9 [Report This]Date: July 31, 2007 05:43 pm Title: Chapter 9: Running To Stand Still
girl7, you are such a genuinely good writer. I always enjoy your stories, even the sad ones. You have a talent, and a clear voice, and you draw the characters and scenes so vividly that I can see them in my mind's eye. Thanks for all the great stories - more please!
Author's Response:
Wow, thank you so much - seriously! I'm glad you're enjoying this (and the others as well); there'll definitely be more to this one over the next week or so.
Thanks again!
Date: July 31, 2007 05:18 pm Title: Chapter 9: Running To Stand Still
Ugh...my heart! Honestly, this makes my heart hurt. The image of Pam crying in bed while Jim holds her hand...uggghh! You have reduced me to making Michael-like sounds! It's so sad that Pam doesn't even think of leaving Roy. I think it's completely realistic that she can't at this point, but that doesn't mean it's not sad. It will be interesting to see if Pam is right and things get back to normal at work. I don't think she will be, though :-P
Author's Response:
I'm so glad to hear that the image moved you; I wanted there to be a "tender" (lame word, can't come up with another one right now) moment between them, but something that could be plausible. (And I just didn't see him holding her after all that had just happened.)
Re: whether or not she's right and things will return to normal at work...stay tuned! :o)
Thanks so much for reviewing this so faithfully -- I really appreciate it!
Date: July 31, 2007 03:23 pm Title: Chapter 9: Running To Stand Still
Talk about amping the tension and heartbreak! I love the changes you made- they are perfect. It's incredibly sad for Jim, but you just know that things will work out somehow, right? Poor, oblivious Roy... I loved the day dreaming that you have Pam do about her history with Roy- it's like she's gearing up for when she sees him again. Another amazing chapter.
Author's Response:
Why thank you, my dear -- I appreciate your helping me out so much with the structure/flow of this one. And you're right on with the "gearing up for when she sees him again" -- absolutely what I was going for.
You rock!
9 [Report This]Date: July 31, 2007 02:54 pm Title: Chapter 9: Running To Stand Still
My heart's in my throat. Boy oh boy.
Author's Response: That's what I'm goin' for, baby! :o) Thanks so much for reviewing this so faithfully -- I really appreciate that!
10 [Report This]Date: July 31, 2007 02:30 pm Title: Chapter 9: Running To Stand Still
How can I hate and love you at the same time? Seriously. Let me know. Beautiful, per usual. Thankfully I know you'll make it worth our while as you always do. (TWSS? hehe)
Author's Response:
I'm thinking Jim could probably answer that question for you right about now, LOL. Thanks so much for reviewing - and yes, I will make it worth your while (at least, I hope I do!).
Of course, that is definitely what she said.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: July 31, 2007 01:47 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
UGH!!!
thats all i can say. i loved everything about this chapter.
<3
Author's Response:
Yay! Glad to hear you enjoyed it -- more is on the way shortly. ...Uh, TWSS?
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: July 31, 2007 01:21 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
"Will you tell me about it?" Seriously?! Jesus Pam. Are you that drunk or just that dense?! And it just got worse from there. Honestly, are you trying to kill me dead? This was so painful. It took me a very long time to read; I had to keep taking breaks because it just hurts so much. But it's also so beautiful. Damn you and your sublime writing!! ;-)
Author's Response:
I know - I'm awful; I can't help it! I don't know why I feel compelled to write Pam as so horrendously awful to Jim sometimes.... I'm not trying to kill you dead, I promise -- just want to make you squirm a little, entertain you a bit, LOL. (That came out sounding all kinds of wrong and dirty; I apologize.)
Thanks so much for reviewing! I'll be posting the next chapter in a few hours, I think.
Date: July 31, 2007 12:52 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Oh, stupid Pam. Stupid, honorable Pam, who is braver than anyone gives her credit for because she tried so hard to hold onto the dying relationship with Roy, who tried to juggle everything and lost, and still managed to walk on fire. Stupid, stupid girl. Bravery is sometimes overrated.
Author's Response:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Sometimes your reviews read like poetry. No kidding. :o) Yeah, bravery is sometimes overrated...as is fidelity when the relationship in question has long since been dead. (Ur, I think I should clarify there -- fidelity prior to marriage; after marriage...well, like they say: engaged ain't married, LOL.)
Thanks for reviewing!
Author's Response:
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Sometimes your reviews read like poetry. No kidding. :o) Yeah, bravery is sometimes overrated...as is fidelity when the relationship in question has long since been dead. (Ur, I think I should clarify there -- fidelity prior to marriage; after marriage...well, like they say: engaged ain't married, LOL.)
Thanks for reviewing!
Date: July 31, 2007 12:45 pm Title: Chapter 7: The Sacred Geometry of Chance
You do love to punch me in the grief bone, don't you? Oh, sexy Jim with your gruff voice. "Once." Ack.
Author's Response: Can't help it, my friend -- you know me: total angst whore. :o) Thanks for reviewing!
Date: July 31, 2007 01:10 am Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Oh, dear God. I just - I can't even.
*speechless*
Author's Response: Your review just left me sitting here with a stupid grin on my face. :o) Glad you enjoyed it - and thanks for reviewing!
Date: July 30, 2007 08:43 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Gah! Now I'm crying! Well, internal tears anyway. Seriously, I don't know what it is about your angst but even when I know that Jim and Pam have worked it all out on the show, I still get completely worked up over seeing them in a situation like this. It's a good kind of worked up though. Sort of a catharsis, actually. So yeah, I'm so glad you updated today because it's been a really long day and I needed some catharsis! :)
Author's Response:
Thanks so much, Azlin -- happy to have helped you purge your pity and fear. (Isn't that what Aristotle said about tragedy? LOL)
Seriously - glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for the review!
Date: July 30, 2007 07:20 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Another great, angsty chapter. I think both their reactions are right on. I think Pam would be almost hysterical at this juncture-I imagine on some level being with Roy is just one of those things she doesn't even think about and does on instinct, not to mention that she probably thinks of herself as someone who would never, ever cheat. But yet she can't quite keep herself from pushing.... And I think we continually have seen this version of Jim-so controlled and easy going until it all just festers and he can't keep it in any longer. We saw this Jim in The Client, B&G, BC and CN, to name a few.
The angst is definitely tortuous-but it's sweet torture!
Author's Response:
Wow -- just wow. Such an amazing review. I'm telling you, it's uncanny sometimes the way someone will leave a review that just articulates all that I really want to say -- such an amazing thing, honestly. In short: YES - I also think Pam would totally freak out if something like that happened. So, so glad it resonated with you; as I was editing it for the billionth time, I was concerned that it might come off as though she's overreacting -- but I think that, given all that's beneath the surface re: her feelings for Jim (all that she so staunchly ignored for so long), she would absolutely freak out. (It's why I threw in the lame bit about it how it could've been Oscar or Michael -- because had it been [implausible and scary as that might be to consider, LOL], she'd have been able to brush it off fairly easily, I think.)
But also that yes, she's never even really thought about a life outside of Roy -- so to have found herself actually being unfaithful to him would be a total shock.
As for Jim....I often worry that I write him as too sensitive or passive, but then I think about his behavior on the show -- and I'm reminded of all the episodes you mentioned, wherein he's so quick to back off, so afraid of pushing her too far. And while I totally understand why some people criticize the writers for characterizing him that way, I tend to agree with JK (not just because he's, you know, hot and amazing and the man of my dreams....LOL) that it's a fine line between desperation and being just pathetic -- but I think the writers do a good job of writing Jim sympathetically, keeping his suffering and willingness to sacrifice for Pam just this side of pathetic. Whether or not I pull that same thing off is up for debate, LOL.
I'm rambling (sorry - I tend to do that, LOL), but suffice it to say: Thank you so much for such an awesome, thoughtful review!
Date: July 30, 2007 06:52 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
That was intense! It felt like how both of them would react - Pam flipping out and wanting to deny it ever happened, Jim almost desperate, trying to get her to admit to the attraction. Also, so heartbreaking to have Pam push Jim to tell her about the one person he's ever loved...and she doesn't know he's talking about her! How the hell did Jim have the patience to stick around for so long? If I were him, I'd high-tail it to Stamford ASAP. Can't wait to see the awkwardness when they try to move on from this!
Author's Response:
You leave the most awesome reviews -- just saying. :o) Seriously, it's great to hear what particular parts resonate with a reader. So glad you thought it was in character -- I really was trying to go for what their real reactions would be in such a situation. As for how he had the patience to stick around so long -- that's where the suspension of disbelief comes in, I think. :o) I hope the scenario I present will be plausible -- roughly, it'll be a combination of desperation and hope. He's biding his time -- half in denial, half in a kind of stubborn hopefulness that one day she'll find the guts to face it. Because one of the things that I've always found to be most...tragic about Jim is that he seems to just KNOW she feels it, too, despite the circumstances and her efforts at pretending all's well. I think it's simple hope that's kept him hanging on -- again, the hope that she'll eventually wake up and really see it all.
...And up until "Beach Games," I'd have said that therein lies the tragedy of the two of them -- but thankfully, we all know that they're gonna get there, right? :O) (...Yeah, okay, am working on an uber-angsty chapter and need to console myself, LOL.)
Thanks - as always - for your review!
9 [Report This]Date: July 30, 2007 05:45 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Whew! I need a drink or a nap or something! That was INTENSE!
Author's Response: Heh -- I would totally offer you a nice glass of white wine, but.... LOL So glad you enjoyed it!
Author's Response: Heh -- I would totally offer you a nice glass of white wine, but.... LOL So glad you enjoyed it!
Date: July 30, 2007 04:58 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
argh! you're killing me... (but in a good way)
Author's Response: Yaaay! I only want to kill you in the best way possible -- a la Jim Halpert's lovesick, lust-driven angst, hee. :o) Thanks so much for reviewing!
Date: July 30, 2007 04:56 pm Title: Chapter 1: Content to Compromise
I love it. I love pretty much everything you write. Make it a happy ending? Please? Go AU, I don't even care. Please?
Author's Response:
Wow, thank you so much! And I will promise you a happy ending, though it's kind of a lesser-of-two-evils thing: The original arc I had intended (which I'll follow through) involves a happy ending, but no AU. But I'm also going to post a spin-off or additional chapters that'll go in a different direction -- the AU (read: smut, angst, more smut). The evil? Well, the AU will bring the smut, but likely not the happy. So...yeah. :o)
Thanks so much for your review!
Date: July 30, 2007 04:46 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Oh dear, this chapter just made Jim's "I'm not drunk, are you drunk?" from GWH all the more poignant.
When he had her against the wall, I wanted to sneak up, rip her engagement ring off, and chuck it into the pool. I mean, it's so tiny, she'd never find it!
Poor Jim. I bet he's got the Booze Cruise deleted scene look on his face now. Thank goodness we can relive the beach speech in our minds when we're all ready to throttle her for living in such denial.
Off to reread..:)
Author's Response:
Okay first of all: I love you for your first comment (re: the "I'm not drunk - are you drunk?"). I don't want to totally give it all away, but that's something that was very much in my mind as I started writing this, and it's ultimately where I'm headed. I'm shutting up about that, though. :o)
Really -- thanks so much for the comments and for the review; you rock!
Author's Response: ETA: ALso, your comment about wanting to run in, snatch her engagement ring off, and chunk it in the pool made me laugh right out loud! And the BC deleted scene look -- yeesshh.
Date: July 30, 2007 04:33 pm Title: Chapter 1: Content to Compromise
I've been waiting patiently for this update! I can see why it took a bit longer than the other chapters. It truly is such beautiful writing. Your Pam and Jim are so realistic and true to the show, which makes this even more heart-wrenching because I can picture everything as you write it. WONDERFUL!! :) (Poor Jim....)
Author's Response:
I cannot tell you how good it makes me feel to hear you say you've been waiting for an update -- seriously! Because I've been working on this -- finished the chapter itself several days ago, but have been picking at it, editing it, sending it to my beta, etc. Was sooo nervous to post it, and it's beyond terrific to get such great feedback. I'm so glad you're enjoying it -- really!
Thanks for the review!
10 [Report This]Date: July 30, 2007 04:04 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Fantastique! But you know that I totally think that already. The chapter just blows my mind, and the kiss was just so incredible and so believable. Just amazing how you continue to intricately weave the story and words together.
Author's Response: Well it wouldn't have worked if not for your insights -- seriously. So appreciate your input! And your general awesomeness, but that's neither here nor there.
Date: July 30, 2007 03:58 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
waaaaaaaaaaaah. amazing. you are simply amazing
Author's Response: Hee - your "waaaaaaaaaaah" made me chuckle out loud. :o) Thank you so much - for the review, and for your kind words!
Date: July 30, 2007 03:39 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
This story is so incredible. You have captured Pam's panic about her situation so well. I wish we had seen this conversation after the CN kiss.
Can't wait to read the fall out from this!
Author's Response:
Wow, thank you so much! And AMEN to wishing we'd seen more fallout from the CN kiss than we did. I realize it's a comedy and not a drama, but I'd expected major freaking out on both their parts, LOL.
Thanks again for the review!
Date: July 30, 2007 03:12 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Pam, Pam, Pam...how much do I want to throttle you? Almost as much as I want to kiss all Jim's psychic boo-boo's and make them all better. As usual, you evoke that intensity - pain, desire, confusion, love, frustration, despair, all of it...almost too well. And what does it say that I absolutely eat it up with a spoon? And crave more? You are a skillfull torturer, my friend.
Author's Response:
Heh - maybe that's why I love torturing Jim so much in my fic -- so that I can then imagine the ways I'd go about making it all better, mwahaaaaha! (Wow, that sounded really skeevy, no?) And hey, I'm glad to hear that you eat up the angst, because I'm telling you, I could cook it up all day every day and never get bored.
Thanks so much for reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: July 30, 2007 03:02 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Oh. That was heartbreaking. I love Pam but this makes me want to grab her and shake her and scream at her. This is so real too because I could totally see her reacting like this in season 2. Just like Casino Night - try to deny it and wish everything could go back to the way it was.
Your imagery is just perfect - every time I read something of yours I swear I can close my eyes and picture it. Just perfect!
Author's Response:
Wow, thank you so much, really. And yeah, when I initially started this, I wanted to write it as if it actually did happen (a few years before the cameras came) -- because I could almost believe it could've, and Pam made him swear to forget it or never talk about it again.
And saying you can picture what I've written is about as high a compliment as you can give -- so thank you very much! And thanks for reviewing, too!
Date: July 30, 2007 02:43 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Wow, absolutely fantastic writing girl7. I'm glad something finally happened. I'm just wondering if this story is just set before the show starts and nothing happens between them or if there will be something between them and this will keep going. You've set up quite a story. Good luck on the next chapter. What am I saying, you don't need it.
Author's Response: Thanks so much! And actually, I plan on doing both -- following through the original arc (which is not too AU), but then adding an AU ending/additional chapters -- you know, so I can give the people what they seem to want, LOL.
8 [Report This]Date: July 30, 2007 02:28 pm Title: Chapter 8: The Lights Go Out and It's Just the Three of Us: You Me and All That Stuff We're So Scared Of
Whaaaaaahhhhh! Sob! Say it ain't so! =( These two break my heart! Great writing, but ouch - so desparately achingly sad! Sniff.
Author's Response:
I'm sorry! :o) I'm working out a way to make things better, I promise. :O)
Thanks for reviewing!