Date: August 13, 2008 03:26 pm Title: Artifact
I really liked this little piece. Great work!
Author's Response: Thank you very much JennInTheCity! Happy you liked it.
10 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2008 03:07 pm Title: Artifact
"He ran his thumb slowly over the small spot of naked pale pinkish clay exposed beneath the pot's fanciful surface. "
I love the visualization here too - this is such an amazing little view into the utter hell fanfic fodder torment that was S3. Thanks again!
Author's Response: Thank you so much notatoy! Have to admit, that line got me a little choked up when I wrote it - they were all just so raw, and so stupid, back then.
10 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2008 03:04 pm Title: Same old story
"He’d chuckled back, but immediately looked around to make sure no one had heard them.
Now he regarded no one sitting alone in the dark."
I loved this little bit of phrasing. This is, as usual, beautifully done. Thank you!
Author's Response: Why thank you! No one...so totally the opposite of how he saw/sees her. Glad you're liking this, notatoy!
10 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2008 02:56 pm Title: Invitation
I love everything this fic chooses to be. It's perfect because you could just drop this moment in between those two episodes and it fits like a glove.
You would think that Karen would have picked up on the big flashing sign that was saying "THIS IS NOT GOING TO WORK" but she wanted so badly not to give up. And poor Jim - thinking he needs to do this in order to move on. It's painful to see Jim and Pam so in the dark about each other, but knowing how it all ends up makes it possible to enjoy and appreciate these heartbreaking moments up until then. Thank you for this, Colette - it was just perfect.
Author's Response: I really wanted this to mesh with what we saw on the show - not reinvent or 'correct' it. That period was so fraught and full of inarticulated feelings - ripe to expand upon ;-) So, I love that you thought this fit in with those episodes. And yeah, it was often hard to believe that Karen didn't clue in earlier - I think she kind of did, but denial is a potent thing, I guess. Thanks so much, kells - love that you liked this so much!
Date: August 13, 2008 01:43 pm Title: Artifact
This description could fit either Jim or Pam: It seemed so raw, so vulnerable, so unspeakably sad. I love the tone of this chapter: Jim's desperate attempt to run as fast as he can from Karen,and hiding Pam's pot like his true feelings for her.
Author's Response: I agree - they were both in that fragile state. Glad you think the tone worked - Jim was all about hiding in those days. Good times (not.) Thanks so much, Alamos.
9 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2008 01:20 pm Title: Artifact
Your description of the care that Jim takes with the pot is so touching, Colette
Author's Response: Such a sweet, sad boy, that Jim. Aw. Glad you felt this, NanReg - many, many thanks!
Date: August 13, 2008 01:19 pm Title: Life back to normal
I think Karen throwing away Pam's pot is a clever way of describing how she wants to get Pam out of their lives. Nice chapter.
Author's Response: Precisely. No point in holding on to it, as she said. Thanks, Alamos!
9 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2008 01:18 pm Title: Life back to normal
So happy to see two new chapters, Colette. This line stuck with me: But at that moment, it felt good to put things back in their proper places. Onto chapter 5...
Author's Response: I just had this really clear image of him sorting those crackers...any semblance of restoring order. Thanks again, NanReg - for sticking with this sad thing. ;-)
10 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2008 01:13 pm Title: Artifact
I really like the direction this story is going, and I think you've got a real good taste of their characters. This is an AU sure but I feel the drama.. and I really like that. I hope you continue updating fast!!
Author's Response: Sorry, no more updates - this one is complete. Glad you liked the direction. Thanks much, dasani!
Date: August 13, 2008 12:35 pm Title: Artifact
Colette - awesome story. Thank you for writing it. Your ending was elegantly open - but tacky me wants more, of course. So, here is me trying to be grateful for what I get! This feels so tender towards sad Pam and Jim; beautifully done.
MCC
Author's Response: I like that - 'elegantly open.' I think we all want more...so, bring on S5, that's what I say ;-) So pleased you enjoyed this MCC - many thanks!
10 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2008 12:23 pm Title: Artifact
Aww... colette that was just TOO sad. Well written, but that's nothing knew when it comes to you! Still....I should have taken heed when you said it was angsty. I think I need to go lie down and write another chapter to this in my head where it all turns out okay.... ;-)
Author's Response: No, see - the chapter where it turns out okay has already been written...S4!! Sorry to make you sad, Mox...but, like I said, this fic was about filling in the blank between those ep's, not re-routing the tortuous course of twu wuv. Thank GD, those pesky writers on the show did that for us ;-)
Date: August 13, 2008 11:51 am Title: Artifact
Oh, of course sentimental Jim keeps the pot. Along with his paperclip chains, napkin doodles and hot sauce packets.
*sigh*
I'm so glad I know this ends in a much better place.
Author's Response: Yeah, I figured this would go down a bit easier, with S4 under our belts. Appreciate your sticking with me - now it's time for happy thoughts. I.O.U. one smoochy fic ;-) Thanks, Lisa!
Date: August 13, 2008 11:49 am Title: Life back to normal
Oh Karen, toss Pam's clay pot aside, just like you'd toss anything heartfelt and genuine -- if it wasn't fancy & sparkly enough for you. So glad Jim didn't stay over.
Author's Response: Nope, no way could he return to that bed, that night. Ah, what a fine mess they had on their hands back in those days...so much fun (not.) Thanks Lisa - you know I love the feedback!
10 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2008 11:47 am Title: Artifact
This is so sweet and sad and just a fantastic little snapshot of why everything had to end up the way it did. I loved this description of the chipped lip of the pot, and saw it as a direct parallel to Jim himself:
so raw, so vulnerable, so unspeakably sad.
And this:
An artifact of a time and place that never really existed, but that he missed all the same.
And the symbolism of using the same towel he'd dried himself off with... well. As always, your subtlety is wonderful. This was a real treat.
Author's Response: So pleased you felt the metaphor of the chipped pot - and 'subtlety' is high praise in my book. Thanks so much, callisto! (And btw, have been crazy busy lately, but your new fic is on my 'to read' list - can't wait.)
Date: August 13, 2008 11:42 am Title: Artifact
Old habits die hard- trying to protect whatever tiny piece of Pam he can, wrapping it up and tucking it away. This is the "cherish" part of loving, honoring, and cherishing. I imagine that there are yogurt lids in that box, as well.
Thank you for writing this.
Author's Response: No, thank YOU for reading (and reviewing) this! Yes, tucking it away somewhere safe, but hidden (even from himself. Except...well, we know how well THAT worked.) Thanks again for all your lovely reviews!
Date: August 13, 2008 11:35 am Title: Life back to normal
You know, I actually had a physical reaction- I felt the blood rush to my face when Jim spotted the pot. Oh, Karen. You were never the right girl. "Life back to normal" for Jim is always going to be Pam, no matter what you try to throw away.
Author's Response: You tell her, nqllisi! Well, thank god it's back to normal now, right? Thanks so much - and just saw you'd posted something. Yay! My dessert tonight ;-)
10 [Report This]Date: August 13, 2008 11:33 am Title: Artifact
Oh my that broke my heart :-( Yes, we all know how it ends, but I hate thinking about how long and intensely Jim suffered before the happiness occurred.
Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. :-) It was beautifully written.
I hope you will follow it up with a happy, fluffy one next though! Pretty please? ;-)
Author's Response: I can't promise anything (and I always think my last fic is my, well...last) but you never know when the urge to fluff will strike. So, will see what I can do. Thanks, Abigail for reading and reviewing!
Date: August 13, 2008 06:10 am Title: Same old story
This chapter vibrates with the tension. It's the whole story behind that look on his face, that softly uttered "Yes" when Karen asks if he still has feelings for Pam. This is so good!
Author's Response: Bingo. That agonized 'yes' was precisely what was in my head as I was writing this. In that week between Karen finding out about Jim's 'crush' and her detecting the subtle frequency between him and Pam (while observing them pull the cell phone prank on Andy,) I always felt there was a blank to fill in - his unresolved feelings bubbling to the surface after being questioned about them in TS, and Karen beginning to clue in, culminating in that conference room 'yes' scene. (I hope my story makes more sense than that last couple of sentences ;-) But if you could feel that 'yes' state of mind here, I'm SO happy. Thank, nqllisi - really loved hearing that.
Date: August 12, 2008 11:23 pm Title: Same old story
It was odd sitting with her in the dark, so close he could sense the vibration in the air when she breathed. It was at once familiar and strange and wrong and right and he didn’t care. All he knew was how soft she looked in her sweater, how unnatural it was not to touch her, that he was made to touch her. He imagined pushing her back against the pillows, feeling what it would be like to cover her body with his own, her mouth with his. He wanted to pretend it was the end of a long evening at her - at their - place and everyone would soon be gone. He’d tell her, let’s clean up in the morning and he’d kiss her and she’d kiss him back and they’d have the whole night ahead of them.
One of the hottest things I've ever read.
Once again, you're amazing. :D I'm sad you're ending it. It's very lovely. I'll be back tomorrow!
Author's Response: Yay for heat without actual touching! (Though, you know...touching is good too ;-) Glad his desire for her came across for you...and many thanks, raspberryjam!
Date: August 12, 2008 11:16 pm Title: You must be happy
I hope you know how well you write. When I read it I see it in my head like I'm watching it. Fantastic chapter! The scene in the doorway was perfect.
Author's Response: I love that you got a visual when you read this - and that the door scene worked for you. Thanks again, raspberryjam!
Date: August 12, 2008 11:12 pm Title: Invitation
Ooo. I was excited when I saw your story on the recent page. You're one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to read more!
Author's Response: Thank you raspberryjam - very kind!
Date: August 12, 2008 07:08 pm Title: Same old story
Just need to massage the final parts a wee bit more
That's what she said???
Oh the wistfulness! It's going to kill me. The thoughts Jim had about just BEING with her and how she was never really his to lose in the first place. Oy moy...I love this. Can't wait to see how this massaged parts come out. :-)
P.S. A little birdy tells me you say that the cure for not writing is to write...so I'm trying. ;-)
Author's Response: Ah, life is a mine field of TWSS's. Smarty pants ;-)
Death by wistfulness - I think you may have discovered a new untimely demise. Glad you're still with me on this and re: what that little birdy said, what can I say? I'm a simple girl, and so goes my advice. But I am THRILLED to hear you're writing something. Thrilled, I tell you! Thanks, Lovefool!!!
10 [Report This]Date: August 12, 2008 06:04 pm Title: Same old story
I adore the way you write Jim and Pam. I can feel them in your words and right now I hurt for both of them.
Author's Response: Aw, sorry about the ouch, jinx. Take one S4 episode per day and you'll feel fine ;-) Thanks so much!
Date: August 12, 2008 04:42 pm Title: Same old story
I think you've kept very true to the characters of Jim and Pam in these chapters. At this point, they were both just too afraid to take a chance, an you've really captured that well.
Author's Response: Thanks jkfan! Happy you think this is true to character!
10 [Report This]Date: August 12, 2008 02:27 pm Title: Same old story
Oh that hurt my heart a little. This especially:
‘S’okay,’ he replied at last, his tone chilly and dismissive. ‘You wouldn’t have much in common with him anyway.’
But I like that it hurts Jim almost as much, and he realizes that the way he treats her at times is painful for her. You write their dialog so well, also. The way they speak with one another is so layered with meaning, but it's not heavy. I'm probably not making sense.
In my last review you wondered why people like this so much, given the angst is tough to deal with right now. I think, because like you said - we know the outcome, but also because this story isn't angst for the sake of angst. The quiet moment that you create between them here feels so real, and you can almost understand how it would be so hard for them to tell the other exactly how they are feeling. Jim's anger makes sense, as does the way Pam withdraws a bit.
Wonderful, as always.
Author's Response: Glad you picked that line, cause I tried it about 10 different ways before I found (what I hoped was) the right tone. And yes - I wanted it to be clear that when he was cold to her, it was painful for him too. But so was the alternative. Actually, I kind of secretly liked those agonizing S3 scenes (like the break room one -'I'm sure you'll find your way back to each other' - ouch!) because no one so actively pushes someone away, and looks so miserable doing it, when they don't still have very deep feelings for that person. (And could that sentence be any more convoluted? ;-) But, glad you think the dialog works - those two don't tend to communicate in long 'heavy' paragraphs, but they still say a lot, so I'm glad that feeling came through for you - and also that this doesn't feel like angst for angst's sake to you. Thanks so much, kells! I appreciate the feedback.