10 [Report This]Date: December 21, 2008 07:57 pm Title: The Third Month
sad this has ended :(
10 [Report This]Date: November 10, 2008 10:21 am Title: The First Month
Ignore me. I'm just back because I forgot to rate it!
Date: November 10, 2008 10:20 am Title: The First Month
Just finished reviewing the companion piece to this and I had to come back and reread and review this as well.
I really enjoy that you give us the same story but with two perspectives.
A short list of my favorite parts (which is hard because I love it all):
--That you show Jim slowly coming to the realization that he is good at his job, and that he may not dislike it as much as he thought he did.
--The way they both remember their first night. Sigh and huba huba.
--The rooftop conversation:
"No, I mean, you know, someday. Do you want to get married?"
She had altered her tone a little, but the question hadn't changed. Neither did his answer. "Yes." The lingering pause before she continued let Jim know that she had caught the subtext. The easy way in which she kept talking told him that she didn't mind.
Oh dear me. So wonderful and angsty!
--The back story of her dress from both perspectives was just spectacular and made me wanting more. I swear no one tortures Jim as well as you! Want to treat us to more of these delicious angsty and romantic adventures? Please don’t make me beg!
--How you show that Jim is secure in his relationship with Pam; from the conversation about the cake, to his acknowledgment of guys checking Pam out, and the way he is so proud of her achievements, growth and independence without being all needy boyfriend.
--And finally the tub duck. And that fun phone conversation they have after Pam gets said duck.
Just wonderful. I totally heart the way you choose to be.
Date: August 27, 2008 12:09 pm Title: The Third Month
Hey--that's Tinkerbelle and don't you forget it! OK...yeah...I'm a nag...but I'm hoping it's working! Feel free to go with BOTH ideas. I won't mind one little bit. I am presently sending some virtual pixie dust your way for inspiration : )
10 [Report This]Date: August 23, 2008 07:10 pm Title: The Third Month
So, guess what, Talkative? All this sad/angsty fic of late had me missing you and your romantic stories. Just read this again from start to finish. How is it possible that it's gotten even better? Must be some kind of voodoo. Anything in the works? hint, hint ; )
Author's Response: See? Nag. I told you. :) And two somethings, actually. One post-Beach Games and one pre-... well, everything, inspired by all of the golf pencil talk over on the boards as of late. The latter is winning right now, but I'm worried about the ending. I may stare at it for a while longer before posting.
Date: July 31, 2008 06:03 am Title: The Third Month
I'm so happy that I discovered your work this week. This, too, is beautiful. The way you've tied it to Pam's side of the story is gorgeous, particularly because you don't really reveal anything new- they both read each other so well at this point. Thank you for sharing your gift with Jim and Pam so that the rest of us can eavesdrop on it.
10 [Report This]Date: July 18, 2008 02:06 pm Title: The First Month
wow.
this is an incredible story!
Date: July 14, 2008 07:29 pm Title: The Third Month
Yeah, it's taken me a while to review, but I wanted to let you know how much I absolutely loved this story as well as Pam's companion one. You really write beautifully, and your Pam and Jim are very much the ones we know and love from the show, so the events here may very well have happened this summer.
I loved the exploration into their inner thoughts and dreams, how Pam is so thoroughly immersed in her art, but also can't wait to start her future life with Jim. And how Jim's entire goal in life right now is making her his wife and providing for her, even if it's at DM for now. Time will tell if "Philly Jim" is a real possibility, or just a pipe dream. But, as we've all discussed, so often in life, a dream career takes the back burner to happiness outside of work. So we'll see how it goes with our Mr. Halpert.
Take a break, Talkative, but don't keep us waiting too long for more of your gorgeous writing. :)
Author's Response: Ah, it's okay. Seeing your review this morning reminded me that I hadn't responded to people in a while. I think that figuring out what on earth Jim is doing/aspiring to do is one of the bigger challenges of writing for Jim/Pam right now. I hope I've done it justice. He's a little bit easier in S2 & 3, which is partially why what I'm working on right now takes place back then. Totally cheating, I know.
10 [Report This]Date: July 11, 2008 09:52 am Title: The Third Month
I really enjoyed reading the other side of this coin. Still just as evocative as the first, but with this lovely new perspective. I really love how you capture the summer heat in NY, how it's a character all its own here, affecting everything around it. And I also like how you play with Jim's latent Judaism, those women still reminding me of my own grandmother. All in all, I just really like seeing this all transpire from each of their perspectives, seeing that even when they differ, they always converge. I really look forward to more writing from you in the future.
Author's Response: Thank you, albie. Jim's Jewish last name seems worth exploring a bit. I didn't want to be too heavy-handed with that aspect of his character, as I don't think it's terribly important to him, but I wanted to flesh it out, anyway. I'm glad you liked it. It would seem there's more coming from me, rather sooner than I thought.
10 [Report This]Date: July 10, 2008 11:31 pm Title: The Third Month
Absolutely gorgeous. Also, great last line.
This is such a fantastic story. I've been re-reading the first two chapters quite a few times this summer and this is my favorite of the three. Any plans to continue the story and have Jim knock some sense into Dwight?
Author's Response: Thanks, Elle. No, I think I'm going to leave this one lie for now. I feel like I've gone out on a pretty big speculative limb here, and I want to see what happens in S5 before I write anything beyond this. I have some theories as to what's going to go down, and I'm pretty sure that this going to end up AU. As such, I don't want to follow it too far.
Date: July 10, 2008 07:09 pm Title: The Third Month
So so wonderful. It really made my heart feel lighter!
Author's Response: Thanks!
Date: July 10, 2008 01:38 pm Title: The Third Month
"Weightless" is gorgeous and you can add this story to the list of gorgeous things. You have an incredible writing style and the images you evoke with your words are beautiful.
This part made me sigh:
"Marry you," get you pregnant, worship the ground you walk on, spend the rest of my life following you around and making sure you get to do whatever you want...
Ahhh!!! I just loved that. It was so Jim. Thanks for the time and care you have put into this story. What a treat!
Author's Response: Thank you, Beeswax. I was worried that that line was a bit too much, so I'm glad it worked for you. And, yeah, isn't "Weightless" the stuff?
Date: July 10, 2008 11:06 am Title: The Third Month
This ended just as wonderfully as it began. Such clear and nuanced characterization evoked by so many well chosen details. There's a quality to your writing that's almost blithe - natural and lovely, it never feels fussy or forced. Their world, and their emotions, really come alive for that, as does their particular dynamic (the wit, the understanding. And, okay, the lust.)
Too many to list, but a couple of turns of phrase I really loved:
...they talk their way down well-worn paths.
...his tongue knotting around the word in disbelief...
And this is not only dead sexy, but delicate and lyrical. About so much more than just the sexage:
He uses his fingertips to gently get his bearings. She helps and they adjust around one another until they are as close as they can be, quiet, and kissing.
In case I wasn't clear...I really liked this. ;-)
Author's Response: Colette's here! I'm glad you liked it, dear. I spent a bit of time hovering over the word choice in this one. I'm of the opinion that less is more when it comes to the sexage. I'm happy it worked.
Date: July 10, 2008 09:46 am Title: The Third Month
I think in this chapter you have captured the true essence of Jim and his feelings of Pam and their life together in this line: "I just want to take care of you. That makes me happy. It's enough for now." I know that sometimes Jim is portrayed as someone who wants to do great things in his career, but maybe he just wants to work at DM, live his life w/ Pam and be happy. It's refreshing to read a story where Jim is content and DM (for now) at the same time excelling there. Wonderful story.
Date: July 10, 2008 09:13 am Title: The Second Month
What a sweet romantic, genuine and proposal. Simple and beautiful just like them. I love this story because your choice of words gives the story a nice flow, the narrative is detailed and full of emotion.
And the fans... classic -- because let's face it Jim Halpert is pretty hot.
Author's Response: Thank you, Alamos. Jim Halpert is totally hot. Those 15-year-olds are far more self-possessed than I would be faced with all that hot.
Date: July 10, 2008 09:07 am Title: The Third Month
P.S. Just listened to Weightless. It certainly is a great song.
Author's Response: EVERYONE! If Tinkerbell likes it, you will, too!
10 [Report This]Date: July 10, 2008 08:57 am Title: The Third Month
*NanReg does victory dance* I fancy myself more of a Tinkerbell to your Peter Pan than a nag : ) Little known fact: "NAG" happen to be my initials, although I don't own up to them, as you would imagine.
Talkative, this was so beyond wonderful--well worth the wait. Love this (made me laugh out loud): He tilts his head back until it bumps the wall, "Nah, I've already got like three or four. Have I mentioned that I used to be a stripper?" He pretends to be hurt by how hard she laughs at this. So, I know I'm beyond pathetic, but I'm excited to hear that you have some other ideas floating around in your head, and if Pam's perspective works better for you, far be it from me to complain. For the record, though, I think your Jim perspective is wonderful. Thanks for making me happy : ) Now, off to listen to Nada Surf...
Author's Response: Henceforth you shall be Tinkerbell, then. :) You know, I have about four or five different possibile responses that I worked out for Jim when Pam mentions the bow tie. Obviously, the one I chose is my favorite, so thanks for noticing. And thanks for digging my Jim, because he drives. me. nuts.
10 [Report This]Date: July 10, 2008 08:56 am Title: The Third Month
This was wonderful! By far my favourite story of the summer!
But I have to say that I'm a little sad to see this series end. So, if you're ever feeling ambitious enough, feel free to add another installment ;)
Everything tied together so perfectly. I've been reading, and re-reading, this from the beginning and just can't get enough. The imagery is incredible, and the characterization is spot on. And, of course, the story itself was amazing- sweet, steamy, and just overall beautifully written. There are far too many things I loved about this to go into any specifics (We'ed be here all day!), so i'll leave it at this.
Author's Response: I'm flattered, Believe. Thank you for complimenting my characterization - it's very important to me. I won't be adding any more parts to "No Stairways Just Stairs" or "A Better Version of Me," but I do intend to keep writing. As I've mentioned elsewhere, I've got some other ideas that I'm tinkering with right now.
Date: July 10, 2008 08:51 am Title: The First Month
Wow what a great chapter. I think you have given Jim an original voice in this story -- I love how Jim is full of love, sadnress and loneliness for Pam. What I think makes this story so great is that while Pam is "growing" in NYC, Jim is doing some soul searching as well w/ regards to his job at DM. And the reference to Neruda -- brilliant. Greatest love poet ever.
Author's Response: Thanks for your review, Alamos. It seems to me that, if Pam is so far away, making big changes in her life, Jim's surely going to be thinking along the same lines, right?
10 [Report This]Date: July 10, 2008 06:46 am Title: The Third Month
This was so beautiful, with wonderful details that made it feel so rich and full. Wonderful grasp of the characters and a real gem from start to finish. You are very talented and I hope to see more from you soon.
Author's Response: Thanks, bitter. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm working on some other things now, but it might be a little while.
10 [Report This]Date: July 10, 2008 05:29 am Title: The Third Month
This was such a lovely story! I really liked the two parallel stories with the same events from Pam's & Jim's perspectives. Your writing comes off as so light and effortless. I'm sure it was anything but!
Author's Response: You're quite right. Moral of this story, from the author's perspective - Jim is a reticent pain in my neck. I've got three story ideas I'm playing with right now and I don't think it's any coincidence that two of them are from Pam's perspective. Thanks so much for your review, Vamp. Now go work on Cardiac Care. :)
Date: July 08, 2008 01:57 pm Title: The Second Month
Nudge, nudge... No pressure, but it's Tuesday ; ) I'm forced to keep reading chapters one and two. *sigh* See how you've spoiled me?
Author's Response: Gah! I'm working on it! We all know the boy isn't much of a talker, and I'm no Pam, sooo... soon!
10 [Report This]Date: June 29, 2008 07:33 am Title: The Second Month
Ah, Talkative...I've been out of the country on vacation for the past week and am reading this glorious story while on an afternoon break from seeing the sights. I'm here with the family, and privacy is at a premium, so I've been out of touch. Had some free time to check my e-mail and, lo and behold, here you are, much to my delight. This story, like your prior work, is simply gorgeous--like make-me-dizzy gorgeous. You are just so dang good at conveying their inner riot of feelings : ) I can't adequately express how much I love this. I'm also having trouble with this Internet connection, so I'll simply say I'm looking forward to more and hope you understand.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Nan. I'm struggling a bit with this one and was sorely in need of a little nudge like this. I hope to have the final part out this week or early next. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.
Date: June 25, 2008 10:46 pm Title: The Second Month
This was so ridiculously romantic -- in such a ridiculously good way. Everything from being at the MET to the way he told her "the story"...just perfection.
10 [Report This]Date: June 25, 2008 10:17 pm Title: The Second Month
I absolutely loved "Version of Me" and you're able to do the same storyline w/o it being stale and too predictable.
It's the perfect amount of fluff and steam and all of that jammy goodness. I can NOT wait for the next chapter and other stories :-)
I've never tried drugs, but I imagine that the addiction is very, very similar.