1 [Report This]Date: March 10, 2021 07:25 pm Title: Chapter 2 - J for Jinx
I think this makes a lot of sense, really - you see Karen getting a sense of Jim at a time when he's damaged and grieving and not himself without her realizing that it's not his usual character, and naturally that ends up with her having a completely skewed idea of who he is by no fault of her own.
Author's Response: Bang on !! Karen is often blamed for being selfish or too blind to see Jim didn't want to be with her but how would she know any better considering she didn't even know Jim that well but only part of him and working with that limited information. Thanks again for the feedback. As always you have an incredible talent to read the author just as well as her story.
1 [Report This]Date: March 10, 2021 11:49 am Title: Chapter 5 - The truth(s)
Thank you for thanking me lol. Seriously though you are a very good writer. You really got Karen's POV down perfect. Thank you for sharing and I can't wait for more of your stories.
Author's Response: Thank you again for your words of encouragement. I am glad that you enjoyed my POV on Karen. And I hope you get to try my POV of Jim and Pam in my other story.
1 [Report This]Date: March 10, 2021 08:10 am Title: Chapter 5 - The truth(s)
Oh.
Well, everything was leading to Karen having her dream crushed, but still... of course, Karen was eager to deceive herself all the way, but I don't like that all her hard work and sacrifices turned into dust like that. And I'm not fond of Jim at all for using her as a living shield from his own ghost.
"small city full of..unimportant people, insignificant memories and…..unfinished feelings." - this summed up Karen's attitude toward Scranton perfectly.
"She was everything (but that)." - again, a great glimpse of the canon here!
It was a tremendous and completed story, but I wouldn't be mad if you added a bonus chapter (with a happier Karen, perhaps?)
Thank you for writing!
Author's Response: I love this Dernheim when you catch my little canon parts. I am glad you liked that sentence. It means a lot that writers like you take out time to appreciate work of someone so new. I have thought of a bonus chapter too, waiting for it to come to me. I hope you enjoy the other story as well.
1 [Report This]Date: March 10, 2021 06:47 am Title: Chapter 5 - The truth(s)
I can easily see this happening with Karen. Heading out to New York she feels like everything she's been working for with Jim is about to come to fruition. But there's still some more subtle things you threw in there that I liked. Jim smiling, but not laughing. Him being sympathetic to Jan. Her realization that Pam is not plain. Lots of good insights to her character.
The ending of this story does sting for Karen. It would hurt to get dumped by this guy you were so invested in. So in that regard you did well to get her feeling down right. Luckily for us we know she'll go on to find happiness. Well done for your first story.
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat
(Fortune Favors the Bold)
1 [Report This]Date: March 09, 2021 08:09 pm Title: Chapter 5 - The truth(s)
A very nice ending.
Karen really did get a rude awakening,
which in the end was her own fault for staying
with him.
Karen did say the same thing as I have
when she mentioned that there two Jim’s.
Scranton Jim and Stamford Jim.
Karen wanted Stamford Jim, and that’s who she felt she was dating.
Stamford Jim was not the real Jim.
I think that is the real difference between Karen and Pam.
Unlike Karen,Pam KNEW that there were two Jim’s. When Jim came back from Stamford he wasn’t the Jim Pam knew and loved. Pam could see that the real Jim was just under the surface.
That’s why she never gave up on him, and I think
he pretty much admitted it to Pam during their talk after her confession on beach day.
Author's Response:
Yeah I have to say that you are spot on. I think your idea of two Jim kind of resonated with him except it was the same Jim with the hidden part, like a lie of omission. She was exposed to only a part of him which was never him for real, truly had a rude awakening there.
Karen did the best with whatever she knew on the surface like you pointed. We don't often distrust a person without having a reason to. Poor Karen didn't know any better. But Pam knew Jim for years to call on his facade. They were meant to be.
1 [Report This]Date: March 06, 2021 11:50 am Title: Chapter 4 - It was coming
I love seeing this from the Karen perspective. As viewers and (for the most part) JAM shippers, we had a 'whole lens' view of what was going on with a vested interest in a particular outcome. Showing this from Karen's viewpoint, we get this *other* perspective from someone stumbling into their world and lives seeing it as someone with a different interest. That is bought into sharp relief in this chapter - Karen questioning Pam's motives, their history. This is just so excellent.
Author's Response: Thank you for saying that. I am so glad you liked my take on Karen's point of view. Yes, as someone rooting for Jam , I never cared for how Karen felt and had to go through before these two got together. I think, a part of me, sort of starting sympathizing with her during writing my first story and here is what I got. You are really kind and your feedback has been wonderful. Hope you likes the last one too :)
1 [Report This]Date: March 06, 2021 04:43 am Title: Chapter 4 - It was coming
Again — I feel sorry for Karen so much. In my own experience, I know how horrible it is — to be in the twilight zone, and the worse thing is that the light made everything look even more desperate and depressing. That made all the sense in the world that Karen's (mild) sympathy for Pam was gone, and she thought of Pam badly (and I like your little touch 'she turned out to be more than that.')
And, of course, Karen would fight. She's a fighter, after all. The thing is, it seemed to me that her fighting mood is no more than a desperate attack of a wounded animal. Because she has never had this ease with Jim... and Pam has.
I'm curious about the last chapter very much. Thank you for writing!
(Also, thank you for your answer to my previous review, you're very kind!)
Author's Response:
Thank you for your feedback. Again I love it when you catch on to my little Easter eggs. Thanks for sharing about your personal feelings regarding the twilight zone. My writing also comes from reflection of my own experiences and it feels like a connection when it resonates to readers. I hope and wish you overcame that part of your life. Wishing you best for being stronger than before:)
I hope you like the last one too. Looking forward to your comments, as usual.
1 [Report This]Date: March 05, 2021 04:36 pm Title: Chapter 4 - It was coming
I kinda get what you mean here in all the stuff prior to Beach Games, about Karen feeling like she's in the Twilight Zone. You've portrayed her as being very perceptive. Perceptive enough to realize there's just something off about Jim and that somehow Pam is involved with it all. However until Beach Games she still doesn't have all the background info which is probably why she's still kind of fuzzy about everything. I also like how you had her wanting the ease of relationship Jim and Pam do sometime share. However she's rightfully confused since those kinds of interactions are few and far between. Especially after the week of late night talks and everything.
However after Beach Games it seems she finally has the whole picture. Why Jim wasn't giving 100% to his relationship with Karen. Why Pam acts around him the way he does. Why Roy would want to punch Jim. I think you're also right in that prior to this Karen did not see Pam as any threat to her and Jim. Now after Pam's speech it's clear there's competition and that Jim is having not only second thoughts, but many thoughts about his future with her.
So all in all great look into the multitude of spinning thoughts that must have been going through her head here towards the end of the season. Looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.
Author's Response:
Thank your for your comments. Man, you really took out time to do this and I feel so touched that someone would is invested in my story. I do share the same feeling that she was perceptive, if she wasn't then she wouldn't have done anything what she did to keep Jima nd Pam apart. And she did try to appear it didn't bother her but it did, hence the myriad of thoughts and ...second thoughts. :)
Date: March 05, 2021 03:12 pm Title: Chapter 4 - It was coming
I have to admit that a small part of me wanted Roy to kick Jim’s ass in season 3. 😂
Karen’s attitude about not giving up with Jim is one of the main reasons I think she’s pathetic.
The guy clearly doesn’t really want her, and she knows that he has feelings for someone else, and yet instead of letting him go she clings onto him like a teenager with a crush. Karen knows that Jim is not mentally and emotionally connected to her.
Karen hates that Pam made her confession on beach day because she knows that the feelings between JAM are mutual and not just on Jim’s part. That’s why Karen was desperate for Jim to go after the job in NY. I think she knows deep down that there is a ticking time clock with Jim.
Also Karen isn’t exactly drop dead gorgeous, so she really has no business calling Pam plain and basic.
Author's Response:
I know right. Jim did deserve a little bit of beating in season 3. My reason would be how cold he was with Pam and how he did make a fool of Karen. For Karen, I only have sympathies, she was misled, lied to and well a mature one like herself became a teenager, like you said, during the course of this confusion. If only, it was easy to let go of a relationship one invests in with all their heart and time.
Yeah she did get the inkling and well someone who dresses up so impeccably may find Pam's style a little basic, especially when this woman is taken over by jealousy and possessiveness. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Your comments help me work on my characters better :)
1 [Report This]Date: March 05, 2021 04:43 am Title: Chapter 3 - The Promised lies
It's a little weird, but Karen here, with her thoughts and persuading herself, reminds me so much of Pam in her relationship with Roy — the feelings are gone, but both tried desperately to clutch to deceive and save that they could. And I feel sorry for her here. I've never hate Jim, but this is the moment I like him the least.
Also, I don't like what Karen did with Pam's flyers, but I can understand that.
And, I really like this line — 'that's the only Italian (food) he can tolerate.' It hurts. She's already known that things went terribly wrong (and we knew how much Jim is passionate about Italian food!) but still can't stop watching this trainwreck.
Thank you for writing, I'm morbidly curious about her thought on 'The Negotiation' revelation.
Author's Response:
You are such an intuitive person and keen observer. You made my day by noticing that little foreshadowing which I though was perhaps too subtle for anyone else to notice - Italian food. What she did with flyers was really sad, it must be something she may have regretted looking back. What she had become in this relationship which was clearly turning into a train wreck like you said.
I love your feedback. You always take time to say such positive things and help me feel supported to continue writing. Thanks again for your time.
1 [Report This]Date: March 04, 2021 04:17 pm Title: Chapter 3 - The Promised lies
Yep, this is bang on. The walls are going to crumble soon... one can tell that Karen kept telling herself the same thing over and over in the hope it would solidify. It didn't, and that's visible even the night before they had their corporate interviews.
Author's Response:
Thank you for your comment :)
Yeah, I am sure there was lot of assurance she gave herself like a mantra to cope with the storm happening right in front of her. It's interesting how we don't even realize other's needs in our own need to cling with them.
1 [Report This]Date: March 04, 2021 01:35 pm Title: Chapter 3 - The Promised lies
Karen really has her head up her ass.
She is refusing to admit that her relationship with Jim isn’t as real as she wants to believe it is.
If she and Jim were so great together then Karen wouldn’t have felt the jealously of Pam’s art show, and so she wouldn’t have torn down the flyer.
Karen is also refusing to see that Jim is holding her,and Pam, at arm’s length away from him.
Which is probably why Karen has the constant need to have Jim, and herself, talk about their feelings.
Karen can’t see that the reason why Jim has turned more towards her is because he can’t stand the fact that Pam got back with Roy,
instead of him moving on with her. Karen doesn’t doesn’t understand that Jim is just using her as a distraction.
This is why I never thought that Karen was all that smart or confident as a woman.
Jim is an idiot too because he can’t see that the whole reason Pam got back with Roy is because of his relationship with Karen. Plus Jim certainly didn’t help the situation by not only turning more towards Karen, but being an ass himself to Pam.
Karen being so insecure and jealous, makes me look forward to seeing her thoughts on beach day, and getting dumped in New York.
If that’s where you are taking the story.
Author's Response:
Karen truly didn't see things clearly. She was really overtook by her insecurities, jealousies and Jim's indifference - like you pointed out. Jim had it tough too because he didn't know any better either since Pam never said anything to him and he was just not ready to get his heart broken again. Yet that doesn't justify what he was doing to Karen.
Thank you for your comments. I really like discussing the characters and their thoughts and feelings ;)
Date: March 04, 2021 09:54 am Title: Chapter 3 - The Promised lies
Yeah, the sandcastle is crumbling that's for sure. Karen is smart and perceptive. I like how you have it here that she is picking up on all the small glances between Jim and Pam. However it feels like she still doesn't have the whole story. Regardless of all the late night talks, I never thought Jim was 100% honest in his feelings for Pam and how crushed he was and still is after Casino Night. Seeing Pam leave the wedding with Roy may have turned Jim more to Karen so I get why she'd think they'd all moved on. However I think your last line hits the nail on the head. She wants to believe his smile is real. Which to me reads she doesn't truly believe his smile for her is real. Nice job.
Author's Response:
Thank you for this. Yeah I also felt that Jim just never got around telling the entirety of what happened. It's hard to put in words when there was little of what really happened and most of what was felt. I am so glad you like the last line. I really tried to end it with something that resonated with characters and us.
You have been wonderful in supporting me through posting these chapters. Thank you again :)
1 [Report This]Date: March 03, 2021 12:01 am Title: Chapter 2 - J for Jinx
I think this is really good and I like the humanisation of Karen here. I am a huge JAM shipper but I always had sympathy for Karen, she was really a defensive instrument for Jim to protect himself from his feelings. That never felt fair and she deserved better (I’m glad she had happy off-screen happy-ever-after with Dan the Dermatologist and that we got to see a little of that later on. Looking forward to reading more.
Author's Response:
Aww I know. I was glad too that she got her happy ending, no hard feelings right.
I am so glad you liked my take on Karen. I never meant to make it sound like I am siding with her but to reflect on what happened to her while we were and still rooting for our favorite pair :)
Date: March 02, 2021 12:12 pm Title: Chapter 2 - J for Jinx
Even though I’m no fan of Karen, and I don’t think she’s as smart as the writers wanted her to be portrayed, I think that in this moment in season 3 both Pam and Karen should have told Jim to piss off because he was giving them both mixed signals.
J is for Jim the Jackass.
Author's Response: I know what you mean. Looking at the situation from outside perspective makes us feel that neither Pam nor Karen had to deal with Jim’s non sense. But I guess the love affairs look very different from outside than to people who are involved.
Date: March 02, 2021 11:29 am Title: Chapter 2 - J for Jinx
Another good look into Karnen's mindset here. You're right in that from her perspective, things do seem to be going well. I think this is probably the best Karen ever got while in Scranton. She was getting along with Pam. She and Jim seemed to be in a good place so her tone here fits. Keep going with this, you're doing great.
Author's Response:
YeaH totally. I didn’t think that one before but perhaps yes, this is best she had. Like a calm before the storm that’s gonna wrack much more than she knew.
thank u for the encouragement. You are a sweetheart:)
1 [Report This]Date: March 02, 2021 11:24 am Title: Chapter 2 - J for Jinx
Oh, you described it right - happy little bubble Karen is inside. It seemed like she still has no idea about Jim's backstory (that totally makes sense) and Pam's tight smile she took as a sign of disapproval and not as a sign of a heartbreak.
I feel really sorry for her because she looks like a content person, and she's about to lose her peaceful state :(
Author's Response:
I am so happy you caught that little thing about Pam‘a smile. Yeah Karen really had no idea because why would she. She is definitely gonna lose the peace of mind , more than just peace actually.
thanks for the comments. They are my little motivators (not sure if that’s a word)
1 [Report This]Date: March 02, 2021 07:58 am Title: Chapter 1- The Risks
Oh, Karen... I feel so much for her here, and it pains me to think that she's going to be hurt (even though I can't stand Jim and Karen together, I like her a lot). Especially since she thought she calculated the risk and, in reality, she was deceived — both by Jim and herself.
I'm curious to see the next chapters!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your words. Yeah, its very interesting how we could still sympathize with her character since she was a major wedge between Jam. But she wasn't all that bad, just a bit oblivious perhaps.
I hope you like the new chapter :)
Date: March 01, 2021 06:56 pm Title: Chapter 1- The Risks
55s, Drabbles, and One Shots are excellent ways to declutter and get the juices flowing for other projects.
"She is not risk aversive. She takes pride in the idea that she is risk calculative." is so insightful into Karen's mindset. Thinking Jim is worth the risk is a nice end button.
Author's Response:
Thank you for saying that. I feel so validated that my assessment of Karen's character isn't completely off. Though I was never a fan of hers but again a mature side of my brain does believe she was quite a smart person.
And yes, the little drabbles indeed helps in stimulating brain. I hope I will have something ready for my longer fic soon, which is my first born.
1 [Report This]Date: March 01, 2021 08:57 am Title: Chapter 1- The Risks
I think this is a good look into her headspace just prior to coming to Scranton. Clearly she doesn't know of any of the baggage Jim is carrying at this point. Likewise how he's been acting towards her has clearly influenced her decision. You put it well, she's risk calculative. From everything she has to work with, this all fits. Not her fault Jim was scared to really open himself up so she'd have all the information. Regardless of that, nice job.
Author's Response:
Thank you for your feedback.
You are super encouraging and I really appreciate your time to convey your comments here. I also felt that Karen did well with what she knew before the move.
1 [Report This]Date: March 01, 2021 08:19 am Title: Chapter 1- The Risks
She really knew nothing.
Jim may have kissed her, but the passion wasn’t for her.
I do think Jim is also at fault here for leading
Karen on. Even when they both went back to Scranton Jim didn’t tell her anything about Pam.
Now that being said, Karen didn’t really see the signs that Jim wanted someone else either.
So for someone who is as calculated as Karen was, she wasn’t all that insightful, which is probably why she didn’t get the ARM job in
Stamford.
Author's Response: Thank you for your comments. Yeah I feel Karen was blindsided completely. She had no idea because Jim never give her any. Anyone from her position, may not guess what's coming until it hit them.
I really appreciate the time for review. Looking forward to more support like that :)