1 [Report This]Date: February 05, 2022 09:40 pm Title: Chapter 1
This is... remarkably prescient, even as it makes me extremely sad for Pam.
Author's Response:
I think in all the fic I wrote, I only made accurate predictions three times-- Pam leaving Phyllis's wedding with Roy, this one about her art school floundering, and them having a baby girl first and then later a boy. But I remember being confused why other fic writers were launching Pam into this successful international art career when that was really, really not what this show was about. I guess I never used fic for wish fulfillment as much as exploration of the characters and world as it was (or seemed to be).
Sad for Pam, somewhat, but ultimately led her to her happily ever after, I think.
Oh, and thank you for continuing through my archive. So fun to see your notes and get to think about these things again!
Date: November 17, 2008 11:29 am Title: Chapter 1
I know you wrote this before the season even began (which is why Pam had a ring before she left for New York), but the "mediocre grades and a crushing sense of failure" hits home after last weeks episode. How dare you (and GD and co) make Pam not be a great artist. Evil you.
Although, Pam's description of living in the city alone is pretty great. I want an adventure like that. However, considering I've lived here my entire life, and oh yeah, its one of those "everyone knows your name" sort of places, probably won't happen here.
I know that feeling. The why do they have to be supportive why can't they except I'm total crap! Those people deserve to DIE!
Okay, fine. I like this, even though Pam was hurt. So, I guess I can't be mad at you (plus you are hurt according to your LJ and that's just not cool). Because Pam may not be great at all types of art. That's fine. I can't even draw a stick figure. So, really, I have no room to talk. But she can make her and Jim's apartment all pretty (of which I am jealous), and is marrying Jim (jealous again), and... well, I like my name more than i like the name Pam, so I win at that part. :)
Author's Response: I was totally excited that my prediction sort-of came true. The only other time I've come close was Pam leaving the wedding with Roy...and I wasn't happy at all that I was right that time. I guess I have a knack for predicting Pam's less-than-stellar moments? Anyway, I'm really glad you like it even though there was so many strikes against it (hee!). Thank you!
10 [Report This]Date: October 20, 2008 01:13 am Title: Chapter 1
You know, I think you captured the feel of the experience Pam had very well.
Starting off with saying what she left Scranton with and what she came back with was a perfect to begin.
"The dreams she’d traded for a report card filled with mediocre grades and a crushing sense of failure." - Loved this line, it kind of just seemed so natural for you to write something like that and it fit in with how the story was written. I loved it.
The middle was quite sweet. Her missing him and she felt like she was failing him because of how she was doing so badly.
I think it's great to see how she's not this great artist but more of a simple girl who adores art and has a bit of talent. It's a bit more realistic than some other fics.
The welcoming home part was really, very nice. Michael cares for his family and of course would tear up when meeting Pam again. Kelly would ask for celebrities she saw, what they were wearing etc.
But, my favourite part was the end, when you wrote "It felt like she was coming home" because as much as she's never admit it out loud, she always thought of DM as her second home with Michael as the dad.
Loved it!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, and I really appreciate you taking the time to be so specific about what you liked. I love Pam and want her to do well, but I also think it is realistic that maybe she's not going to be an art superstar. I'm glad you agree! Thanks so much, again.
Date: August 25, 2008 06:46 am Title: Chapter 1
Lis - this is exactly the sentiment I subscribe to. When I wrote 12 Weeks I wanted to be sure that Pam had a reason to come back to Scranton (one that was not exclusively because of Jim). I think this is the most realistic scenario of all. Obviously. LOL!
Glad to see we're on the same page. ;) (Not that it's suprising). Thanks so much for giving us your 2 cents.
Author's Response: Oh, thank you! Yeah, I'm not surprised that we agree here. I love Pam, but being Fancy and New doesn't automatically translate to having the Prettiest Art of all the Art. I also think that, realistically, she's not leaving Scranton at this point, so there has to be a reason for her to stay.
Date: August 25, 2008 12:01 am Title: Chapter 1
Thank you!! Loved this. Such a refreshing change - we all want Pam to be extremely artistically gifted, but what if she isn't? Not everyone with a passion for something is endowed with the gifts to live the dream. (Plus this cleans up all the angst the writers planted with the whole Pratt thing) It's not that I want Pam to fail! I just welcome a dose of realism - remember the "motel art?" Kudos to you, and thanks again! Write more soon, please.
Author's Response: No, no, thank you! I'm so glad that at least some people agree that this is possible. I don't want her to fail, either, but like you said- just because you want to do it doesn't mean you actually can. Oh, and I'll likely write more soon- I think this is my 71st story on MTT! I can't be stopped!
Date: August 24, 2008 07:39 am Title: Chapter 1
Sadly, I think this is more likely as Pam Taking The Art World By Storm! fics... good alternate take, I think.
Author's Response: Thank you. I sort of think so, too. I've enjoyed a lot of those stories, of course, but life doesn't always give you everything you want- and she already has the ultimate thing in Jim!
Date: August 23, 2008 08:06 pm Title: Chapter 1
It's hard to be in that situation; poor Pam. But I'm glad you gave her some hope for the future and a way to use her talent.
Author's Response: I think this show blends the bitter with the sweet- so I couldn't leave her totally hopeless! But yeah, I think it would be hard, but also maybe a more realistic hurdle for them to overcome than any relationship issues at this point. I hope I'm not wrong about that! Thank you for reading and commenting, I appreciate you taking the time!
9 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2008 06:16 pm Title: Chapter 1
What a different take on NewYork!Pam. Refreshing and so very well written. Beaten down but not defeated and with a gentle, hopeful ending. A wonderful read, I liked it a lot.
Author's Response: Thank you! That's exactly what I was going for- "beaten down but not defeated". Beautifully phrased! She doesn't get what she wants here, but she has so much going for her. She'll be fine, of course! Thank you again, I'm glad you liked it!
8 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2008 06:04 pm Title: Chapter 1
This was sad and sweet and romantic all rolled into one nice story.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! You know I always like reading your thoughts on these little bits of nothing I come up with. Thanks again!
6 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2008 03:19 pm Title: Chapter 1
Awwwwwww poor Pammy:(
Author's Response: Yeah, I put her through the wringer a little bit her, I know! But having a Jim to love you and a job where you are needed but still have time to sketch (or, *ahem* write fanfic)- it's not all bad! Thank you for taking the time to comment and for reading this alternate take on Pam's summer!
Date: August 22, 2008 02:51 pm Title: Chapter 1
Wow, this is such a sad yet realistic look at what might happen to Pam in the big city. Dreams don't always work out how we expect. Pam's journey to discover who she is has always been an interesting one for me, and you've taken it in a really thoughtful direction here. Nice job.
Author's Response: Thank you! I really appreciate that you think this is realistic; I thought so too. It's not entirely sad, though- she may have a bad summer, but we know how strong she is (and so does she, now) and she has a lot of love to come home to. Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my story and letting me know what you thought!
Date: August 22, 2008 01:54 pm Title: Chapter 1
Probably the most realistic story yet about her art school experience. Pam may an artist, but not necessarily a computer design-type artist. I guess we'll all see very soon. Most kids in her class would already know or have mastered the programs. Most likely they’re there to expand their artistic vision. And, I doubt her classmates would be as friendly as other stories have described (no offense to the art majors out there). Hope she has some pretty tough skin. My dad is an art prof and he would flatten her sprit like a pancake (that’s why I became a scientist, and a reader-not a writer-of fanfic)! Excellent job.
Author's Response:
See, that was sort of my thought as well. Pam would be way behind even if she had all the talent in the world- and to be honest, we haven't seen that she does have that much, just some. So maybe she uses this experience to help her find her true calling, or to have a little business on the side, or whatever, but I don't think the Pam Beesly we've seen is suddenly going to become an international art sensation. I still love her!
Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate it, and I'm glad you liked this!
9 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2008 01:50 pm Title: Chapter 1
I really love this, because I think it's completely and totally realistic. The thing is, there is no guarantee that Pam is going to be some amazing successful artist. It would be nice, yeah, but the real world can be a tough place sometimes.
Really well done. And actually if the writers went this way I would find it so refreshing.
Author's Response: I've got a pretty bad track record when predicting future events for this show (although I did guess that she'd leave the wedding with Roy, sorry!)- however, this one wouldn't shock me too much because we need to keep Pam at DM Scranton! Also, this show always gives us the bitter with the sweet; now that they're together and happy, it seems like something bad is waiting around the corner. Maybe that's just me, though. Regardless, thank you so much for reading and commenting!
Date: August 22, 2008 01:40 pm Title: Chapter 1
This earns a big, giant "awww" from me.
This was one of the truest representations of how I would see Pam's summer at Pratt. And Jim, oh Jim you sweet sweet baby...
great job
Author's Response: Thank you! No matter how things work out (or don't, as the case may be), Pam will be OK because she has Jim and the rest of her DM "family". And I love Jim, so of course he's a sweetie pie in my stories! Hee. Thank you again!
Date: August 22, 2008 01:38 pm Title: Chapter 1
I actually read your reviews first, and then went back to reread this story. I'm so pleased that the realism is appreciated. And that someone else felt your hint that perhaps graphic design isn't actually the best outlet for her artistic talents!
Author's Response: So you decided not to cut-and-paste your e-mail? Hee. Thank you so much for re-reading, that means a lot to me. As you know, I was uncertain how the "realism" would go over, so I too am pleased. Thanks for giving me the thumbs-up to post this!
10 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2008 12:23 pm Title: Chapter 1
I really loved the realism of this. While I'm sure Pam has a great talent, I'm certain it'd take a while for her to get her feet in the door. I love Jim (as always) being there for her and Michael's (and Kelly's!) reaction to her returning back to DM. Something really sweet and tender and touching about this and very, very lovely. Awesome job. :)
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I didn't want it to come off as me trashing Pam, at all. I love her and am totally impressed that she's chasing her dream this way. But these things don't always work out as planned, and I thought it would interesting to look at that. I'm so glad you liked it, thanks again!
Date: August 22, 2008 12:09 pm Title: Chapter 1
Love the idea that Pam is far from perfect!
Author's Response:
I've said before that I love Pam because she's so real, and real people are not perfect! Also, I must confess, I want to keep her at DM! Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!
Date: August 22, 2008 12:02 pm Title: Chapter 1
lis -- I'm loving this. Kind of sad that having the wind knocked out of her sails would make DM look like a decent alternative, but heck, just having a job isn't such a bad thing. Especially with a certain paper salesman sitting three feet away.
It's kind of like the idea that Jim could tolerate working at DM and not throw himself in front of a train if his family life is going the way he wants it to. Nicely done and sweetly stated.
Author's Response: I think most people have a job they tolerate and get their true happiness elsewhere. Going to NY is a grand adventure in and of itself; maybe that's enough if she gets the Handsome Prince, too! Thank you so much, as usual- your comments always mean a lot to me!
9 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2008 12:00 pm Title: Chapter 1
I enjoyed this, nqllisi. I found it to be just the right combination of hopefulness, wistfulness and realism. It calmed my frightened little heart (I don't want Pam to get TOO fancy). Great job.
Author's Response: I'm glad I could help! I love Pam but she's already made as dramatic a change in her life as most people ever do. I just thought this was another possibility for what might happen. I'm so happy you enjoyed it, thank you!
Date: August 22, 2008 11:44 am Title: Chapter 1
Callisto beat me to it but I wanted to also thank you for a story in which Pam, depsite all that we love about her, doesn't wind up taking the graphic design world by storm. And I'm not implying that she doesn't have talent, and that it might not work out that way, but it's nice to read a story where she may need more than her 12 weeks at Pratt to really develop whatever level of raw talent she does possess and to maybe even determine that graphic design is really not how she ultimatley wants to use the artisitic gifts she does have. Maybe it will turn out that another direction entirely would ultimately be more satisfying to her. But, whatever way it plays out, she's not afraid to explore her possibilities...so, I applaud you!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! Absolutely, I adore Pam, but this felt a little more realistic to me. Not to mention that this way she gets to stay on the show! Hee. In all seriousness, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. It means a lot!
8 [Report This]Date: August 22, 2008 11:29 am Title: Chapter 1
Nice to see a world where Pam is not a prodigy, just someone who loves art and has some talent. And I can see her feeling welcomed and 'home' back at the office. Nice!
Author's Response: Thank you! Yeah, this felt a little more realistic to me. I love Pam, but maybe she's just a big fish in the little DM pond, you know? Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. I wasn't sure how people would feel about this take on Pam's NY summer.