Date: August 10, 2008 11:02 pm Title: Interview: Sticking Like Glue
Oh my God!!!! The end of this update gave me chills, man! I'm just so taken with this story, I get SO excited whenever I see updates :)
Beautifully written chapter. I especially like how you've explained the issue of cameras being at "promotional" events - it really seems like you've thought all this through and it all checks out nicely. I'm babbling now, but want I really want to say in my review is thank you SO much for this awesome story, and I'm veryyyyy excited to see what happens next!
Date: August 10, 2008 10:58 pm Title: Interview: Sticking Like Glue
Wow, great return of this fic! Glad to see it updated :)
Date: August 10, 2008 10:56 pm Title: Interview: Sticking Like Glue
EVIL!
But I love you for it.
Date: July 16, 2008 04:29 pm Title: Interview: We tried
This is going to be a dual review for the last two chapters (10 and 11); I hope that’s okay!
Pam’s thoughts on her appearance for the party were so real. I love that she can admit to herself that part of why she loves getting dressed up is for Jim. It’s so great that you have her acknowledge that fact, but at the same time ignore the “why” of it; why does she need or love his reaction? That is so perfectly “Pam.” Additionally, having Jim NOT acknowledge how good she looks until the end of the chapter was particularly well done. It worked perfectly with Jim’s newfound resolution to back off, Pam’s conflicted feelings, and both of their inability to really let the other one go.
I also really, really, really enjoyed their mock conversations. How many of us, in real life, have done something like that? Had a fake conversation or joked with someone and have the joking turn serious? The tension present at the end of their conversation was palpable. I was literally holding my breath and I didn’t even realize it until I had to suck in a huge gulp of air. Haha!
Again, you write Jim’s hesitancy so well in the transcript portion. Sometimes my favorite portions of your story are the transcripts. They are so brilliantly written. You’re not forcing characterizations and feelings on us; you’re letting the reader figure it out and the fact that it’s not a huge puzzle is such a compliment to your writing. You have such a great ability to (and here the phrase my students hate more than any….) “show and not tell,” and I so appreciate that.
Abigail’s confession that she was a fan was so perfect. It works really well. It brings in a more human side of her. Her comments that people still wonder how things turned out are so good too. Your portrayal of her and Anna continue to amaze me. Finally, the set up for chapter 12 is so, so, so, so good. I feel like I’ve told you a million times, but I continue to love how you’re incorporating bits of the show into this fic. Casino Night is coming up and I can’t wait!
9 [Report This]Date: July 11, 2008 08:08 pm Title: Interview: We tried
EDGE OF SEAT!! What the heck happens?!? God, this story is so freaking good!!!
10 [Report This]Date: July 06, 2008 09:06 pm Title: Interview: We tried
What a fantastic story! I can't wait for the next chapter! :)
8 [Report This]Date: July 06, 2008 06:51 pm Title: Exhibit 15-A: Sample Questions Prepared for Jim Halpert
I'm catching up on my reading tonight and was so happy to see all the new chapters since I read the first one. It continues to be so good - and this line made me feel all warm inside:
"She couldn’t exactly give it a form or put it into words, but she wondered if she should be worried that she felt like it would be a challenge to convince people who didn’t even know her that she was in love with her fiancée instead of her very, best friend."
Date: June 30, 2008 10:40 am Title: Interview: We tried
Mel, I'm totally digging the way you're setting up this story's version of Casino Night! It sounds like things will get very interesting indeed.
I too enjoy the way you had Jim turn the tables on the interviewer. Well played, and as always, I look forward to more!
Author's Response: Thanks so much! Things will get very interesting indeed! I'm working on the next chapter now. I'm also glad to see that you mentioned that you liked Jim turning the tables. I was worried that I writing him as "too distant" in his dealings with Abby and I wanted to soften that a bit. As always, it's great to get a review from you.
10 [Report This]Date: June 30, 2008 12:40 am Title: Interview: We tried
What a great concept! You're seriously the best at looking at these characters like they're real and seeing the impact it has on them. I like how you alternate between transcripts and narrative in this one; it's a really unique and effective way to tell the story. Can't wait to see what comes next!!!
Author's Response: Thank you so very much for your comments, Dundie All-Star. I really appreciate your feedback and I'm so glad to hear that I'm doing something that people like with this story. Thanks again!
Date: June 29, 2008 07:47 am Title: Interview: We tried
How do you do it? Everything is so plausible. I know what happens on this show yet you still manage to surprise me and keep me guessing (not to mention dying for the next chapter). Amazing.
Author's Response: Wow! Thanks so much, Nan! I'll do my best to get the next chapter up ASAP.
Date: June 28, 2008 09:30 am Title: Interview: We tried
Oh, that was a great interview! I love when he turned it around on her - made it about her confessions. I'm also wondering if Roy had anything to say about Pam's made up story about them briefly dating, and the reason such a story was needed!
Author's Response: Roy doesn't know anything about the story yet. Remember, he's in Vegas for the celebrity Poker tournament! All will be revealed to him eventually, though. Thanks for your review. It's greatly appreciated.
Date: June 27, 2008 11:10 pm Title: Interview: We tried
Have I mentioned how much I adore this story? The little reference to fan fiction is great too... very post modern. I think. Anyway, it's great. Can't wait to read more! :)
Author's Response: Thanks so much, Lynzee! It means a lot to hear that you adore my story. Thanks for your continued support and reviews.
10 [Report This]Date: June 27, 2008 09:58 am Title: Interview: We tried
Ah, so we still get a Casino Night! Great setup. I'm looking forward to your take on the big night with the periwinkle dress!
Author's Response:
Hopefully the big night should be posted soon! Thanks for your continued support of this story. I always love hearing from you!
Date: June 27, 2008 06:20 am Title: Interview: We tried
Oh, jeebus, a casino event, Pam's blue dress, Jim thinks he's going to tell Pam about the transfer.... Hold onto your butts.
Author's Response: Exactly! Hang onto your butts indeed! Thanks again for taking the time to read this lisa!
10 [Report This]Date: June 27, 2008 04:51 am Title: Interview: We tried
I love the way Jim switches the interview back on Abby there in the first half. It's really nice to see a less academic and more human side of her in all this. Because in this world you've got going here, Jim and Pam and all the others are real people ("What? You mean they're not real everywhere??) and I can believe that she would have been a fan of the show from the get-go. Nice jab at fanfic as well. ;)
It still amazes me how you're able to weave such compelling narrative throughout what mostly amounts to transcripts and case studies. You're treating your readers as though they have a brain and can fill in the gaps themselves! ;)
Excellent, excellent, excellent!
Author's Response: Oh Mose, I loved everything your review chose to be. Thank you for your continued support of my writing. It always seems that everything I doubt about the story (can people figure out what's going on with just a transcript...with no feelings or details or inflection?) you reassure me about in your comments. Thanks so very much!
10 [Report This]Date: June 26, 2008 11:51 pm Title: Interview: Media Training
This is such an intriguing story. Not a word is redundant. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
Author's Response: Thanks so much, Pisa. I appreciate your enthusiastic review.
10 [Report This]Date: June 26, 2008 10:18 pm Title: Interview: We tried
Ahhhh cliffhanger!! Curse you and your brilliant writing. More soon! :)
Author's Response: I'll do my best! What's to say, though, that the next chapter won't have a cliffhanger too? hee. Thanks so much for your review and your continued support of this story!
Date: June 18, 2008 04:06 pm Title: Interview: Cross Purposes
I really like this story. I like how you cross back and forth between the current DOCUMENTING THE DOCUMENTED interviews and flashbacks to the actual events.
I gotta say you have me on pins & needles because, with the way you're writing the story, Pam & Jim could either end up together or totally torn apart. I am so interested to see how you decide to progress.
Author's Response: VB...as always, it's so great to hear from you. I'm so glad to see that you aren't sure how everything ends up! That was kind of my intention. Pam hasn't sat for an interview and poor Jim seems so emotionally detached. I know how it ends, but I'm so glad I haven't telegraphed that. Thanks so much for your review.
Date: June 17, 2008 08:55 pm Title: Interview: Cross Purposes
Ooh, lots of subtext in that little "mocking" conversation! Good stuff.
Author's Response: Subtext is always fun! Thanks so much for your review, Semby! It is most appreciated!
Date: June 17, 2008 07:25 pm Title: Interview: Cross Purposes
Magically delicious! Glad to see a new chapter!
Author's Response: Thanks so much! I'm going to do my best to update more frequently. I appreciate your review!
Date: June 17, 2008 02:29 pm Title: Interview: Cross Purposes
Another fab chapter!
I loved the "I wonder what they're saying" moment. I also loved that Pam turned down the tv show wedding.
This story just feels so authentic. Can't wait for more!
Author's Response:
Okay, this review just made me a do a little dance in my chair. I'm always trying to make sure that it feels "real" or as real as a story about fictional characters can be, so I was so pleased to see your use of the word "authentic". Thanks so much for your review, Beeswax!
Date: June 17, 2008 07:06 am Title: Interview: Cross Purposes
Snort. David Spade in the Playboy Mansion hot tub!!
Love the 'Hot Girl' callback. Remember, Jim & Pam, there's no such thing as a joke -- it's all got a kernel of truth...
Author's Response: Always great to hear from you Lisa and you sure are right....there's always something behind a joke. Thanks for your continued support of this story! I really appreciate it.
10 [Report This]Date: June 17, 2008 06:51 am Title: Interview: Cross Purposes
I was so excited to see this story updated! Cannot wait to read more!
Author's Response: Thanks, Mutey. I'm going to try not to have such a long pause between chapters. I really appreciate your support!
Date: June 17, 2008 06:39 am Title: Interview: Cross Purposes
GiTC, so glad to have you back. Incredible chapter. So many lines that spoke to me. Now, to narrow them down...
She knew she was living a Cinderella tale this weekend and that before she knew it the carriage would turn back into the coach section of a United Airlines flight and she’d be back in Scranton scrubbing out the proverbial fireplace once again. I'm a Disney dork, so Cinderella references are welcome : )
Loved their "show" for the women at the bar. “Yeah. Here. Watch this.” He slung his arm across the back of her chair and leaned in close to her ear. His breath tickled the hair on the back of her neck as he softly whispered, “I think I forgot to pack enough socks for this trip.” So perfectly Jim and Pam.
Author's Response: Oh, NanReg. It's so great to hear from you! I was really happy when I wrote their little "show" at the bar...especially Jim's whispered comments, so I'm so glad to know that you liked that as well. Thanks for your continued support of this little story.
Date: June 17, 2008 05:38 am Title: Interview: Cross Purposes
Loved this, Mel. I especially dug the whole Cinderella string you tugged through this chapter. It ties things together, highlights Pam's thoughts at the moment and in general regarding the reality tv manipulation, and sets up what's to come nicely. I love their whole fake conversation/imitation of the women talking about them at the bar. It went to an interesting place, and that's always fun with these two!
I can't WAIT to see how Pam's plan unfolds. Good times ahead, I'd wager!
Author's Response: Catie--As always, I'm so glad to see a review from an author who's writing I admire. I'm relieved to know that the Cindarella thread didn't come across as contrived or forced. Thanks again for all of your comments and support!