Date: September 03, 2008 09:49 pm Title: Epilogue - part 1
OMG!!! This story has totally turned me OCD because I keep checking for updates and then you leave me with a freakin' CLIFFHANGER!?!?! WENDOLF, do you hate me!?!?! REALLY!?!?! Can't wait for the rest! ;D
Author's Response: I was that way with Stablergirl's "Famous" -- like, freakishly checking the Most Recent page for updates! So fun when you find a story like that, and I'm so flattered that mine has done that to you! Thanks for reading!
10 [Report This]Date: September 03, 2008 09:00 pm Title: Epilogue - part 1
I know I've been remiss in reviewing, but I know I'm going to reread and heap much praise when I do so. However, I have to chime in and say you're KILLING ME. I didn't have a hard time learning to love Emily, because the story made so much sense. But now that you're bringing back Pam my guard is up. I like the idea, since I love the angst, but....BUT. If you break Emily's heart I am going to cry. Pathetic, yes, but there it is.
Author's Response: Oh, I'm so glad it made sense to you, nimblejack, because I don't think it made sense to a lot of people. It's a relief that I found an audience willing to suspend disbelief and their rabid JAM love to give it a chance. Thanks so much!
Date: September 03, 2008 08:50 pm Title: Epilogue - part 1
Whoa!! Surprise indeed! That completely threw me for a loop there! I have to say, this is probably the first time I've ever been upset to see Pam popping up in a story where Jim's in another relationship. What can I say, you've turned me into a Jimily (or should it be Emim?) fan!! Anyways, I'm excited to see where you take this. On a random sidenote, I hadn't read your disclaimer at the top about this epilogue coming in parts and only knew that it was titled EPILOGUE, so when I first finished the chapter I thought that was the end of the entire fic! Almost gave me a heart attack ;)
Author's Response: Wow, I'm glad I accomplished my goal of getting people invested in Jimily. It was a challenge, so I'm relieved it worked. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Date: September 03, 2008 08:33 pm Title: Epilogue - part 1
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Didn't see THAT coming!
I'm dying here. New chapter soon???
-#1
Date: September 03, 2008 08:17 pm Title: Epilogue - part 1
Woah! I did not expect that. At all. Now, the JAM-lover in me wants him to be back with Pam, but I like Emily WAY too much to do that to her, damn it. I'm conflicted and I don't like it. Please update the rest of this...soon. Like, now. Thanks! :)
Author's Response: Oh, I love surprises! ;0
Date: September 03, 2008 07:21 pm Title: Epilogue - part 1
You had me so happy the last chapter.
Then Pam frekain' comes?!?! Holy cow. Did not expect that.
I think that's the first time I've ever been upset to have Pam show up at Jim's apartment.... wowza.
Just wowza.
I hope the last epilogue part shows up soon.... please?
Author's Response: Zing! Glad I caught you by surprise! Couldn't have this story end without a little Pam complication, right? Stay tuned...
Date: September 03, 2008 07:18 pm Title: Epilogue - part 1
I was wondering if Pam was going to make an appearance in this story. Can't wait to see what's next!
Author's Response: Yep, she's baaaack! ;-)
Date: September 03, 2008 06:35 pm Title: Chapter 30
Ah, loved this chapter! I'm okay with where this story has ended...but am looking forward to the epilogue!!!
Author's Response: Thanks, malaz!
Date: September 03, 2008 05:48 pm Title: Chapter 29
Oooo...very dark chapter. Dark's not a bad thing, per se. Very different. I'm interested to see where the final two chapters go. If I don't see Jimily together permanently, I may cry. Seriously.
-#1
Author's Response: yeah, definitely darker than the sexy fluff I've been writing ;-) Hopefully it will all end in a nice, satisfying way!
Date: September 03, 2008 05:18 pm Title: Chapter 29
Well, I've been waiting for this final return to Jim and Pam, and it's absolutely lived up to my expectations. Even though that Fun Run deleted scene is just about the sweetest thing ever, it's a far time away from your story, and I can still believe how you've had things fall apart later. My heart aches to think about it... I believe I've included that in previous reviews, but it just keeps making me feel that way. Of course, I love angst, or I wouldn't keep reading.
I really want to see a grand gesture from Pam on The Office to eliminate that doubt, because it's still in the back of my mind, admittedly. I am still a little on Jim's side in all of this. But are we supposed to assume that it's been dealt with in private? I don't know. Until then, I might always wonder .
Can't wait for more.
Author's Response: Yeah, that's kind of what I figured, too. Fun Run happened in fall of '07 and my story doesn't even really start until summer of '09. Lots can happen in two years, right? And I agree about the grand gesture. After writing this story, i think I NEED it. ;-) Thanks for reviewing, my friend!
10 [Report This]Date: September 03, 2008 03:33 pm Title: Chapter 29
My thoughts are NO, DON'T FINISH!! I WANT MORE CHAPTERS!
In-laws are waiting for me so not time for a real review. Love it, as always. I can't wait to find out the secret Jim is about to share with Emily that he's never shared with anyone else.
Really liked how you handled the whole potential issue in the breakup.
Author's Response: Thanks VB! Yeah, I always thought one of Jim's weaknesses (and strengths) is that he's a bit of a cynic in theory, but he's a romantic optimist in practice. So the "potential" of him and Pam might have blinded him to the reality of the actual relationship. Make sense? Now, as for the "secret" -- as some readers figured out (although I'm not sure it was at all obvious), the bolded parts throughout the story were the basic gist of what Jim tells Emily at the end of this chapter. I kind of envision him giving her a summary of those events, so she understands more of what happened in their relationship. So there is no secret other than just the fleshing out of his past to his new love...
9 [Report This]Date: September 03, 2008 03:29 pm Title: Chapter 29
So, now I'm guessing the bolded Jim dialogue at the end of most of the chapters is Jim talking to Em at the end of this chapter?
While I hope that Jim and Pam do last, that they can talk, be honest and have the same goals as they move into the future and season 5, I can completely see how it could fall apart. And though Jim would be heartbroken when he and Pam broke up, it makes complete sense that he would feel free and that he would be done with Pam following it. It wasn't circumstances beyond his control that caused the break up. He now knows what it would be like to be with Pam and while it was amazing, it was also frustrating, heart-breaking and ultimately, not what he really wanted after all.
Glad to see Emily opening up about herself and them working through it. I'm actually sad to see this one go, even if it breaks my Jim/Pam heart a little bit each time.
Author's Response: Yes, the bolded stuff is the basic story that Jim tells Emily (not word for word, but the general idea). I'm glad that I'm not the only one who could see something like this playing out, even if it breaks my heart a little, too. Thanks so much for reading and continuing to review!
Date: September 03, 2008 02:18 pm Title: Chapter 29
OH WOW! What a fantastic chapter. Am I correct in assuming that the BOLD type is actually Jim telling this whole intricate story of his and Pam's downfall to Emily? I sure hope so, because that is such a cool idea and a really neat twist. I love, by the way, the last sentence. It's really haunting.
p.s. about the deleted dvd scene: WORD. so cute!!!
Author's Response: Yes! The bold type is Jim's story (although I don't envision he tells Emily the story word for word as I wrote it, but I think he gets the gist across). But I'm glad you liked that! I like to think that Jim would, at some point, open himself up to her and give her the whole story, warts and all. Anyway, glad you liked it! Thanks for your review!
10 [Report This]Date: September 03, 2008 01:36 pm Title: Chapter 29
Was this chapter hard to write? I hear what you're saying in your beginning notes. The scene you reference is so full of love. This chap was so strong, Wen. My heart jumped when I saw that bold type again (boo, hiss). I like how you had their relationship end without accusations being thrown back and forth. I also appreciate your mentioning Jim's family's reaction to his relationship. I need to go take a nap...
Author's Response: It wasn't as hard to write as it was hard to post. Just knowing that most of us Office fans have now seen all the Jim/Pam love from the deleted scenes, I thought this chapter might be that much harder to take. But I'm glad you liked it. Yeah, the "bold type" is back, but just for this one bit. I'm thinking that Jim has a little more clarity about his part in their break up now, maybe understanding a little bit more. Anyway, thanks for your review, as always! Hopefully you'll enjoy the end...
Date: September 02, 2008 05:51 pm Title: Chapter 28
I registered for the first time here just so I could leave a comment for this story. I'm naturally a lurker and I've read lots and lots of stories and this is the first one that has triggered something in me to actually leave a review. Just shows you how much I'm enjoying reading this story. It is really, really good. And this is coming from a person who was apprehensive on reading it at first because of how it started but little by little you won me over with your great writing and character development. I literally read this in one sitting.
Keep the great stories coming and I can't wait to see how this ends.
Vanessa
Author's Response: Oh, Nephelite... I love being the one to bring lurkers out of lurkdom! So much fun! I'm always amazed that something I've written could motivate someone to take the time to not only read it, but to leave a review. It is so, so very appreciated. BTW, I think EVERYONE was apprehensive about reading this one (as was I about writing it), so I'm glad that it has eventually found a receptive audience. After watching the deleted Fun Run scene on the S4 DVD, I feel so darn guilty for breaking Jim and Pam up! Anyway, I truly appreciate your taking the time to read and comment, Vanessa. I don't think the average reader realizes how much it means to us writers. Hope you enjoy the rest of the story!
Date: September 02, 2008 03:44 pm Title: Chapter 28
After seeing this story a fair bit in the recent updates and noticing the ribbon, I decided to check it out. I ended up reading all 28 chapters in one sitting because you had me HOOKED after the first few. I most definatly look forward to future updates!
Author's Response: Thanks Vermilion! Glad I hooked you -- hope you'll stick with me til the end. ;-) Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Date: September 02, 2008 05:57 am Title: Chapter 28
Nice, Wendolf. I was really looking forward to Jim meeting Emily's teacher friends, and you didn't disappoint. Extra points for the appearance of the a-hole ex-boyfriend : )
Author's Response: Ah, what is a good break up story without an a-hole boyfriend lurking around, huh? ;-) Thanks, Nan!
Date: September 01, 2008 09:32 pm Title: Chapter 28
NO NO NO NO NO, this is the worst news I've heard all day! This story CAN NOT end!!! I might have to get a life...Gasp!
All good things must come to an end, I suppose. I just wish this didn't have to be one of those things.
-#1
Author's Response: Malaz, yes, all good things (or even mediocre things) must come to an end... But I've been thinking about the Pam version of this story lately, and also maybe some follow up stories so... even if this particular one ends, there may be more ;-)
Date: September 01, 2008 09:02 pm Title: Chapter 28
Another fun, fun chapter! I got a kick out of Emily's friends ... as I imagine you did, writing them. I like that they were a bit awestruck of Jim but were good enough friends not to embarrass Emily. I liked the way Jim watched them to discern whether they recognized him. Nicely done – good details on that.
And on to the obligatory favorite passages:
Her friends are too polite to acknowledge that they know who I am, but I can tell they’re searching their arsenal of people-reading skills to figure out my relationship with Emily.
I watch Emily out of the corner of my eye as she chats with Brady, who is the other clueless person at the table. The three in the middle alternate their attention between the two conversations, toggling back and forth like they’re watching a tennis match.
“Why would you think he sells paper? That’s just … weird.”
Author's Response: Thanks VB, as always! For some reason this chapter was a bit of a challenge to write ... not sure why. I think I like writing Jim and Emily (or Jim and Pam, for that matter) in a bit of a vaccuum. Putting other people into the mix sometimes throws off my game, so I'm glad it worked okay. Thanks for sticking with me til the end!
Date: September 01, 2008 08:36 pm Title: Chapter 28
ooh sounds like Em's got some splaining to do herself!
MN vacay eh? hehe being a WI girl that made my heart happy ;) Hope you enjoyed your time there! It's good times.
Anyways, OT, lovely chapter, as always. Hope there's more to come soon ;)
Author's Response: Yep, just a weekend in St. Paul visiting my brother ;-) Glad you liked this chapter. Should have another one pretty soon... Thanks for reading!
10 [Report This]Date: August 31, 2008 04:34 am Title: Chapter 1
Ok, I just needed to tell you, seventeen chapters in, that I am in love with this story! You're writing style is spot on, I'm totally addicted and it's 4:28 AM as I write this and I am FORCING myself to stop and go to bed already! Seriously, if it hadn't been for the blue ribbon, I would never have read this, mostly because I'm too impatient for WIPs, and I love me some JAM. But Emily has totally stolen my heart (just like she has Jim's... at least as far as I've read!), and I'm so glad. Although, I must say, reading about Jim with another woman feels kinda like hearing about a serious ex that you know you're over, but there's still a little sting knowing you're not together anymore. Reminds me a little of my favorite song, "Heart of the Matter" though perhaps not quite as tragic. I tell you, it takes a lot for me to like a story where Jim and Pam do not get a happily ever after together, but gosh darn it, you've succeeded! Can't wait to read the rest!
Sorry for the marathon review... I just love this story that much!
Author's Response: Wow, thanks so much StarShine. I'm so glad you found this story and are enjoying it. It's been a tough one to write (but still so much fun to try to create a character that I could actually see Jim with), so I'm glad it's found an audience. Since you're only on chapter 17, let me know what you think of the next 10 chapters ... I'm anxious to hear. Again, thanks so much for your review -- NEVER worry about a review being too long. Seriously -- us writers LOVE long reviews! Now... Off to listen to "Heart of the Matter"...
10 [Report This]Date: August 30, 2008 02:55 pm Title: Chapter 1
OMG! I FREAKIN' LOVE this story - I've been reading it almost non-stop! I'm soooo glad that this was given a ribbon and posted on the main page - otherwise, I most likely would not have read it! I actually live just outside of Philly and this story is putting me in such a dreamy, love-sick mood - also good fantasizing practice before the new season starts.
WENDOLF: I really enjoy your style and how it feels REAL - almost like this COULD be a continued documentary with Jim, except that we actually hear their thoughts and it makes one feel even MORE connected to the characters and their journey; this story has also given me confidence that I CAN enjoy alternate and/or post-show storylines. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! And PLEASE keep writing, writing, writing - I CAN'T WAIT for what is to come!!! ;D
P.S. I think this story has been enhanced while listening to music by Broken Social Scene, Death Cab For Cutie, and/or The Swell Season (the musicians from the movie ONCE - also that soundtrack works well with this romance). Again, WENDOLF - THANK YOU! ;D
Author's Response: Thanks Etta! I'm so glad you found this story and took a chance on reading it -- especially since it's and AU/post-show deal. (AU isn't usually my cup of tea, either... go figure.) It means so much to hear that it feels real to you because not everyone agrees, but I'm so glad that you are enjoying it and would love to hear your thoughts on the rest! Thanks for your review!
Date: August 29, 2008 10:32 pm Title: Chapter 27
Man...I really like this Emily chick. Each chapter I tell myself that I'm not going to like her anymore than I already do...but I can't help it. She's very likeable and someone I could see Jim with, (if I wasn't such a complete JAM fan that is.) I was so excited about the 'I love you's'...I thought they were perfect. Great job and I can't wait for another chapter!
Author's Response: That's so great to hear -- that you like Emily even though you don't want to. I guess that makes it believable that Jim would like her too. Thank so much for reading and taking the time to review!!!
10 [Report This]Date: August 29, 2008 10:05 pm Title: Chapter 27
Okay, so I've taken a fic hiatus for a few months now. But today, in a moment of total boredom, I said "Hmm, how about I go to MTT and see what's up over there. It's been awhile, I'll see if anything good catches my interest.
Oh. My. God. I'm really trying hard not to get all fangirly, but this story is making it absolutely impossible not to. I may be in love with Emily to, which is impressive considering I like the men folk. But yeah, umm, you've just done this perfectly. The reasons for Pam and Jim not working out are spot on and realistic and what actually would happen if NBC wasn't a whore for ratings.
Congratulations on being the author of a story that brought me out of fic hiatus :)
Author's Response: Wendy Blue (great name, BTW) -- get as fangirly as you like -- I love to hear it! I'm so glad that you like Emily because it has been a challenge to create a character to "compete" with Pam. I'm glad you buy the reasons Jim and Pam's relationship didn't work -- I think those things are the things that could tear a couple apart if not properly dealt with, so it's good to hear that I'm not alone in that opinion. Anyway, so glad you're back from haitus! Keep reading, and I'd love to hear more of your comments!
9 [Report This]Date: August 29, 2008 01:03 pm Title: Chapter 1
I've been following this story with bated breath ever since the first chapter, and it still feels really organic and real. I have always been a diehard Jam fan, but this story makes Emily so likeable, and believeable that I almost like her better than Pam in some ways. She's confident and yet still not perfect -- very human. And the pacing has been really excellent. I thought the ILYS in Chapter 27 were fabulous -- not too soon, but soon enough for a couple that are overwhelmed by their immediate, strong bond. Very well done, Wendolf. Your stories always keep me coming back for more! Keep writing this one till there's no more to tell, OK? :-)
Author's Response: ColoredGreens, thank you so much. I'm glad you like Emily -- I do too. In fact, I like her better than Pam in some ways, too. I mean, I love Pam but sometimes I have just wanted to smack her around a little, you know? Anyway, I'm so happy that it feels real to you and I hope you enjoy the rest. I'm getting closer to the end now so... stay tuned! Thanks again for your review!!!