10 [Report This]Date: July 08, 2009 07:08 am Title: Customer Survey: Ain't No Party Like a Scranton Party by: Steph
Hell yeah it was nice. Because Kelly knew how to throw a party.
As do you, Steph. Of course, we asked you to write to this episode in the hopes that you would tell us all about Kelly. I love they way you captured Kelly's breathless patter and her wildly shifting confidence. A well-written Kelly always makes me want to hang out with her while also realizing that it would only take about ten minutes before I was trying to sneak off and crawl out the bathroom window. And Ryan! That weasel! Of course Kelly isn't malicious enough to go after Jim and Dwight alone. Thank you for the backstory, the lovely party.
10 [Report This]Date: July 08, 2009 06:56 am Title: Employee Transfer: Louis Armstrong by Annabel Winslow
Annabel, context in which we write these things aside, borrowed characters and purple screen and all that, you are an incredibly gifted writer. I'm quite certain that I don't need to say that to you, though - your self-awareness is palpable and driving all of these well-constructed sentences; subtleties of plot and character. A new story from you always requires that I revisit the delight and surprise of finding you here.
You have transcended compliments on your characterization - I know these two people you bring to life not just as Jim and Pam, but as your Jim and Pam, a heightened version of our favorite characters who I'm always so, so happy to see. I can't quote favorite lines as there are just too many. As far as I'm concerned, you have these two and the world they inhabit dead to rights.
I hummed "Kiss to Build a Dream On" for two days after I first read this, a small, lasting blessing from this story that made my husband wonder what had gotten into me. Thank you.
Date: July 07, 2009 09:40 am Title: Business Trip: If you try sometimes, you get what you need by: Sweetpea
This was wonderful on all counts, and your insight on Andy was particularly great. However, I must make a confession: I was so disheartened to read this. I have been toying with writing a story about the parking lot scene for awhile now, and you've gone and said everything I wanted to say about it, only much better and more succinctly than I could have: "But in his heart of hearts, what Jim really wanted even more was for her to need him as much as he needed her."
To me, this is the essence of this whole Jim/Pam storyline. Jim would have been happy forever just knowing that Pam loved him, and he didn't question that. But when she shows up in the parking lot, he knows that she needs him as much as he has always needed her, and their relationship is fully and completely realized. She needs him, and that is what, deep down, he has always dreamed of. She is his, finally.
You've expressed this cleanly and beautifully.
10 [Report This]Date: July 07, 2009 08:24 am Title: Crime Aid: Oh simple thing, where have you gone? by: thirtypercent
Hey Ms. 30% - the truly noteworthy part of your contribution (alhough, really, the whole thing is well done) begins the moment that Jim picks up his phone. Turns out our story is working rather like the season did and, once again, I find myself anxious to see my two favorite characters interact. Speaking from experience, it is a bit of work to make Jim and Pam sound like Jim and Pam, esp. when you've got them on the phone. It sounds exactly like them - I can hear and feel it when Jim still gets breathless over Pam's admissions of her love for him. Turns out I do, too. A delight to read.
10 [Report This]Date: July 07, 2009 08:11 am Title: Baby Shower: Synchronicity by Blanca
Blanca, we've talked about this already (of course), but I just want to state offically, publicly, how well done this is. The extension of the parallelism that we see in the episode is great. Also, again, publicly - He can still feel the ache in his back from the cold, hard linoleum floor. - :: thud :: So much :: thud :: in this one. You know I love you to death, even though Pam's dream wasn't sung through like I suggested. Next time.
Date: July 07, 2009 07:23 am Title: Business Ethics: Father, Brother, Lover (Dance Instructor) by: Paper Jam
This is me, catching up on my reviewing duties and having the distinct pleasure of re-reading these fine chapters. PJ, your first contribution is just wonderful, and, taken with Sophia's, reads like a drum-tight transition from Michael and Holly's story (elements of which you include so well) to the wider ensemble. I love it in your version of Michael's head - the way he interprets (rationalizes, really) what's going on around him. You tie this back into the episode with such a light touch, using the details from the canon like touchstones, not neon signs. Finally, this is so very funny, in that... particular way that Michael is funny. I could feel the laugh building until I got to "Yes! His logic is infalliable." I had to pause for a moment to recover. So, so well done. Can't wait for your next contribution.
Date: July 07, 2009 07:12 am Title: Weight Loss: Someone Just a Little More Funky by sophia_helix
From the Counting Crows reference in the title to the "Kay-o" at the end, this is perfect. Michael and Holly, at this point in the season, find one another through their awkward, pop-culture-that-no-one-else-cares-about-laden dialog. Kudos for telling us a story without much more than that and for making it so vivid. These felt like deleted scenes; like necessary insight into characters we already know so well. Thanks for kicking it off right, Sophia.
Date: July 06, 2009 06:34 pm Title: Business Trip: If you try sometimes, you get what you need by: Sweetpea
"it's James Bond meets Indiana Jones. Or maybe Danny Ocean in Ocean's Eleven. And a little bit Jason Bourne."
You captured Michael's ever present imagination very well!
Date: July 06, 2009 06:34 pm Title: Business Trip: If you try sometimes, you get what you need by: Sweetpea
And this is why there is no one like you Miss Sweetpea. You just infuse so much heart into your writing, and I feel like every time I get to read something that you wrote it's like looking at the character's heart. You know these characters SO well. You actually had me comparing myself to Andy...SCARY. But to hear you tell it - he and I have some similarities. LOVED THIS...and thank you.
Date: July 06, 2009 03:05 pm Title: Weight Loss: Someone Just a Little More Funky by sophia_helix
That was great, Sweetpea. I love the Andy/Oscar relationship and you captured both of them so well.
Date: July 06, 2009 08:20 am Title: Business Trip: If you try sometimes, you get what you need by: Sweetpea
Sweetpea, I've been hoping so much that you would contribute to this summer project. I've truly missed you! Write to Me remains the fic that has most affected me on an emotional level. Kudos to whoever is responsible for dragging you off the farm ; )
This was lovely. So insightful. Five totally different men, yet maybe not so different at all in their desire to feel accepted, needed and part of something. Awesome job, my friend. Sorry this isn't more insightful--I'm just really happy you're back.
10 [Report This]Date: July 06, 2009 08:16 am Title: Business Trip: If you try sometimes, you get what you need by: Sweetpea
YAY! I cannot TELL you how happy I was to see your name on my Updates feed! ;o) x infinity.
Love the Andy/Oscar stories. You should be a little afraid of understanding Andy so well. But then, this is the little glimmer of humanity that makes Andy bearable and a great addition to Michael's little 'family' of misfits.
Heh. Ryan is such a tool. Ft. Lauderdale! BWAH!
Oh, and I think you made that parking lot scene (with that magical sunset light) an even happier moment.
Date: July 03, 2009 05:01 am Title: Customer Survey: Ain't No Party Like a Scranton Party by: Steph
What a great way to explain Kelly's behavior! You write her so well. I'm like totally jealous. ;) The line about Oscar is perfection. This was such a treat to read!
Date: July 02, 2009 11:09 pm Title: Employee Transfer: Louis Armstrong by Annabel Winslow
:::sigh::: that was dreamy. That "No" from Jim in response to Michael's "does it get easier" was pretty freaking hot, I might add. Good work!
Date: July 02, 2009 10:51 pm Title: Crime Aid: Oh simple thing, where have you gone? by: thirtypercent
::sigh:: I love it when you write. ::sigh:: And Pam saying "oh snap" -- GOLD. I could totally picture Pam/Jenna saying that and Jim thinking it's adorable. This was all kinds of great.
Date: July 02, 2009 07:39 pm Title: Customer Survey: Ain't No Party Like a Scranton Party by: Steph
Steph, I absolutely love how you write Kelly. It's more Kelly than Mindy! Here are some parts I especially liked.
Jim said he would try to make it and he smiled at her - like really smiled at her so she moved on to Dwight.
Whatever. Oscar was like the least fun gay person she knew.
-- so funny. :)
This whole exchange:
“Who else isn’t here?” she shrieked, the tiniest bit of desperation in her voice. “Who else?”
“It appears,” Andy said, “that your party is Tuna-free.”
Kelly made a face. “Ew. Why would I be serving tuna? This is a classy party.”
Phyllis patted her arm. “That’s Andy’s little nickname for Jim.”
Love that Ryan was the mastermind of the whole thing. He would be the one who thought of 'smug.'
Anyway, this is awesome. Great work. Thanks for being part of it!
Date: July 02, 2009 10:52 am Title: Customer Survey: Ain't No Party Like a Scranton Party by: Steph
Fabulous chapter! The Kelly voice was spot-on, and I loved the twist at the end with Ryan. (such a slime, gotta love him). A wonderful addition to a wonderful series. Looking forward to the next one!
Date: July 02, 2009 07:45 am Title: Customer Survey: Ain't No Party Like a Scranton Party by: Steph
I'm not usually a fan when Jim and Pam aren't the main characters, but this was a really cute insight in to the whole AGT finale party =)
Date: July 02, 2009 07:04 am Title: Customer Survey: Ain't No Party Like a Scranton Party by: Steph
I'm a little afraid of how well you write Kelly. OK, more than a little. Ryan the puppetmaster -- bwah! That is perfectly evil and completely possible. Nicely done, Steph.
Happy Thursday!
Date: July 02, 2009 06:51 am Title: Customer Survey: Ain't No Party Like a Scranton Party by: Steph
Hey, Steph! I so wish we could have seen Kelly's party. What a perfect angle for a fic on this ep, and you set just the right tone of funny and whimsical and a little bit sad. It certainly fills in a lot of gaps. Oooo that, Ryan :( Such a little weasel!
Whatever. Oscar was like the least fun gay person she knew. That actually made me snort :) So funny.
10 [Report This]Date: June 29, 2009 07:32 pm Title: Employee Transfer: Louis Armstrong by Annabel Winslow
Oh, this was just beautiful! I like how Jim is living from oasis to oasis both in 2005 and 2008. The oases are just better in 2008 and the times between not quite so arid. So many wonderful details and all the characters are spot on. Really wonderful!
10 [Report This]Date: June 29, 2009 12:35 pm Title: Employee Transfer: Louis Armstrong by Annabel Winslow
Very cute and extremely well written as always =)
Date: June 29, 2009 10:40 am Title: Employee Transfer: Louis Armstrong by Annabel Winslow
This is the perfect mix of S2/S5 angst. I could feel both so much here. Even though it was a different kind of longing for Jim S5 he still makes my heart hurt.
Plus his brothers are jerks and I'm glad you showed it.
Just lovely. Thank you for writing it.
Date: June 29, 2009 10:22 am Title: Employee Transfer: Louis Armstrong by Annabel Winslow
Lovely :)
10 [Report This]Date: June 29, 2009 09:52 am Title: Employee Transfer: Louis Armstrong by Annabel Winslow
cute (: