Date: July 29, 2008 09:57 am Title: Chapter 7
OH MAN!!! I just wrote a long ass review saying how much I love this fic Wen. I said wonderful beautiful things. Then I didn't hit submit and lost the whole thing....So I'll just say....You've blown me away with this. I LOVE IT!!! I never thought I would be rooting for a girl that is not Pam. How did you make me feel OK about Jim and Pam not working out? How did you do that? At first I thought I was seeing things..a fic by wendolf that isn't MA really? Wow. ......oh, and thank you sooooo much for the quick updates. It's been a dead zone of updates lately, so I that you for that. Keep up the good work and I'll be waiting impatiently for more updates.... ;p
....j
Author's Response: DunderSnob! My man! (And I mean that in a "my woman" sort of way . . . it just doesn't sound as cool to say.) I've missed you! SO so glad you love this one. I have no idea how I made you like a love interest for Jim that isn't Pam, but I'm so glad whatever I did worked. Otherwise this whole story would be a bust, wouldn't it? (And, BTW . . . don't write this one off as a non-MA story quite yet. I don't think I'll get all explicit on you guys, but there may be some steam building to bump the rating up a bit. Can't help myself. ;-)
8 [Report This]Date: July 29, 2008 09:49 am Title: Chapter 1
I have to admit that I was a little scared to read this one but now I can't wait for more updates! I love Emily and Jim's relationship! My heart breaks a little reading the parts about Pam and Jim though!
Author's Response: Hey cheezy! I think everyone was a little scared to read it (and I was a lot scared to post it), so I'm glad Emily and Jim are working for you. Yes, the parts about Pam and Jim are very sad... but it'll all be good in the end. I promise!
Date: July 29, 2008 09:00 am Title: Chapter 7
Wow. This just keeps getting better. Wendolf, you are such a talented writer. Seriously. I can envision Emily watching the DVD's, watching the story of Jim's past unfold.
I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next update.
Author's Response: Thanks so much, Nan. I really appreciate it. Glad it kind of came alive for you -- those recap kinds of scenes sometimes come across as dull, so I hope this one worked. I'm hoping to have an update tonight . . . beer me some good vibes that I'll finish it ;-)
Date: July 29, 2008 07:01 am Title: Chapter 6
This was so good, wendolf. Poor Jim. I'm dying to know Emily's reaction to what she learns from the DVD's. Again, she's such a great character. LOVE their exchange about "The Orifice." So witty. Truly looking forward to your next update. I hope it's soon. Oh, and I find that now that I'm kind of invested in the Jim/Emily relationship, I'm less anxious when I see those bold flashbacks (plus uncgirl's and xoxoxo's stories have help transition me back to my JAMmy happy place).
Author's Response: Yay! I'm glad that you're invest in Jim/Emily now . . . it'll make the flashbacks slightly more palatable, I think (and yes -- uncgirl's and xoxoxo's stories ease the sting a bit, don't they?). Thanks for your thoughts, Nan!
Date: July 29, 2008 06:09 am Title: Chapter 1
Oh, wendolf. You've got me, hook, line, and sinker. Emily's great and your Jim is just perfect. I'm really looking forward to her reaction to the DVDs (how strange would that be?) and their first kiss was darling. Your story is making me reflect on the less-than-healthy aspects of Pam and Jim's relationship and I'm feeling oddly... happy? for Jim's being able to move on. Weird. :)
Author's Response: Wow, thanks so much talkative. I so love your writing, so the fact that you like this story is so flattering. Yeah, the DVD watching would be so surreal, wouldn't it? I'm working on that part today... And yes -- even though we all love Jim and Pam, they've had their share of disfunction in their relationship that can't be ignored (at least in this fic). I like to think that they both learned a lot from their mistakes... Anyway, thank you so much for reading and for your review!
Date: July 29, 2008 05:15 am Title: Chapter 6
This is just great, wendolf! I can't wait to see how Emily responds to all she learns about Jim in the DVDs. Will it still be so easy then?
I really like Jim's interior monologue. You have him down pat. Looking forward to more.
Author's Response: I can't wait to see, either! I've written her watching up through Casino Night so far -- ouch. Can you imagine? Still tweaking it a bit. Glad Jim's voice rings true, too. Thanks for your review, <>VB!
Date: July 29, 2008 05:09 am Title: Chapter 6
First, Ms. Wendolf -no more fretting! Your reviews have been abundantly positive -so what if there were a couple of not so besotted ones? Come on, gf - this fic is being well loved ;-) Second, I really don't see any scandale here - this is hardly the first fic where they don't end up together - and few others I've read are this well written. It's a fic, not a prognostication - and you're pulling it off with wit, grace and skill. So, on to my real review:
I like the structure of the end of his relationship with Pam contra-posted with the start of his one with Emily. I like how you worked in the doc aspect - very clever. I like Emily, I like how you've made it natural and easy with her. (Love her line about looking his fave wine up on Wiki - hee!) And you've made Jim very Jim-ish here, and lord knows I love me some Jim. So win win win win....
I had to suspend disbelief at the start, simply that Pam would change that radically, that quickly and that Jim would suddenly decide not to propose based on an abstract idea (seeded by his bro') about what it would seem like with her going away (since he'd still be seeing her regularly) and some notion of 'maturity' (especially since it made Pam unhappy.) But, as in many fics, I accepted that premise within the reality of the story - but unlike in many fics, you made me get past my initial questions and get caught up in the narrative anyway. So, yay for you! So, let's hear what happens next ;-)
Author's Response: Ah, colette, I always feel better when I see a review from you. My mind is at ease, now, that there is an audience for this story after all -- I just had a moment of doubt yesterday when I was dodging a few rotten tomatoes... Anyway, I'm so glad the structure works for you. As I said to a reviewer below, I didn't want to spell out the demise of their relationship moment by moment in an angst-fest without the ray of hope of knowing Jim and Pam would be okay. So this is what I came up with. And I totally agree with your having to suspend disbelief (re: Pam's quick change, etc.) because really, with how close Jim was to proposing in GT, it's hard to imagine that he didn't eventually propose. But I REALLY didn't want him to ask and then for Pam to say 'yes' and then have to break off the engagement (again) or for her to say 'no', which would make her . . . well . . . sort of a bitch. So I went for the idea that her going off to Pratt was sort of like a somewhat sheltered kid going off to college: kind of figuring out who she is for the first time, etc. Sometimes those changes can be radical. And Jim, well . . . Jim has a history of insecurity and stuff when it comes to Pam, so. It's a stretch, but . . . it's fiction, right? If I can't stretch here... Anyway, thanks so much, as always, for your helpful and thoughtful reviews. You are a gem!
10 [Report This]Date: July 29, 2008 01:07 am Title: Chapter 1
Even though I wouldn't want to see this happen in the show, I think it is very plausible, and, as with all of your stories, really well written. Jim still seems like Jim, even without Pam (or is that blasphemy??).
Author's Response: OfficeTragic, I can honestly say that I don't think any of us want to see this happen on the show. First of all, it would mean the break up of Jim and Pam (horrible) and it would mean that this is the last season of the show (terrible). So luckily, it's just a fic and a way to explore some "what ifs?". Thank you for reading and for your review. I'm glad it's working for you.
8 [Report This]Date: July 29, 2008 12:05 am Title: Chapter 6
I think this story offers a very interesting premise and it's fun to read something different, so well-written and authentic. I kind of like that Pam & Jim don't end up together in your story. If they are truly meant to be, then Pam and Jim have to do everything in their power to make it work...so maybe they just aren't meant to be forever.
Having said that, I do really miss Pam's POV in this story. I know that Jim is the protagonist here, but with all of the insta-life and goal changes she seems to be going through from her experience at Pratt, Pam has the more interesting story, IMO. It's sad reading about them unraveling and becoming so distant with one other but it would be even sadder if Pam wasn't true to herself and stayed the person Jim wanted her be rather than who she wants to become.
Author's Response: Tammy, thanks so much for your feedback. I agree -- I miss Pam's POV, too, but I intentionally wanted to focus on Jim in this story. Adding Pam into the mix was just sort of overwhelming and I thought it would muddy the waters. I do hope to write a companion piece, however, that sort of covers what Pam was going through at the time, because I do find her changes so interesting (and frankly, quite believable, given her situation). I agree that Pam realizing who she is, to me, is more important than whether she stays with Jim or not. Thanks so much for reading and for your review!
10 [Report This]Date: July 29, 2008 12:05 am Title: Chapter 6
I have to say, though I feel like a traitor to Pam, I'm really intrigued by this story. And I do like Emily's character and Jim's interaction with her. And you know what? If Jim's actions in this relationship are indeed affected by his history with Pam, well heck, that's still pretty romantic in my eyes :) Of course, I'll always be a sucker for the Jam fluff, so I wish we'd get to see just a little more of the love that they had before it fizzled out--but I trust your judgment, so whatever. I'm really looking forward to seeing Emily watch the DVDs and talk about it with Jim. Great work!
Author's Response: I feel like a traitor to Pam, too, okayibelieveyou. I just finished reading xoxoxo's 12 Weeks last night and I thought, "Oh, man. What have I done?" But I've written 11 other stories that focused on the fluff, I didn't want to cover that in this one. Plus, it would have made it that much harder to break them up. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 09:32 pm Title: Chapter 6
I would give you an A++ rating ... but that is not posssible. So 10 outta 10 it is.
I love the JAM fic's out there ... so fun to get "behind the scenes" of our fave couple. But sometimes, I REALLY love something a little different. The Jim we love, but with someone else who will totally rock his world.
I think that there are many people out there who would be a "perfect fit" for each of us, and I love that this story is going to show that Pam, while perfect for Jim, was not the only one.
Know that this fan-fic fan is eagerly awaiting each and every update you make, and looking forward to seeing where the story goes. I am willing to say "Pam who??" for the purposes of this story. :)
Good work!! Hope you have fun writing it (while dodging that rotten garbage!)
Author's Response: Wow, thanks ROJ! My thoughts exactly on the "perfect fit" thing. With billions of people in the world, I find it hard to believe that there's only one person for each of us. Thanks for being willing to put your Pam-love aside for awhile to read my contribution. And thanks for the kind review!
Date: July 28, 2008 09:28 pm Title: Chapter 6
Thanks for the quick updates. It has definitely helped w/ the Monday Blues. The interaction between Emily and Jim does seem like you described "easy". We know how Jim flirted w/ Pam and it's refreshing to see him flirting and fall in love (?) with some that is funny, witty and smart. Without stress or frustration.
I "care" so much for Jim and Pam (even though they are fictional-right?) that in this world you have created a viable relationship between Jim and Emily. Emily seems to be the ray of hope that Jim needs.
Author's Response: Are they fictional? Sometimes I wonder... Anyway, I'm so glad Emily seems worthy of Jim. That was one of my biggest fears. Thanks again, Alamos! Your reviews have brightened my crazy Monday!
Date: July 28, 2008 09:18 pm Title: Chapter 1
Too bad I'm stuck studying for summer course psyc exams of I would've reviewed sooner, because clearly only you, Wendolf, would be able to construct an AU, Jam-less story that I absolutely love. I'm not gonna lie, when I first started reading I was skeptical, but I love the Emily you've created, and you write Jim's voice so well that this has really grown on me. The one thing I have a little bit of a difficult time accepting is Pam making such a quick transformation over the summer, but I suppose it really is plausible and that might be just what's getting to me :) Never thought I'd say this, but it's actually kinda refreshing to see some amazing, well written fic that isn't Jam, because it brings the characters (Jim, here) to a whole other level. So, basically, I'm really enjoying this after an initial "WHAT?" and I can't wait for more!
Author's Response: Honeypioneer! I knew I was missing one of my favorite reviewing friends! Glad you're here!
Oh, believe me, I was skeptical about this concept, too. Still not sure I can pull the whole thing off. We'll see. And I totally get what you're saying about Pam's quick transformation -- I had a problem with that, as well. But here are my thoughts: 1) I sort of picture it like when someone goes away to college -- a sudden, sometimes huge transformation in a short amount of time. Kind of a reinvention of sorts. And 2) I knew things had to start heading south for them quickly if I wanted to keep Jim from proposing (and I truly didn't want to have him propose and her say 'no' - which would have been utterly unrealistic to me or have them get engaged and then have to have Pam call off another wedding.) So, quick transformation in New York won out. Thanks so much for taking a break from your studying to read and review! It's so appreciated!
9 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 08:56 pm Title: Chapter 6
Wow, Jim is being very brave in giving her the DVDs. I can't imagine that from either perspective. I love that Emily is so insistent that she's going to call because she really has no idea what she's in for. And I love that Jim's being so brave when it would be so easy to just dole out little bits of his life and hope she'd never see the parts we never want our SOs to see from our past. I do get why he's doing it though - much worse to have a fangirl scream at Emily in the middle of dinner than for her to grab some wine and watch the DVDs over the weekend.
This line: "It feels good to not have to bend over backwards – or forwards – for a change." - just killed me with its simplicity and subtlety. He's not being chased and he's not chasing. He's just a guy and she's just a girl. No expectations, demands, fantasies or pedestals. I can see how alluring that would be for Jim.
Author's Response: I was going to have him hold off longer with the DVDs, but I'm not sure how he could avoid her finding out "stuff" now that she knows his situation. It was either all or nothing for him . . . and I think he's learned from the past that playing it safe for too long doesn't get him what he wants. And thanks for understanding why the simplicity of an easy relationship would appeal to him -- I totally get that, too. ;-) Thanks, JennInTheCity, for reviewing!
Date: July 28, 2008 08:30 pm Title: Chapter 6
Once again, awesome update. And I don't want to hear excuses. Updates every hour...
Seriously though, awesome job.
Author's Response: I know . . . I kind of shot my whole wad today with the quick updates, trying to get people hooked so they wouldn't hate me as much. Hopefully I'll still be pretty quick. Usually once I get into writing, I'm like a dog with a bone. Anyway, thanks so much for your reviews!
Date: July 28, 2008 08:23 pm Title: Chapter 6
I'm usually pretty hesitant about reading stories where Jim and Pam aren't together. Now I don't get me wrong, I like some angst in the stories I read but usually tied up with a happy ending.
However, I have read most of your stories and know that you are a fantastic writer. I knew that you could write a story that has heartbreak of Jim and Pam not working out and still leave the readers wanting more of Jim and Emily! You sucked me in and now I can't wait to read more about their developing relationship. I think I'm more excited about that then the downfall of Jim and Pam.
Also my favorite line so far: I work with people who are smart and funny (in a completely different way than Michael was funny) and who enjoy their jobs (in a completely different way than Dwight did)
so basically what I am saying is I love it!
Author's Response: Thanks so much, Klee. I'm glad that Jim and Emily are appealing as a couple -- I was so worried! So happy that you're enjoying it, and thanks for reading and reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 08:14 pm Title: Chapter 6
keep updating!! i love it. honestly.
Author's Response: Thanks again! I will!
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 08:07 pm Title: Chapter 5
well, i must say that if people aren't appreciating your story and ratings bashing it they are stupid :) its awesome - i think this show has a theme: New York does weird things to you!
Author's Response: It's all New York's fault! (Now I'm going to get garbage thrown at me by people who live in New York...) Anyway, thanks again for your support. So great to know this can be appreciated for what it is...
Date: July 28, 2008 08:00 pm Title: Chapter 6
I am officially in love with this story. I don't care what other people think, or who throws garbage at me--this is how happy I want Jim to be, and if it means it's not with Pam-then so be it.
Okay, maybe that's harsh. Or maybe Wendolf is a really good writer (which you are, by the way) but what you said in the last part with Jim kissing Emily--it's so easy. The way it's supposed to be. It's so complicated with Pam.
Don't get me wrong, I want Jim and Pam together like the desert wants rain, but it nice to read a story where things just happen, and aren't painful. You know what I'm saying???
I'm stopping now. I promise.
I love Jim and Pam.
Author's Response: Wow, my story is so flattered! Thank you malaz85! I want Jim to be happy, too, and I've written 11 stories where he's happy with Pam and just this one where he's happy without her. Glad we can both enjoy that. I don't know why we all feel so guilty just using our imaginations a bit -- totally doesn't mean that Jim and Pam won't be together on the show. It's just like those "Choose your own Adventure" books from when I was a kid. This is just a different adventure for them both. And I totally get what you're saying: I'd love them both to have relationships that aren't painful. Anyway, thanks so much for reading and reviewing.
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 07:47 pm Title: Chapter 3
this story is amazing - i really like watching Jim's new story unfold side-by-side with the explanation everyone needs of what DID go wrong. Great work.
Author's Response: Thanks! That's what I kind of wanted it to be -- the sad story of a dying relationship alongside the happy story of the birth of a new one. Thanks for reviewing, untherapy!
Date: July 28, 2008 07:44 pm Title: Chapter 1
I don't review nearly as much as I should, or used to, but I really enjoy your stories. I don't know why, usually I don't think I would get into a story that wasn't JAM, but I really like this and am rooting for Jim and Emily. Jem, if you will (sorry, I'm an 80's kid). I'm really ready to read more!
Author's Response: I know . . . I'm a lazy reviewer sometimes, too (bad, bad Wendolf), so I'm grateful that you took the time on this one! So glad that Jim and Emily are earning your love (or if not love, then at least respect). Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 07:24 pm Title: Chapter 5
I like Emily and I like that you're writing her point of view. I hope that now that she's found out she can "look Jim up" she really does wait to hear about Jim's past from Jim. I'm looking forward to Jim and Emily's budding relationship playing out. Something tells me I'm going to be mad at Pam in future chapters. Oh well, I've already braced myself. Keep up the excellent writing wendolf!
Author's Response: Thanks, Cheeb. I was going to try to write the whole thing from Jim's POV, but it didn't have the two sides to a new relationship that I wanted -- the "what would it be like to be the girl who dates Jim after Pam" angle. So I'm glad you like that. I hope you won't be mad at Pam -- I'm not, really. Just disappointed that it sometimes takes her so long to figure things out. Anyway, thanks so much for reading and reviewing.
9 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 07:11 pm Title: Chapter 5
Wendolf, this is really excellent work. Count me among those who almost coudn't read it--but only because I knew you'd do something amazing and believable that would break my heart a little. But the tone here is so optimistic and it's good to see a Jim that survived all that heartbreak and came out still willing to be happy. I love Emily. And I can see this happening, sad to say as that is.
I loved this, it's so...real:
I watch him go to the bar for a second pitcher of beer, enjoying the easy gait of his step and the way his jeans hang just so on his hips. I wonder what might be wrong with him, why he’s single at 29, why he really moved to Philly, why he seems to be starting over. But we all have our history, and I’m sure I’ll find out his eventually. Best just to wait and see.
All in all, well done. I admire your moxie in sticking your neck out there with an unpopular premise. *offers salute*
Author's Response: Thanks, callisto! I'm so glad you gave it a shot and am flattered by your confidence in me. I do hope the story comes across as optimistic because I truly didn't intend for it to be super dark. I mean, the flashbacks are a little dark, but I thought they'd be balanced out by the knowledge that both Jim (and Pam) survive (and maybe even prosper). Thanks for taking the time to read and review, and for picking out a specific that you liked -- I always love that!
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 07:11 pm Title: Chapter 5
wendolf, I'm so sorry that this story isn't getting the positvie attention it deserves, because it is beyond stellar. You know me. And, if you know me, you know that I am an obsessed Jammer. I mean, worse than most people. I felt great trepidation about this story, but you are a friend, and I wanted to give it a chance. I knew the story would be well written, even if I abhor the suject matter. Well, I was wrong. It is so far beyond well written. It's truly in a class of it's own. I've always been very protective of the Jim/Pam relationship, but at the same time, there's been a nagging doubt in my mind about how it might work out. You've brought this to light perfectly, so please, continue to be brave and keep posting.
Author's Response: Annika, I knew this story would break your heart more than most, so it means that much more that you like it. I seriously almost didn't tell you about it because I didn't want to make you sad (I know you've been worried about a potential break up). Thank you so, so much for your support and encouragement. Truly. I'll try to do you proud, my friend!
10 [Report This]Date: July 28, 2008 07:09 pm Title: Chapter 5
I love that I start reading this and there's four chapters, and now there's five. Yay! Don't let the downers get to you. This story is really wonderful, and as I started to say in my last review, I really do think this story is hopeful. We see Jim start to move past his heartbreak (that's thankfully not maudlin) and meet someone normal and kind of perfect for him. Doesn't have to be the epic love story, which is more fallacy than fact anyway. And even ending with the slow Jim/Pam breakdown, which is tough, I'm curious to see who Pam is becoming. I'm happy for her. Great job all around!!!
Author's Response: Most of our love stories aren't epic, are they? In fact, the epic ones usually end in disaster. So I'm okay with "normal". And I agree -- I think Pam is being true to what she wants and who she is (at least in the circumstances of this specific story) more than she's ever been before. I do think that's kind of hopeful. Anyway, thanks again nimblejack!