Date: April 28, 2020 03:28 am Title: Kiss my Mouth, Hell is Here
Jeff is full of words of wisdom. I hope Jim is able to heed them, at least to some degree.
Larissa’s spunk with Jim is wonderful. I love the sibling dynamic you’ve created for them - very in line with all the other fic out there (that seems to be the generally accepted headcanon).
Pam and Jim leaving their children makes me all kinds of nervous. That said, them sticking together is a bit of a balm to it all. They’re stronger together. That seems to be a key theme here.
Toby coming along seems ominous at best now...
Jim and Brian’s friendship is so lovely - and that’s a sentence I never thought I’d write.
“He’s probably got a girl he likes there or something.” I love Jim’s reaction to this. He’s not silly. Even if Toby hadn’t shown his hand a little last chapter, I don’t think Jim was always blind to it.
“Worry gnawed at the back of her mind at his deep hatred of Jim” Same, Pam, dame.
The chapter both begins and ends with sage advice to Jim from his friends. Hmm... I fear there is trouble to come...
Once again, I’m super glad about that note earlier on where you stated that neither Pam nor Jim would be the character death listed in the warnings...
As always, your writing is wonderful. I love getting sucked into this eerie world you’ve created.
Author's Response:
I always love hearing your thoughts, Jenna! I really love Larissa and Jim's relationship. I wish we had seen more of it on the show but at least we have our fics to fill in that gap. :) I'm glad that you picked up on Jim and Pam being together as important--things tend to not go well when they are apart.
I wrote Brian to be the guy friend we never got to see Jim have and in this universe, I think it's particularly important to have a guy that has your back, and they are that for each other. I have come to adore Brian as I written this story. That's probably strange but *shrugs* lol
Oh, Toby... You are right, Jim is not naive to Toby's affections for her. There are a couple of deleted scenes from the show that point to that, and I tried to mention it here as well. It will come into play later for sure. Thank you so much for your review!
Date: April 27, 2020 08:58 pm Title: Kiss my Mouth, Hell is Here
Your imagery just stuns me more and more with each chapter. I was IN Tent City (not that it's a place I'd ever want to be, but you get the point). You just put so much thought and intricate detail into this world. I love it. Which is weird given the circumstances. Also please don't kill Brian. I heart him.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! Your words mean more than you know. I'm glad the mood, tone and imagery is coming across well. I've always loved fics that have totally sucked me in and left me thinking. At the risk of spoiling something, I big puffy heart Brian. That's all I will say. ;)
Date: April 27, 2020 04:11 pm Title: Kiss my Mouth, Hell is Here
Lots of tense moments with this one. I was expecting things to go south at any point. The fact that this time things didn't still leaves an ominous feeling to this story. Which is I'm sure the point.
That being said I'm glad they were able to get in and out unscathed. Toby is still a worry. Especially with his attitude to Pam.
Glad they were able to rescue not only the kids, but Isabel as well. Jim and Pam have always been kind souls and I'm glad that hasn't changed to much in this world.
Author's Response:
Thanks Warrior! Yes, Tent City is a way to have glimpse at how bad things are elsewhere. We don't get to see the true scope of the devastation because we are limited to what the characters know of course, but this is a way to expand the landscape a bit. At least that was my hope! I really wanted Jim and Pam, particularly Pam, to wrestle a bit with the goodness of her nature verses surviving, especially since now her basic needs are met. It's an easy question to answer when your are barely making it, but now they are quite well off. She will continue to, as you will see, but I wanted them to have a 'win' this time. :) Thank you so much for your reviews on every chapter!
1 [Report This]Date: April 27, 2020 03:21 pm Title: Kiss my Mouth, Hell is Here
So excited to see this new update! Loved every word.
Author's Response: Thank you! I’m thrilled you are enjoying it.
1 [Report This]Date: April 26, 2020 01:22 pm Title: In the Breath Between the Markers
I've loved reading this. I really hope you continue to update.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I just posted a new chapter. Thanks for reading!
Date: April 22, 2020 02:41 am Title: In the Breath Between the Markers
Very excellent breather chapter. Nice to see the light moment of the wedding and bringing Tony and Sasha in to the fold. His evolution is really interesting, especially with his outburst and anger. As always, love the tender JAM moments.
Author's Response: Yes, Toby has definitely evolved and it will play a big part in his decisions. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
1 [Report This]Date: April 16, 2020 01:11 pm Title: In the Breath Between the Markers
Your writing of this story is so good. I get so invested in these characters that I put off reading this story because it stresses me out. Keep up the good work.
Wild speculation time: Toby is a plant sent by mac to infiltrate and gather information on the farm.
Author's Response: Thank you! I hate to hear it stresses you out but I am glad you are enjoying it, nonetheless. :)
Date: April 13, 2020 08:24 pm Title: In the Breath Between the Markers
“This is a breather chapter.”
*has me scared of Toby*
OOF. Lol.
I love me some protective Jim though. I have this bad feeling like bad weather is going to bring bad things for this little fortress. Ugh. This is so good.
Author's Response:
Haha yes, I do not treat poor Toby kindly. Lol.
Thanks as always, Ag. :)
Date: April 13, 2020 08:12 pm Title: In the Breath Between the Markers
Yes a breather, but at the same time with Toby reappearing like that especially with this new attitude of his, it's yet another reason to worry. I can easily see how this new world would make anyone's views change. Nice update.
Author's Response: I do not treat poor Toby kindly, I'm afraid. Thanks warrior!
Date: April 13, 2020 02:58 pm Title: In the Breath Between the Markers
Wow. That is a beautiful description of community, with the thread binding them together. Just, yes.
I found it interesting that they would trust outsiders/the small groups, given the threat of the other more dangerous group looming over them. I feel like it would be more difficult to trust people’s intention knowing that other have such nefarious ones.
Oh, that conversation between Angela and Pam is heart wrenching. Poor Angela, feeling like she can’t be the “first lady” of sorts because Jim is now filling that leader role.
Also, poor Angela because she 100% knew about that bunker and there goes *her* back up plan. I mean, it’s a little selfish to hoard supplies, but I get Dwight putting his own family first.
In an odd way, it’s kind of sweet that Toby was so defensive of Pam. That takes some guts to stick it to Jim - who is clearly a big deal in this world - like that.
Good for Toby to get some confidence. He’s barking up the wrong tree, but like, good for him I guess...
Although, the best part of it all is the way Pam and Jim have each other’s backs in absolutely everything.
Another really wonderful update.
Author's Response:
Thank you! I LOVE your detailed response! It's interesting that you noticed that blind spot about these new people. If you note that Pam was the one who encouraged it and it may not turn out as she hoped. I want to show how easy it is to fall back into 'old' thinking - these are needy people (families with children, specifically) and of course we need to help them. It is a part of Pam's personality that may be hard to reconcile in the new world.
I love that you appreciated the Angela parts. She has always been consumed by status and stature that I thought it would likely really, really bother her that Pam was the 'first lady' so to speak. And she absolutely knew about the bomb shelter.
Toby has found his voice for sure, for better or worse. ;) Thanks Jenna!
1 [Report This]Date: April 13, 2020 06:39 am Title: In the Breath Between the Markers
I'm glad Toby found his voice and I'm very interested to see how this plays out moving forward. As always, the way you portray Jim as a protector is so sweet. Pam and him work very well together in this new dynamic. Loving this story!
Author's Response: Thank you so much Beth! Toby has definitely found his voice, for better or for worse. ;) Thanks for reading!
Date: April 11, 2020 04:28 am Title: If Pain Must Come, May it Come Quickly
The font size looks good to me. I have issues with the formatting all the time, so I have no clue how to get it right the first time...
This story is just so good & I feel like I don’t have coherent enough words to put together this review. It’s SO good. The way you build tone and mood and tension. I just get sucked so deeply into the story that when I come up for air it’s hard to put into words how wonderful it is. Please update soon!
Author's Response:
Haha yes, I *think* I have maybe figured out what I have to do for the formatting. We'll see if it works next chapter. ;)
Thank you! Your review is thoughtful and wonderful and I appreciate it so much.
Date: April 10, 2020 03:44 pm Title: If Pain Must Come, May it Come Quickly
Good way to ease off after all the tension of the last chapter. Nice that they had the time to decompress a bit. Not that they're under any less strain, but this chapter feels like a chance to catch their breath.
Speaking as a medical professional, I don't see much wrong with any of the medical stuff here. Yes Pam passed out, but other than that I didn't see any symptoms of a concussion. Those would be, among other things, confusion, asking the same question over and over, and nausea and vomiting. However Jim's also not a medical guy so it stands to reason he might think that's what happened. Same goes for all the rest. Bumps, scrapes, a few cuts, but nothing a decent first aid kit can't handle.
I also like how Jim and Pam can communicate here. Both verbally and non-verbally. The scars from pain in the past may still be there, but those old hurts seem to have healed. Especially in light of their current situation.
Great writing as always.
Author's Response: Nice! Thank you for that information! I was hoping it made some sort of sense so I'm glad it works. :)
1 [Report This]Date: April 10, 2020 12:14 pm Title: This is Home Now
Yay! You fixed it! Or someone fixed it! Thank you! :)
Author's Response: Yay! I might have figured it out. *fingers crossed*
Date: April 10, 2020 09:18 am Title: If Pain Must Come, May it Come Quickly
Love, love, LOVE this, but is there any way to make the font bigger?
Author's Response: Thank you! I have NO IDEA why the font does that. It drives me nuts! No matter how I copy and paste it, it looks like that. Is there some secret recipe that makes it normal? Help!
Date: March 24, 2020 04:14 am Title: Monsters are Like Nightmares, You Just Have to Wake Up to Survive
I'm definitely still reading it (and getting spoiled by all of the new fics). Love the story and when i see updates! Great chapter.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for reading!
Date: March 24, 2020 02:06 am Title: Monsters are Like Nightmares, You Just Have to Wake Up to Survive
You’re not sure if anyone is still interested in this story?! Not to be too dramatic, but I literally can’t stop thinking about this story! It’s SO good. Your storytelling is amazing. I can feel every emotion. Oh god, and this update... Jim finding strength he didn’t know he had because Pam was in danger. My whole damn heart. Please don’t stop sharing your stories with us.
Author's Response: Thank you Jenna! I'm absolutely thrilled there are people enjoying it.
Date: March 23, 2020 10:26 pm Title: Monsters are Like Nightmares, You Just Have to Wake Up to Survive
This story continues to keep me on edge. It’s like watching The Walking Dead when it first came out. I know to expect the death and that characters I love will suffer, but it’s SO. GOOD. Ugh. I’m terrified to see what Mac does next. But honestly—Jim getting mega-strength after Pam was taken? Nice touch.
Author's Response: Yes! I am sucker for Protective!Jim, if that wasn't already clear and love to see that part of his character come out. Thank you!
1 [Report This]Date: March 23, 2020 09:18 pm Title: Monsters are Like Nightmares, You Just Have to Wake Up to Survive
This made my heart rate go crazy! Such tension and you wrote it so well! I’m definitely still interested in this story. You have a believable bad guy and have put them all in this situation in a way that stays true to the characters they are while exploring some depth that we ofc don’t see in the show. Keep writing, please! I love it!
Author's Response: Thank you very much! I'm thrilled to hear it is being enjoyed.
Date: March 23, 2020 04:03 pm Title: Monsters are Like Nightmares, You Just Have to Wake Up to Survive
Got me going there for a moment. I'm actually kinda surprised Mac let them go. I wonder what's going on with him. Like I said earlier, he seems to be a smart villain rather than just some thug. Which of course makes him that much more of a threat.
You portrayed Jim's fear, anger, and rage really well here. I'd probably do much the same if someone threatened my wife or children like that. Very real emotions.
So clearly yes there are still people following this story. Glad to see you still updating it.
Author's Response: Thank you! This was tricky to write so I appreciate hearing it came across well. There is definitely more to Mac.
1 [Report This]Date: March 23, 2020 01:12 pm Title: Monsters are Like Nightmares, You Just Have to Wake Up to Survive
I feel like I'm holding my breath each time I read an update. This is so wonderfully written and so interesting to read. You're doing a great job and I appreciate the effort you're going to in this story. Easily a favorite of mine!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I really appreciate hearing this!
Date: March 10, 2020 10:39 am Title: For What I Am When I'm With You
Oh my godddd this is so captivating! I love it. You write Jim’s protectiveness so well and I love how well you capture the struggle of Pam wanting him near her but knowing he has to do what he has to do. What I love about this story is that it seems like a true survival story, where bad things happen and things are pretty black and white when it comes to protecting and providing for those you love. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I've always felt Jim was like this but held it back so I wanted to explore it more when he didn't have to. Thanks for reading!
1 [Report This]Date: March 09, 2020 01:05 pm Title: For What I Am When I'm With You
"but she was his true north" Yes. I think this sums up their relationship perfectly.
Also, the backstory you give us in each chapter works so well and gives depth - nice job!
Thanks for writing!
Author's Response: Thank you!
1 [Report This]Date: March 09, 2020 01:33 am Title: For What I Am When I'm With You
Damn. Just damn. I am constantly on edge reading this story. It’s just so good. I love the dynamic between Pam and Jim here, that despite the world crumbling around them, they still find strength and solace in one another.
The imagery with the man at the beginning was absolutely haunting. I’m very concerned about the fate of those children... It does not bode well...
Author's Response: Thank you Jenna!
1 [Report This]Date: March 08, 2020 10:25 pm Title: For What I Am When I'm With You
Lots of intense emotions this time around. I love the fact that it's Pam that Jim turns to here. That he needs her just as much as she needs him. I love that despite everything going on in this world, they're still there for each other. I 100% get the kinds of emotions Jim is feeling here. Traumatic experiences are rough. Seeking comfort and solace with those you love is natural and it's great to see that Pam is there for him.
Jim as the reluctant leader is coming along nicely too. It seems that you're grounding him first and foremost in thoughts of protecting his family. I like that approach. That his protective instincts then grow out to others seems very natural.
Great chapter.
Author's Response: Thank you so much Warrior! Congrats on AotM too!