10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 06:58 pm Title: Chapter 4
Yes, I love Emily. She's awesome. The show is kind of trapped in exploring what might happen with Jim and Pam in the future, mostly because they both need to stay at Dunder Mifflin or there's no show. (Sort of, but hopefully you know what I mean.) I like taking this look. It's too bad people will be turned off the non-Jim/Pam-ness of it, because it's actually quite hopeful in a way that Jim/Pam isn't.
Author's Response: Yeah, that's why AU fic is so much fun -- you can forget about the restraints of the TV show and just explore. This non-Jam world may not be one a lot of people want to look at, but I'm finding it so interesting. And I agree with it being hopeful -- as I've responded to other reviews, I totally believe that there is more than one person out there each of us could be happy with. And I think that's my whole point in writing this. Anyway, I'm glad you like Emily, too. I'm sort of attached to her myself...
Date: July 28, 2008 06:51 pm Title: Chapter 5
I am still here following this story -- I can handle Pam and Jim w/ other people if the story is written well, like this one.
I think it's kind of cute that Jim has kissed Emily yet and that he called her "Em." Also Emily's attraction to Jim is very believable (I mean he looks like JKras).
Pam and Jim returning to Scranton --Once again I like how you are able to descibe the beginning of the end of their relationship through Jim's eyes: She seemed sort of unfamiliar.
Author's Response: I feel so much better tonight than I did this afternoon, when I thought all my work for this story had been for naught and no one wanted to read it. So thanks, Alamos, for sticking with me. And, yeah . . . I didn't think it too much of a stretch that someone new would find Jim attractive. I mean, hello? :-) I was more worried about creating a character that Jim would find attractive. Hopefully I've succeeded a little bit. Thanks again!
Date: July 28, 2008 06:49 pm Title: Chapter 5
Wendolf, I hope the lack of love isn't too disheartening to you. Like the subject matter or not, this is a great story. The fact that you have a diehard JAMmer like me so invested is saying something.
Funny, after I read the last chapter it occurred to me that Emily obviously knows nothing of the show...and nothing of PB&J. I was dying to know how you would have her find out and react. Despite the pain of the end of Jim and Pam's relationship, I still can't wait to see where you take this. I love the character of Emily that you've created. If not Pam, then she's the kind of gal I could see our Jim being with. *sigh*
Author's Response: Thanks for your sympathy, Nan. I was feeling kind of blue until the recent surge of encouraging reviews and I realized that not everyone is disgusted with this story. I know it shouldn't matter, but to see something you've worked so hard on get summarily dissed because of the concept (not even the writing, per se) kind of blows. So thanks so much for your encouragement.
Also, I'm glad you like Emily -- talk about a challenge trying to create a likable love interest for Jim after Pam, who we all love so much. Yikes. Anyway, again -- thank you. I'm glad I have a cheerleader in you!
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 06:43 pm Title: Chapter 1
I'm not surprised to see that this story only has 4 stars since it's not an automatic JAM4eva kind of piece, but I'm excited about that. Sad, but excited. Jim's not giving in to Pam when she wanted to get engaged is too likely - over-thinking things and being kind of lame. I love Jim, don't get me wrong, but he's kind of clueless sometimes. Loved this:
I don’t think she’d purposefully throw me under the bus or anything, but there are two sides to every story and her version … well. I’m still not sure what her version is. Verbal communication was never our strong point. Neither was timing.
Author's Response: Yes, it's something different alright. I'm glad you're okay with that. And yes, Jim is very clueless sometimes, which is why he can't blame the demise of his relationship solely on Pam. He's got plenty of faults of his own, and I think he knows it. I almost added a little bit of him realizing his mistake in not asking Pam to marry him at the end of that first chapter, but I liked it better without it. Anyway, thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It means a bunch!
8 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 06:22 pm Title: Chapter 5
I'll be honest... I didn't read the other reviews because I didn't want to taint my opinion, but I like it! (I mean, as much as I can with the serious lack of Pam)
It's very realistic.
Author's Response: I'm glad you like it. Yeah, I kinda miss Pam, too . . .but as I mentioned, I'd like to do a different version of this story from her point of view (although ... maybe not, since this one is nearly killing me). Thanks for reading and reviewing, feedingmyaddiction!
Date: July 28, 2008 06:05 pm Title: Chapter 5
This is really, really good! I like how we're slowly getting to know Emily and slowly getting to see the demise of Jam. I hope Emily is strong enough to resist the attraction of Google and IMDB.
SO well written!
Author's Response: Thanks so much VB. Yes, Emily has more willpower than I do. Can you imagine her visiting a forum like this where people were spouting all of their opinions about Jim and Pam? Yikes. Anyway, we'll see. I so appreciate your taking the time to read and review!
Date: July 28, 2008 06:05 pm Title: Chapter 5
Don't let the haters bug you, this is really good. Not everything has to be JAM, no matter how much we want it. My question is when are Jim/Emily are going to run into Pam. keep up the AWESOME work.
Author's Response: Thanks jbfp! I think I'm just such a sucker for Jim and sometimes it broke my heart to watch him struggle for Pam. I was intrigued with the idea of a relationship that seemed ... easier. I'm not saying that Pam doesn't love him -- I absolutely believe she does, and passionately. But his risk for their relationship vs. hers always has struck me as lopsided. So I liked the idea of writing a different kind of relationship for Jim (as if any relationship after Pam would ever be truly easy). Anyway, I so appreciate you reading and reviewing!
Date: July 28, 2008 05:56 pm Title: Chapter 4
Yes, yes I do like Emily. And I like how you're handling the flashbacks explaining what happened to Jim & Pam. This is not making me sad, as I had feared. I should've known better!
Author's Response: Yay! I'm so glad I'm not making you sad! (The way you wrote your review reminded me of Green Eggs and Ham: "I do like them! I do like green eggs and ham!" Anyway, thanks for being open-minded and giving my little story a chance. I truly appreciate it, VB!
Date: July 28, 2008 05:39 pm Title: Chapter 5
Again, I love it! It's not Pam and it's not going to be Pam and yet, I'm just enthralled. Not kissing your ass (I don't really do that), but really genuinely excited to see what happens next.
You know I read and interview with Matthew Perry one time during the height of the "Friends" heyday and he mentioned that sometimes he wished he could meet a girl who didn't know what he did for a living, who just was a teacher or a nurse or a real estate agent and just sent him off to the set with a kiss and a smile, not knowing a boom mike from a best boy. He just wanted someone to know who Matty was without what he had become. All that to say that I think that's kinda like Jim and Emily with the documentary. It's the first time in years that someone can "get to know" Jim for the person he is now.
Forget the haters and just keep going because I have to know how this ends up!
Author's Response: JennInTheCity, that Matthew Perry story is exactly the kind of thing I think about when I think about the difficulty of being a celebrity, even if it's just a local celebrity. How does Jim meet a woman and not have to fess up about his past when it's all documented on film? How does he find a woman who doesn't think she knows him already, who doesn't have some kind of preconceived notion about him? It's so interesting to me. Those are some of the things that made me want to write this story. Anyway, thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I hope I don't disappoint.
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 05:38 pm Title: Chapter 1
I have been a reader here for over a year and have never submitted a review before. I just felt like I needed to let you know that I am really enjoying your story. I like the idea that if Jim and Pam don't work out that they could still find happiness. I'm sorry that more people won't get to enjoy your beatiful writing because they can't get see any other option.
Author's Response: Wow, I love being a first review. Thanks so much just me! (I know it's proboably because I was whining that no one liked my story, but I'll take it nonetheless :-). I agree with you wholeheartedly: if Pam and Jim didn't work out, they definitely could still be happy somehow. I think the opposite is more depressing -- that there is only one potential person out there for each of us! I mean, imagine the odds of ever finding that person! This is much more optimistic, I think. Anyway, thanks again for taking the time to read and leave a review. It's so appreciated.
9 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 05:23 pm Title: Chapter 4
You know when I first got the alert for this story, I wasn't enthused. But because it was you and I've loved pretty much everything you've written, I decided to give it a shot.
I'm glad I did. Though I prefer the fluffy Jim/Pam stories where Pam's time in Brooklyn brings them closer together, I could completely see how it could drive them apart. This piece is realistic and while that's not really why I read fanfic, it's so well done, that I can't really even get upset.
I love the original character you've created - I'm totally stealing both the "how tall are you?" and the bad Chinese thing for my real life BTW - and it's great to see Jim happy. You've nailed his voice so well and it's amazing to feel like he's sitting on my couch, telling me the story.
Yeah, it's not happy Jim/Pam and that's not really my bag, but you earned my trust with "Up in Jim's Room" and you haven't failed me yet ;)
Author's Response: Jenn, I'm so glad that you gave this a chance. I know it's not my normal lovefest (and believe me, those are much more fun to write, too -- this is, like, WORK!), but the fact that you stuck with me is wonderful. And yeah, that Emily is a sly one, isn't she? I'm hoping people can see why Jim likes her. So glad you're enjoying it (as much as you can enjoy it, I mean). Thanks again!
Date: July 28, 2008 05:06 pm Title: Chapter 5
I clicked on the first chapter, not intending to read this story, but I was quickly sucked in, and now I can't wait for you to post more. I can totally and completely see this being the reality of "Jim and Pam", and you know what? I'm really OK with it! I like Emily! They'd better kiss soon...
Author's Response: Aaahh! Thank you malaz85! I swear I thought there'd be more people out there who would agree with you. I guess I underestimated the rabidness (rabidity?) of Jam fans. Anyway, I so appreciate your giving it a chance and letting me know what you think. Truly.
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 03:51 pm Title: Chapter 4
I saw the rating for this story (and this chapter in particular) and its just silly. I understand that people might not like the nature of the story, but that doesn't change the fact that it is well-written and thought out. Well done, and way to write something different, that is always welcome around here.
Author's Response: Aw, thanks dundiefromgod. I certainly expected a quiet reception, but given some of my other stories, I didn't quite expect the bottom of the barrel ratings. I'm glad you found it to be well written and thought out. I can tell you this much: if I was going to put forth a story like this, I wanted it to at least be decent work. Thanks for the positive words -- they really mean a lot to me and I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the story...
Date: July 28, 2008 03:30 pm Title: Chapter 4
This story breaks my heart... but in a good way, I guess. Its really good but still sad.
I hate thinking that Jim and Pam would break up.
Author's Response: Yes, I definitely hate thinking that they would break up katiedid531. But I just can't keep my mind from wandering in that direction. I'm glad the heartbreak is at least a good heartbreak. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Date: July 28, 2008 03:03 pm Title: Chapter 1
I have to confess - I badgered uncgirl when she told me you were writing something and it was awesome. So I had small inkling of what was in store for me before I opened the chapter. In the words of Kevin Malone Jim without Pam is like peanut butter without jelly - except as I write that I realize I really don't like jelly so I usually have my PB plain.
So not the point of this review - and a really bad analogy.
This story is definitely realistic - not what I ultimately want to see (my tortured heart simply can't take it) - but the writing is so lovely I can't help but go along for the ride.
I am looking forward to more...even as I finish my happy Jim and Pam chapter in retaliation. (sorta kidding - but kinda true)
I completely admire your bravery. :)
Author's Response: Aw, uncgirl is pimping my sad story that no one wants to read? Love her. Anyway, I'm so happy that you are writing your happy story to counteract this one. If you look at my first 11 stories -- all happy. I guess when I got to a dozen I decided to be a rebel. (And the current rating on this story proves that this in not a way to make friends among this fandom.) I may be brave, but also a little stupid. ;-) Thanks for reading and reviewing xoxoxo. It means a lot!
9 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 02:23 pm Title: Chapter 1
I like it! I can see how the "JAM 4EVA" folks might not, but I can really appreciate what you're doing here.
I'm not sure that this is the route the show will actually go (even with Jenna's encouragement), but I could definitely see this happening if Pam and Jim were real people. Unless they improve upon their communication skills, I have no doubt that the relationship would tank in real life. I guess this is what fanfic is for. And yes, I do want to see them together (on the show, at least). :)
Author's Response: Thanks Sticious! I have to say, I love JAM as much as the next person (I swear!), but I find the potential stories so much more interesting than just trying to keep them together to make everyone happy. Yes, their communication is terrible, they have a lot of dark history that I don't believe they've truly dealt with, and they are going through different things at different times (bad timing). So I think it's quite believable that they might not make it (if they were real). But I agree that I doubt the show will take that route. I think the fans would burn NBC to the ground. Anyway, glad it works for you. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
Date: July 28, 2008 02:20 pm Title: Chapter 4
First of all I like the structure of the story. I like seeing how Jim's relationship w/ Emily is growing in comparison of his relationship w/ Pam.
Emily as a prankster? Nice touch. Of course this makes her more attractive to Jim. It will be interesting to see how much "baggage" from Pam he brings into this new relationship w/ Emily.Jim's connection to Pam is evident in their phone calls: almost undetectable to the average person, but I sensed a tightness that had never been there before. Pam distancing herself from Pam is so sad and heartbreaking to read.
Author's Response: Alamos, thanks again for your review. The structure is something that came to me suddenly, so I'm glad it's working. I like not telling the whole break-up story at once, from beginning to end. I like the idea of the angst being interspersed with evidence that Jim (and Pam) are ultimately okay.
Yeah, I couldn't resist Emily pulling one on Jim. I think Pam was a prankster WITH Jim or because of Jim's influence, but I just don't see her pulling many without him (or before she met him). Emily, though . . . I sort of see her as having a more extroverted playful side.
Yes, it's hard to watch Pam distancing herself from Jim, isn't it? I went through a similar phase (growing pains) with Mr. Wendolf and it was excruciatingly painful for both of us (lucky for us, we got through it). So I know a bit of what I speak (write). Thanks so much for reading!
Date: July 28, 2008 01:51 pm Title: Chapter 4
Oh, Man--"Just 30 more" you can just tell the tide has changed in Pam. But this is the first time Pam has EVER been on her own, completely, so I could totally see that she changes and grows and all that. Okay---I'm with you- More Jim and Emily....Jim and Emily is better than no Jim at all...
NO I DIDN'T.
Forget i just said that....I ask to be forgiven!!! Please! Beets Honor!
Author's Response: Hey, I forgive you JamFan! But I'm the one writing the sacrilegious story in the first place! Yeah, I think Pam is like a kid who goes away to college and just finally starts to discover who she is. A late bloomer, I guess. And Jim, well . . . I think she still loves him but might have to choose between herself and him (sadly, I think of a line from Sex and the City where Samantha says, "I love you, but I love me more."). Anyway, so glad you're still reading. ;-)
Date: July 28, 2008 01:38 pm Title: Chapter 3
Okay Emily's teacher... Now I am going to have to like her. Jim's coffee choice of regular coffee is so Jim: simple and classic. I like Emily's sincerity and "connection" with Jim. Their banter seems very organic.
Pam in NY - Jim feeling like Roy? That's an original take on how Jim could feel like in Pam's new world. I think it's interesting that Jim recognizes that Pam is "evolving" while he is standing still.
Author's Response: Yeah, who doesn't like a teacher, right? And I just couldn't see Jim taking more than three or four words to order a coffee (you know, none of that "I'll have a venti lite caramel mochiato no whip" etc.) (I don't even drink coffee, so I'm not even sure HOW to order a coffee like that.) And I remember reading in the Treehouse about a fan encounter with JK recently where he ordered just a black coffee. So sexy for some reason. Also glad you like the banter. I hope it is reminiscent of Pam and Jim but a little different. I think Emily is a little more confident that Pam was.
Yeah, and Jim feeling like Roy -- kinda makes sense a bit, doesn't it? I hope so. Thanks for reading and reviewing Alamos. So appreciated!
Date: July 28, 2008 01:19 pm Title: Chapter 4
So sneaky, wendolf. First, you post a second update just as I'm finishing the first AND, best of all, you make me actually like Emily--more than a little--and dislike our dear, sainted Pam! "Impressive" : ) Feel free to post another update today if you'd like. I think I could suffer through it...
Author's Response: I am a sneaky one, aren't I? Glad to hear you like Emily (although I hope I didn't make you dislike Pam too much -- she's just going through her own growing pains, right?). I might be able to post chapter 5 tonight. It just needs a little tweaking. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing as always. You are awesome!
Date: July 28, 2008 11:25 am Title: Chapter 1
You are breaking my Jam Heart, W... But i love you anyways!!!!!!!!!!!
It could happen this way, I for one know that what you want is not what you get sometimes... *sad sign*
The story is just great as per your usual writing-I AM liking the different turn of Jim and Pam. Jim's POV on the 1st chapter is spot on! (my brother is a local "celebrity" [if you call guessing the weather on TV being a celebrity-We both don't.] and people approach him and talk to him like they know him so well & have the right too. It freaks me out alittle.
Anyho, keep on keeping on this yarn of interesting fiction and I will save my rotten tomatoes for the locals! Write me some steamy good-bye lovin and all is forgiven (you know you want to!)
Author's Response: Aw, thanks JamFan4000. Glad I'm not alienating everyone with this story. I've always found the whole concept of celebrity so intriguing (even if you're just a local celebrity in a very small circle), so it's kind of fun to think about how Jim would handle it, especially if he and Pam don't have the happy ending that all the fans want. And you want steam you say? Well. I'll see what I can do. But what if it's not steam with Pam? *Gasp!*
Date: July 28, 2008 10:27 am Title: Chapter 1
The possibility of Jim and Pam not ending up together is one that I am willing to accept in the fanfic world. I think you have captured Jim's voice wonderfully. Especially his need to have a private life away from the cameras. His encounter w/ Emily I am sure isn't accidental. So it will be interesting where that goes.
Author's Response: Thanks Alamos! I'm counting on people being a little more forgiving of this story since it comes from me and not from Greg Daniels ;-) But thanks so much for reading and reviewing. Emily is no Pam, but perhaps she might be a better fit for Jim? Possible? Maybe....
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 10:24 am Title: Chapter 1
My heart hurts for Jim already! I like that you start each chapter with the present and end with his reminiscing on his relationship with Pam. I remember JF's quote. I sure hope the writers of the show pay no attention to her! You've reeled me in wendolf. I'll just brace myself for the angst.
Author's Response: I hope the writers ignore her as well, Cheeb (although, as you might be able to guess, I'm always okay with a little angst as long as there is a happy ending). Hold on for the ride, though. It's going to be a bit bumpy. My heart is aching for Jim, too, but he'll be okay. I promise. Pam too.
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 09:53 am Title: Chapter 1
Despite being a massive sap who insists on always leaving Pam and Jim basically happy and together, I have total and absolute faith in their ability to drive their relationship into the ground via lousy communication and all-around cowardice. I have the same amount of faith in your ability to knock this one clean out of the park. I'll be eagerly awaiting updates.
Author's Response: Talkative, thanks so much for giving this ugly stepchild of a story a chance. Hopefully your faith in me will be deserved. I agree, though . . . these two have always had crappy communication and terrible timing. I don't think all that just magically disappeared when they started sleeping together. ;-) (BTW, I'm a massive sap, too . . . this story may leave scars on my heart.)
Date: July 28, 2008 09:32 am Title: Chapter 2
Happy to see another update so soon! I find that I like reading about where Jim is now and feel anxious about the story of the inevitable break-up. I do appreciate it, though, and am curious to find out what finally led him where he is. I especially like your description of his new home as compared to his prior homes. Warm and fuzzy or not, I'm along for the ride, wendolf.
Author's Response: Thanks, Nan. Oh, I'm extrememly anxious about the break-up, too. I'm so clear on the "why" of the split, but the "how" is a different story. I just am having trouble envisioning their last conversation. Man, it's heartbreaking, isn't it? Anyway, thanks for sticking with me. Hopefully you won't be disappointed.