Date: August 24, 2008 11:05 am Title: Chapter 10
It seems like this new direction of Pam's could have been a good thing for them, because sometimes I ask myself what they would have together if they left D-M. But I like the way you're bringing out the fact that it was nobody's fault, just more a mutual falling apart.
Author's Response: Yep, I think it was totally mutual. That might not be clear in this story (because of the limited POV), but they both have their reasons for letting it end. Thanks, Strider!
Date: August 24, 2008 10:58 am Title: Chapter 9
Poor Emily. What a tough position to be in. And after only a few dates, when she isn't sure where she stands... The flash back was well written, which was part of the reason why it was so painful!
Author's Response: Yep. Emily's definitely in a tough spot, too. I mean, imagine meeting this new, great guy and being all hopeful and then all of a sudden you find out he's a celebrity with an epic love story past that LOTS of people know about?! And no one really cares about you or wants to like you because you're not Pam? Yeah. Poor Emily ;-)
Date: August 24, 2008 10:51 am Title: Chapter 8
I can see that that might be Jim's point of view, but I don't think he's being fair to Pam. Still, our own secret thoughts don't always care about being fair, so while it's great writing, and very much what Jim might have thought, I want to shake him a little and tell him to be reasonable. So, yeah...good job!
Author's Response: Exactly -- he's not being fair. Who is after a break up? He's looking at their whole relationship through Jim-tinted glasses, so he's definitely not going to be defending Pam too much ... not yet, anyway. So yeah ... I'm glad you get that. Pam will have her turn (hopefully) soon! ;-)
Date: August 24, 2008 01:50 am Title: Chapter 1
(I just read chapter 22, but felt like I should go back and review from the beginning).
This is the story that made me finally delurk: I just had to write a review.
I ended up reading this chapter three times. The first time I only made it through Jim's first encounter with Emily, the second time I made it to the end but couldn't go on. It is so wonderfully written, Jim's loss of self-confidence is so realistic, and Emily is so likable ... but the idea of post-Pam Jim and the flashback at the end made it so heartbreaking I had to stop there.
Luckily, there's a bit of buzz around this story. I kept hearing about it, so I was eventually convinced to press on. I read this chapter for a third time, kept going, and never looked back!
Things I liked about this chapter:
- In just the first dozen or so paragraphs, Jim's weariness of being in the public eye is set up so well that I felt his tension myself when he hears "Excuse me?" for what must be the umpteenth time.
- Emily! I'll say more in a review of a later chapter, but my favorite part here was this image of her:
- The realism of Jim unintentionally letting Pam begin to slip away while trying to do the right thing for her (but missing the bigger picture). Okay, I didn't "like" that part, but it really rings true to what can happen if you're not careful.
I hope you do write a companion piece for Pam too (I identify with being "the shy half"), but I want more Jimily as well. Brave Jim and brave Emily rock!
Date: August 23, 2008 08:59 pm Title: Chapter 7
That's so heartbreaking, and Pam's right, it's not fair of Jim to place all his happiness on her. I keep telling myself I'm just going to read one more chapter, then I have to read one more...
Author's Response: Glad I've got you hooked! Yeah, I think Jim has put a lot of his eggs in one basket with Pam, and that pressure could be a lot to take, especially for someone like Pam, who has her own doubts and issues. Thanks for reading!
Date: August 23, 2008 08:44 pm Title: Chapter 6
I almost wish you'd also written from Pam's point of view, too, but I guess you can't do everything in one story. I think Jim and Emily are nice together, though.
Author's Response: It's on my "to do" list, Strider ;-) I do hope to do a Pam POV piece that kind of mirrors this one (although not as long, I'm sure -- this one has truly grown epic...).
Date: August 23, 2008 08:38 pm Title: Chapter 5
I would really hate to have my new bf see footage of me with my old bf...I hope Emily doesn't watch the shows. This is a really clever premise.
Author's Response: Yeah, how 'bout that? Can you imagine? Gotta' give Emily props for not freaking out too much. I know I might if I were her...
Date: August 23, 2008 08:32 pm Title: Chapter 4
I do like EMily, and that prank was hilarious. I also really understand what's going on with Jim and Pam... too bad, but understandable.
Author's Response: I'm glad the Jim/Pam thing in this story makes sense to you. It doesn't to some people, so I like the reassurance that I'm not the only one who could see things going down this way. Yes, it would be so sad, but ... possible. Thanks for reading!
Date: August 23, 2008 08:29 pm Title: Chapter 3
Even if it's Pam-less, I still love Jim, and you are doing his voice really well.
Author's Response: Oh, good. I actually think this story has been hard to write because obviously it's from Jim's POV and I have to be so introspective and deep ... and I'm not a guy. Are guys like that? Probably not. So I'm at least glad it rings true ;-)
Date: August 23, 2008 08:23 pm Title: Chapter 2
Poor Jim. You can't be truly happy with someone else until you're happy with yourself. You write that well in the flashback.
Author's Response: Yep, that's the problem with Jim, I think. His feelings for Pam are so tied up with a sort of frustration with who he is/who he wants to be... And sometimes the timing is so off, you know? Anyway, thanks again for reading!
Date: August 23, 2008 08:19 pm Title: Chapter 1
Really intriguing beginning, but I'm still sad they're not together. Still, I can see it going down this way. Your Jim dialogue is especially good.
Author's Response: Thanks, Strider! And thanks for taking the time to review every chapter! That's so nice. I'm glad you're giving this story a chance!
10 [Report This]Date: August 23, 2008 01:53 pm Title: Chapter 22
I sense that things are gonna get angsty (isn't that always the way?!?!) but our lvoely little couple will pull through marvalously. Love the story ... I've been reading, just not reviewing too often. Keep up the excellent work!!
Author's Response: Thanks ROJ! Oh, you know me . . . I can't write a story without a little angst, right? But I also can't seem to write a story without a happy ending, so ... you can guess where this is all headed. ;-) Glad you're reading and enjoying!
Date: August 23, 2008 08:30 am Title: Chapter 22
I am really starting to like Emily even though I didn't think I would!
Author's Response: Good! Mission accomplished! ;-) Thanks for reading!
10 [Report This]Date: August 23, 2008 07:06 am Title: Chapter 22
I love how you bring up Pam’s presence in Jim’s mind when he’s been with other woman. His fantasy of Pam before they were together would have been impossible to live up to for Karen of Kathy. I think you show him moving on by being able to admit she may always be there but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Also having been with the real thing and not just the perfect fantasy girl would allow him to give Emily a fair chance.
Author's Response: Yes! I didn't want Jim to forget all about Pam, but I also didn't want him comparing the two women side-by-side (I mean, not literally ... you know what I mean). Anyway, Pam is always going to be a part of who he is, and that doesn't have to be a bad thing. And frankly, sexually speaking, I could see Pam having a few hang ups or insecurities. A fresh start with a confident, carefree sort of girl could be just what the doctor ordered? Maybe? Anyway, thanks for reading and taking the time to review!
10 [Report This]Date: August 23, 2008 05:51 am Title: Chapter 22
"I guess angst and long-denied passion are not prerequisites to what feels an awful lot like love, and I’m grateful for that."
ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME?????? amazing, ahhh :)
Author's Response: Thanks Hannah . . . I'm not trying to kill you, though. I promise. ;-)
Date: August 23, 2008 05:36 am Title: Chapter 22
I guess angst and long-denied passion are not prerequisites to what feels an awful lot like love, and I’m grateful for that.
That line KILLED me. So awesome.
luchy
Author's Response: THanks luchy! Sorry I killed you, though. ;-) Didn't mean to.
Date: August 23, 2008 03:58 am Title: Chapter 22
Wow. I didn't get a bedtime story, but it was a fine way to wake up : ) I enjoyed this so much and, surprisingly, the Riders of the Apocalypse didn't make an appearance as I was thinking "Jim could be happy with Emily. She may be just what he needs." Relieved that he didn't inadvertently call her "Pam" at an inopportune moment. This was lovely: I kiss her again, confident in my answer, now. “I won’t change my mind,” I whisper. So, Wendolf, I know I don't speak for everybody, but I think you've done an amazing job creating Emily and making me, for one, really like her...even though she's not Pam.
Author's Response: Oh, Nan, you crack me up. "The Riders of the Apocalypse" -- too funny. Yeah, seriously though... I guess I don't understand why some people find the idea of Jim finding love -- an easier, less baggage-filled love -- with someone else so terrible. (Pam, too! I mean, we really just want them to be happy, right? And if not with each other than with someone.) And no -- I'd never have Jim call out Pam's name to Emily. I like her too much ;-) I'm glad you like her too. Thanks, as always, for reading and reviewing.
Date: August 22, 2008 10:58 pm Title: Chapter 22
yay for happiness :D i like them... a lot. and you for writing this haha.
Author's Response: Thanks WBJ! (Hey, those are my initials, only in a different order!) Glad you like them ;-)
Date: August 22, 2008 09:11 pm Title: Chapter 22
"I guess angst and long-denied passion are not prerequisites to what feels an awful lot like love, and I’m grateful for that."
That is my FAVORITE line of this whole story. I think it sums everything up. I love it! Loved this update!
-#1
Author's Response: Aw, thanks malaz (#1) -- glad you liked that bit. It's true, isn't it? Love doesn't always have to be so hard (I learned that when I started dating my husband after having a sh*tty boyfriend for years). ;-) Thanks again for reading!
Date: August 22, 2008 08:40 pm Title: Chapter 22
Wendolf, how the HELL did you post all these great chapters in one day? Did you spend your whole vacation writing??
I just love how you present Jim's insecurity. You lay it all out there without making him sound like a wuss.
I guess angst and long-denied passion are not prerequisites to what feels an awful lot like love, and I’m grateful for that.
And
I swallow, my stomach knotted in that familiar fear of rejection. “Do you want to…” I clear my throat, run my hand up the silky skin of her back. “Stay over?” I realize I don’t want her to leave. Maybe ever.
And I really liked how you called back to the prior chapter right before he slides into her:
I kiss her again, confident in my answer, now. “I won’t change my mind,” I whisper.
I, for one, am really hoping you don't tempt him by bringing Pam back into the picture.
And now back to writing my own story...
Author's Response: Hee! I spent most of a 14-hour car ride writing so ... ;-) Thanks so much for the specifics -- I always love hearing what people like. As always, thanks for reading and taking the time to review!
9 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2008 07:41 pm Title: Chapter 21
Hi. Okay...so here goes nothing. (Well, that might not be incredibly true, cause I think a really long review is about to come out of me. It's 21 chapters worth of reviews.) I wasn't sure about this story when I first saw it. Almost to the point where I wasn't going to read it at all, but something pulled me towards it, and now, here I am, 21 chapters later ready for more. Though, honestly, I'm not sure what exactly I feel about it.
I'm a JAM fan. I always have been and probably always will be, so the thought of them not making it kills me. Now, with that being said, this is a fantastic story. So realistic it's brought me to tears, a couple times, and I feel as if Jim, Pam, and Emily are all real people. (Yeah, I'm a little crazy.) You write with such openess and honestly it's refreshing. Another little honest spout, I didn't want to like Emily. I really, really didn't. But...and I say this with only a little cringe action...I do. A lot. I think she is good for Jim right now at this stage.
She's mending him...and though I wouldn't orginally want him mended from Pam, I'm kinda sorta glad he is.
I'm not sure where you are planning on taking this, but I really can't wait to see. I'll be following the rest of the way, holding my breath to see what you have in store for Jim and Emily...and maybe even Pam. (Oh, by the way, I would love to see a verison of this story in her perspective. That would be amazing.)
And I'm going to end this novel-like review with this, splendid job. You are a great writer and I am really looking forward for an update.
Author's Response: hann, thanks so much for your review! I'm glad that you took a chance with this story -- I know the premise is a tough one, but hopefully the payoff is ultimately satisfying. And you're not crazy! All of us here think of Jim and Pam as real people (and I'm glad Emily seems real to you, too), and we want what's best for them. Jim and Pam are wonderful together and if they can get past their communication issues and history, then I'm sure they could be very happy... but if not, then I want them both to be happy anyway, even if it means they're not together. Make sense? Anyway, I would love to write a piece from Pam's POV (although it will probably not be the epic version this one is turning into). Hopefully when the kids go back to school...
Anyway, I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and thanks again for reading and taking the time to write such a nice review. It truly means a lot!
Date: August 22, 2008 07:14 pm Title: Chapter 21
HOT!!!
Author's Response: ;-) Thanks!
Date: August 22, 2008 07:00 pm Title: Chapter 21
Oh, man. This was good. Really good. I'm so glad you're back from vacation, and continue to write this great story. I've been missing it, and these last few chapters have made me very happy.
Thank you.
-#1
Author's Response: Thanks #1! Glad you're sticking with me ;-)
Date: August 22, 2008 05:57 pm Title: Chapter 21
Hey wendolf! Welcome back.
So I actually quit reading this a while ago; it just got too hard and I couldn't suspend my disbelief enough to believe Pam would change that much or that they would let their relationship just atrophy through bad communication. However! I have to say, one writer to another, your writing here is amazing. (It's the subject matter that kills.) If your reviews have fallen off, rest assured it's only because your writing is so good that this becomes a believable scenario--and nobody wants to hear it.
So don't take this the wrong way but I hate this story because I can't NOT read it. :) How far are you going to take it, I wonder? I bet I know--to the point where Jim going back to Pam would NOT constitute a happy ending?
Good work, lady. :)
Author's Response: Thanks, Callisto! I know this is a hard one for a lot of people, but I don't know ... Once I got over the initial trauma of breaking Jim and Pam up, I've had a lot of fun thinking about the kind of girl that might be good for Jim in the long run (because, despite how much I love Jim and Pam together, they have not always been the "healthiest" choice for each other). Anyway, I'm glad you can't resist reading and thanks so much for your honesty and your review!
Date: August 22, 2008 05:18 pm Title: Chapter 21
Mmmmhmmm...steamy...
Oh yeah, there was stuff before that too. I like that Emily's not perfect and that the women can get to her too. I can see how she could get pissed because Jim's just a little too nice, always wants to be liked, never wants to say no or leave me alone. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Author's Response: No, Emily is definitely not perfect, and I'm glad that comes across. But neither is Jim (although I could get used to his kind of "imperfection" ;-) Thanks for reading and reviewing!!!