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I was JUST rereading this and thinking about how much I'd like to see it updated. I will consider this a Thanksgiving present to me. And I didn't even get you anything! You are producing like crazy right now.

I stand by my comment that the Brian twist was a very good choice for this story, hate or no hate. Frankly, Pam deserves someone she can be herself around.

Pam's plot feels like it may have ultimately played right into their hands - instead of a love triangle, they're getting a love quadrangle with three actors and poor confused Jim.

I think you struck the right balance here of making it clear Pam is lying to herself about her feelings about Jim and thus her reactions to Katy and her motives for manipulating production, but not smacking us over the head with it.

I love Jim's reaction to her cold shoulder - obviously an endearing moment. And ironically, Pam is actually getting the outside perspective on her feelings in this universe that she lacked in canon, which is a nice touch.

Looking forward to seeing where you go with this next.

Author's Response:

YAY!

Well, if this was your Thanksgiving present from me to you, I'm going to consider that amazing review as my Thanksgiving present ;-)

Happy Thanksgiving!

And yeah, I'm taking #NaNoWriMo very seriously this year.

The Brian thing is something I agree with you, obviously. I mean, in the series, if she feels lonely or is extra annoyed at Jim, she will go home to Roy and well... they were a couple so it would've been normal to do couple stuff that could keep her mind off things. And maybe because of that Pam was so slow catching up on Jim's true feelings.

In this take there is nothing of the sort, and she needs a hobby. Well, needed. Past tense. Bye Brian.

Also, yes, this scenario makes her more aware of her own feelings, maybe because she's alone, but I want to believe that it's also because, as an actress, she is taking notes and trying to be hyper aware of what everybody does and how to react to that. 

While I have the rest of the story, and the ending, figured out, there are still a couple of steps I don't know how to take. But hey, it's still November.

Have a very nice (and safe) holiday weekend, get yourself stuffed with turkey or the likes! And, again, thank you very much! 

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I really like the choice you've made to make the conflict broader than just Pam not being able to be honest with Jim - the idea of Pam struggling with dual loyalties and the broader ethics of spying on people she actually does work with every day, and the failure of the "documentary" crew to understand that, makes this whole story a lot weightier.

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I find it really interesting that you have Pam taking this tack, especially since you also have her there when no one is filming (I suppose they couldn't get her a three month vacation without blowing her cover). Fascinating setup.

Author's Response:

Well... this story is taking me forever because I keep getting stuck on how to make it realistic for an actress to be in a documentary incognito (happens a lot, as I've found out).

I'm happy you find this fascinating! 

Ok thanks for clearing that up. Can’t wait for more!

I do hate this chapter. Why? Why? Why? WHY does Pam have to jump into bed with everyone even when in the show she did not.

Author's Response:

Well... in the show she was engaged.
Also, it's called AU for a reason.

Thanks for your hate, it means the world! 

Now that's a very interesting twist. Plausible in this universe to be sure. I've got a feeling there's going a be a lot more twists and turns as this all goes forward.

Author's Response:

Thanks very much! I am really glad you think it's plausible, because this idea - she having something with Brian - is what kept me blocked the last time around. She never does in the series, and I don't think she really was interested, but this is a whole new scenario in which she is NOT engaged and NOT really living her life so... Brian is kind of a hobby (ouch that was cruel).

I don't know about more twist and turns, but I hope you find the rest at least entertaining.

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This is such an interesting premise! I actually think I had been reading it as you posted. The first few chapters definitely seemed familiar. I’m glad you’ve come back to it!

I really quite like this version of Roy (and that’s not something I’ve written all that often before...) It’s a little sad that as a fake fiancé I feel like he has more genuine conversations with Pam and seems to have her back a whole lot more.

I feel for Pam. She’s so torn between her job and her genuine chemistry with Jim. It hurts my heart a little that she essentially chose her job over him in this chapter. Poor Jim must be so very confused over her turning cold on him, although I assume he would think that it was all about Roy.

I’m really looking forward to seeing where you take this next!

Author's Response:

Thanks very much! It's proving to be difficult to write, because I fell like I have to put in a lot of explanations before really getting into the good stuff... well I hope you don't get bored. 

I kinda like this Roy, too. He¿s not really a bad guy, and in this case he is a bit of an ally to Pam. 

And her choosing to start ignoring Jim is a little about her career but also about him. You review made me realise that was not very clear, so I added a few lines on that regard. She know he'd feel really stupid if he finds out she'd been going along with the flirting knowing that it was just a show, so she stops. 

Anyway, next chapter is almost done and I hope to move things a little.

Thanks again! 

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I like where this story is going! It was nice to see Pam's awakening and that Roy isn't depicted as the bad guy here. I look forward to where you take this.

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I did like the little insights to the production of the show. Changing the lights around in the office, setting up things for better camera angles and such. Great detail that added a lot.

You're doing a great job at capturing Pam's conflicted feelings here. She's trying hard to do a good job in her role, but she's also losing herself in her role. How much of a good thing that is or not remains to be seen. Well done.

Author's Response: Thanks so much w4! I want her to be torn between enjoying the experience and the fact that she's being more herself and less a character.

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I'm enjoying this! Please keep it up.

"This was the first time she got to work on a character so deeply, and she realized she was enjoying it. She was starting to like this new Pam, shy and timid, and she wished the writers got her to find a little bit of a voice. To accomplish something other than being a receptionist." I like this insight into the slightly different Pam you're giving us. That and the reminders that she can't be sassy. It's a good technique for keeping her in character within the TV show but giving us a different person behind the scenes.

Author's Response:

Thanks very much! I'm really enjoying writing it.

This Pam is a bit of 4th season Pam (an forward), and the character she plays is  1st season Pam. Son't you get the feeling she's thinking all sorts of comebacks when Michael is acting specially crazy? 

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This is a cool idea that gives you some freedom with Pam' s personality. Looking forward to reading more!

Author's Response: Thanks very much! I hope to make her still sound like Pam.  :)