10 [Report This]Date: February 07, 2008 04:48 pm Title: Chapter 1
This story was amazing, Colette.
"For just a brief second, he feels almost happy. Or at least not unhappy. Maybe the absence of unhappiness is the new happy."
I think this line really sums Jim up. Just a general neutrality, that's not always contentness. It's really beautiful how you've laid it out here. I also like how you never flat out mentioned Pam, but she was still so present.
Author's Response: That's how I saw S3 Jim - trying so desperately to convince himself to be that other guy and let go of 'childish' ideas about happiness, love, connection, etc. And thanks for the comment re: Pam - I think she always was this dull ache he tried to ignore, not to 'name', but of course couldn't. Thanks much, I Still Believe!
10 [Report This]Date: February 07, 2008 04:35 pm Title: Chapter 1
Oh, Colette, Colette, Colette. DAMN. I saw "Jim/Karen" and winced a bit, but then I saw your name and said, "Well, she knows what she's doing." I'm so happy I read this. The insight and tone were simply incredible, and I loved every word of this. In fact, I've got to cite a passage that literally made lean forward as I was reading...
He thinks about burnt hot dogs and s'mores washed down with bug juice (flavor: red) at summer camp when he was a kid. He thinks about eating this insanely good Chinese noodle thing straight from the carton while sitting on his sofa watching a game, on the rare nights he gets to himself these days. Sometimes if there's no new game on, he watches an old one on ESPN Classics. It's a little crazy--despite already knowing the outcome, he finds himself hoping his team will win. Even when he knows how badly they've already lost. He thinks of grilled cheese sandwiches on the roof.
DAMN. So telling, and so much emotion packed into such a lovely, perfect paragraph. And don't get me started on when Jim "thinks about abandon," 'cause we'd be here all night and Lost is coming on soon. ;-)
Wonderful work, my friend. Perfect. -CH
Author's Response: I'm flattered you took a chance - and that you weren't disappointed. Also pleased this hit the right tone for you - I really wanted it to create a mood, so that's great to hear. Thanks Becky - and hope you didn't miss Lost ;-)
Date: February 07, 2008 04:33 pm Title: Chapter 1
Still playing in the S3 traffic, eh?
I think this sums up the difference between what Jim want and what he has: Where there’s impulse – messy and imperfect - instead of technique.
Perhaps simple is the new complicated? Beautifully done, as always.
Author's Response: Yup, just can't leave S3 alone - I'm such a misery guts (btw, my husband claims I'm the only person under 90 who uses that expression. So very hip, I am ;-) Happy you thought this captured something about Jim. Thanks, you!