feelings about her complicated...he's not immune. The fact that she's so into him would be a huge incentive at this point. But, alas, she's just not Pam. Kind of insurmountable, isn't it? Oh, and...great last line: in that moment, being the operative phrase.
Author's Response:
Ah, thank you for saying that - immediately after I posted it, I had this moment of doubt about the plausibility of him not taking the chance to get out of it. But I do think he's still trying to hang onto her - perhaps even more so now, though I think it'll be short-lived.
And you said it, sister: He's just not Pam.
Thanks for the review (and the input pre-post as well) -
Date: April 08, 2007 04:45 pm Title: Chapter 5
Guh. Perfectly reasonable feelings for Jim to have, but still breaks my heart anyway. *sigh*
God, I'm such a one-track-minded shipper sometimes.*hides face*
More, please...
Author's Response:
I'm a hypocrite, because I, too, am one-track minded (and I am convinced that these two will be together by season's end.
And I can promise you a happy ending to this one very soon. :o) Thanks for reviewing!