Penname: Talkative Real name:
Member Since: May 08, 2008

Bio:

"It's not where you take things from - it's where you take them to." ~ Jean-Luc Goddard

author of the month july 2017


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Reviews by Talkative
Clay Pot by Colette Rated: T [Reviews - 78] 44
Summary: Past Featured StoryS3, set between Traveling Salesman and The Return.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past
Characters: Jim, Jim/Karen, Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Weekend
Warnings: Adult language
Series: None
Chapters: 5 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 4109 Read Count: 27636 ePub Downloads: 5
[Report This] Published: August 11, 2008 Updated: August 13, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: August 11, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: Invitation

Colette! Yay! I'm hanging on your every word. I kinda love MiserableOverPam!Jim, since things seem to be pretty ducky now. ::knocks wood::

Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: August 12, 2008 Title: Chapter 3: Same old story

When I write fic, I think in terms of gaps. I don't like to predict, really, and I'm not a fan of AU. I like to flesh out what we already know and pause for a moment on the things that didn't get explored. This is a wonderful, tiny gap that you've stumbled upon here. I'm deeply impressed by it, particularly your characterization of Jim. It's spot-on. I think that this paragraph in particular is one of the best I've read from you - "It was odd sitting with her in the dark, so close he could sense the vibration in the air when she breathed. It was at once familiar and strange and wrong and right and he didn’t care. All he knew was how soft she looked in her sweater, how unnatural it was not to touch her, that he was made to touch her. He imagined pushing her back against the pillows, feeling what it would be like to cover her body with his own, her mouth with his. He wanted to pretend it was the end of a long evening at her - at their - place and everyone would soon be gone. He’d tell her, let’s clean up in the morning and he’d kiss her and she’d kiss him back and they’d have the whole night ahead of them." It's so delicate and touching and just, well, sad. I can't wait for the conclusion.

Author's Response: Yeah, in terms of fanfic, I've never been much of an AU writer myself - I'm much more interested in riffing on what we've seen - as you say, there are so many fertile blanks to fill in. Glad you thought this particular one was fic worthy - I've never been a big complicated plot girl - I tend to be more inspired by small moments like this - and 'delicate' is a lovely compliment. Thanks so much Talkative

Spectrum by callisto Rated: T [Reviews - 113] 57
Summary: Past Featured StoryA colorful look at the evolution of Pam and Jim's relationship.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Present, Past, Future
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Humor, In Stamford, Romance, Weekend, Workdays
Warnings: Adult language, Mild sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 7 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 14547 Read Count: 39844 ePub Downloads: 9
[Report This] Published: August 14, 2008 Updated: September 04, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: August 14, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: red delicious

Callisto! So happy to see you at the top of the "most recent" list. This is box-of-kittens adorable. First person is a tricky, tricky thing and you do it so wonderfully here. The entire opening section, with Pam telling us about the Dundies, is great. I can't wait for more.

Author's Response: Hey Talkative! I love writing first person, so thanks for that. And I almost left out that whole prologue bit about the Dundies, so I\'m glad it worked. I hope you like the rest of it. Thanks for reading :)

Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: September 04, 2008 Title: Chapter 7: african violet

Callisto, this is a fantastic set of stories. I'm sorry I haven't been reviewing more (I'm on the other side of the grad student/educator exchange, which means my past couple of weeks have been *bonkers*), but please know that I've read each of these chapters at least twice. The final one was particularly vivid - I could hear it, see it. Jim's voice was so correct. Well done and best of luck to you in school!

Author's Response: Thank you Talkative! We\'re all busy this time of year it seems, so thanks for taking time out to review. I\'m glad you liked these--that you read them more than once is very flattering. And I like \'vivid.\' :) Thanks for the luck, too. I\'m pretty excited :) I\'m sure I\'ll make time to sneak back over here, though!

Summary: Kelly, Angela, Kevin, Andy, Michael, Creed, and Dwight all have their own firsts on the night of Toby's goodbye party. Spoilers for Goodbye, Toby.
Categories: Other
Characters: Andy, Angela, Creed, Dwight, Ensemble, Kelly, Kevin, Michael
Genres: None
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 2036 Read Count: 1714 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: September 17, 2008 Updated: September 18, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: September 18, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Oh, this is excellent, shoutoutout. The characterization is precise and perfect all around - I'm particularly impressed with the Dwangela sections. Andy's feeling "really, really good about this" and "dying three times in one night is a little much, even for a Schrute" just bowled me right over. Please keep sharing your writing with us.

Summary: He doesn't quite know why he's showed up at her door, in the jeans he's worn all day and a hoodie he hasn't washed in weeks. Another time Jim couldn't wait. Post The Job.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Present
Characters: Jim, Jim/Pam, Pam
Genres: Fluff, Oneshot, Romance, Steamy
Warnings: Moderate sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1814 Read Count: 6173 ePub Downloads: 2
[Report This] Published: October 03, 2008 Updated: October 03, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 9
Date: October 03, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: i take a breath, pull it in until there's nothing left

So dirty and so pretty and impressively of that particular moment between S3 and S4. I don't think I'll ever get tired of post-Job fics. I read this one twice. Well done, flonk.

Author's Response: Well, seeing as I\'m someone who\'s read all your fics at least twice, I\'m really flattered. Thank you so much, Talkative =)

Summary: The first morning after. Takes place between "The Job" and "Fun Run."
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past, Episode Related
Characters: Jim, Jim/Pam, Pam
Genres: Drabble, Fluff, Oneshot, Romance, Weekend
Warnings: Mild sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 748 Read Count: 5320 ePub Downloads: 1
[Report This] Published: October 20, 2008 Updated: October 20, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: October 21, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This?

"He looks bashful and content, and he’s smirking at her in a way that she knows means he’s thinking about each time he made her moan last night."

Oh my my my.

Well done, corking. What a charming vignette.

Author's Response: Thank you!! You\'re one of my favorite writers in this fandom, so your review really made my day. I really appreciate it! :)

Summary: If you're having girl problems, I feel bad for you, son.

Categories: Other
Characters: Jim, Karen
Genres: None
Warnings: Adult language
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 4032 Read Count: 3887 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: October 28, 2008 Updated: October 28, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: October 28, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Sophia -

This is incredible. To wit -

1. It pleases me that I'm not the only one who's been going around assuming that Karen's bisexual. Because of course she is...

2. Jim's Jewish! I want to start a letter writing campaign. Better still - will you sign my petition?

3. Not only is he Jewish, he's also a tremendous pain in the ass. Thank you for pointing to that and exploring it. I think you've landed neatly on top of the central conflict in Jim's life while simultaneously laying out the myriad reasons why. The details - the dying cell phone, the lack of umbrella, his attempts at humor - are all perfectly in character; all very, annoyingly Jim.

4. Karen and Jim's relationship has always eluded me. I didn't really understand, on a deeper level than what we were given in canon, why they were together. Actually, no - I understood why Jim was with Karen, but not why she was with Jim. I get it now. Thank you for explaining.

5. Your prose is understated and clean; your jokes are excellent (I laughed aloud several times); and I envy your understanding of these characters.

Again, thank you for sharing. I'm off to nag the management - you need a ribbon for this lovely thing.

Summary: Michael forces the group to go ghost hunting, and some people find more than they bargained for.  Response to the Haunted House challenge.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past, Alternate Universe
Characters: Ensemble, Jim, Jim/Pam, Pam
Genres: Fluff, Holiday, Humor, Romance, Suspense, Weekend
Warnings: Adult language, Moderate sexual content
Challenges: Haunted House
Series: None
Chapters: 7 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 10379 Read Count: 14551 ePub Downloads: 1
[Report This] Published: October 30, 2008 Updated: November 03, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: October 30, 2008 Title: Chapter 3: October 26, Sanitarium lobby, 9:07 PM

This *is* fun! Thank you for doing it. I'll be checking for updates and hoping that you levitate Dwight. :)

Summary: Michael misses Holly and Dwight comes by to offer a little (tech) support.
Categories: Other, Present
Characters: Dwight, Holly, Michael
Genres: Angst
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1028 Read Count: 1231 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: November 12, 2008 Updated: November 12, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: November 12, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: laugh until you cry, cry until you laugh

Paper Jam! I love this! Michael is no picnic to write, but you've done a wonderful job here in capturing what makes him annoying and endearing all at once. And Dwight is just lovely - intrusive, rude, and needy.

Generally speaking, this is well-written, economical, and delightfully effective. It's like haiku - you've got so much packed into a relatively small space. My favorite lines -

He breathes the last two words, accentuating the capital letters to lend the moment the importance it deserves. I'm squirming, but I can hear it. Perfect.

"Even Pam could punch through this drywall with her tiny hands and she’s a helpless female. Physically. Mentally she could probably rule the world if she applied herself.” Dwight pauses, as if imagining the possible outcome of that situation. The strangeness of the Pam/Dwight dynamic in a handful of sentences. Plus, I'm always a little giddy when Pam shows up.

He laughs and misses her more than he ever thought he would. More than when his mom moved away and told him it would be better if their relationship was long distance. More than when Jan left the first and eighteenth time. God, I just want to hug him, even if he'd probably try to cop a feel or kiss me or something.

Again, so well done!

Author's Response: I love writing Michael, but striking the balance can be hard. I'm glad to hear I pulled it off. Thank you so much for the kind words, Talkative.

Summary: Past Featured StoryThe title says it all.
Categories: Jim and Pam
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Drabble, Drunk Pam/Jim, Fluff, Inner Monologue, Romance
Warnings: Adult language
Series: None
Chapters: 13 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 24931 Read Count: 65526 ePub Downloads: 4
[Report This] Published: November 17, 2008 Updated: March 09, 2009
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: December 17, 2008 Title: Chapter 6: Nothing Hurts Like Your Mouth

Second person is tough stuff, so let me start by saying that I read this twice before I even noticed it, that's how subtle and well-constructed this is. Hats off. Oh, and, also? I read this twice. Well, three times.

I could spend many, many lines quoting you back at you, but there's just one little detail I want to point out, as I think it's indicative of one of your talents: you don't explicitly identify who's speaking in the first paragraph, which is, of course, fine. Then I got to the last sentence - if there’s something you can’t stand, it’s being unprepared. - and I thought, oh, it's Pam. Again, so subtly in character. I'm seriously, seriously impressed.

And, finally -

Brought to you by The Little Comment Society For Make Jim Halpert Less Perfect While Still Jimtastic.

YES. Where do I sign up?

Author's Response: Consider your membership card issued, my friend - and may I say that such nice words from a talented writer like you really touched me? As for the voice/POV, the piece just chooses its own for me, always...I just start with the idea and whatever voice I start with, I use. Thanks for noting all those small details, and just...thanks for such a great review!

Summary:

No-one leaves the lights on in a house where nobody lives anymore.

A little positivity from Pam, circa 'A Benihana Christmas'.

Categories: Jim and Pam, Present, Episode Related
Characters: Jim/Karen, Jim/Pam, Pam
Genres: Angst, Holiday, Oneshot
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 885 Read Count: 2352 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: December 10, 2008 Updated: December 10, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: December 10, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Merry Christmas to you, shootingstars. This is a darling vignette - bittersweet and touching. I love how well you captured what Pam could have been thinking and feeling that year. And how surprising that we haven't seen this ground covered more often. Thank you for doing it.

Others have already noted my two favorite lines, but -

Jim is home, and she knows she loves him now, loves him in a spontaneous parking lot confession kind of way, if she was ever brave enough for that.

and

She smiles and wishes on the lopsided plastic star atop her Christmas tree, trying hard not to think about how Jim could have reached up one long arm and straightened it for her.

So very well done.

Author's Response: Wow, thanks so much for such a complimentary review Talkative. I\'m a massive fan of your writing so this pretty much made my day :)

Summary: Past Featured StoryAn AU look at what might have happened, had Pam really thought about Jim's decision to go to Australia.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past, Episode Related, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim, Mark, Pam, Roy
Genres: Angst, Drunk Pam/Jim, Inner Monologue, Romance
Warnings: Adult language, Mild sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 3 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 4957 Read Count: 18959 ePub Downloads: 3
[Report This] Published: December 12, 2008 Updated: December 16, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: December 13, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: impending doom

Callisto!

::flying tackle hug::

I love the first person, the conversation with Mark, and, of course, of course the drunk midnight phone conversation with Pam. Your retelling of the scene where Jim tells Pam he won't be attending her wedding is fantastic, especially -

I glanced away, really uncomfortable now, that familiar tightness in my chest making it hard to breathe, but I forced myself to look back and meet her eyes long enough for her to see into me. She could always read me, surely she’d see what I was doing. Please, Beesly. Figure it out, please…

You actually drove my heart up into my throat with that. Can't wait for updates on this one.

Author's Response: Ah, the angst. How we do love it (now that we know how it ends...) I\'m glad you liked that part. My heart breaks for him in that scene. Hope you like the rest! Thanks Talkative! Always a pleasure to hear from you! :)

Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: December 17, 2008 Title: Chapter 3: acceptance

Callisto, I'm touched...

I feel all off-balance and wrong when I try to write AU, so I have to congratulate you on pulling it off so well. I was particularly impressed with their final phone conversation, how you got so much done with so little. Well done. I already want to see something new from you. :)

Author's Response: I have never tried to write AU for exactly that reason, so thank you! It feels very weird to go off-canon. I\'m glad that phone conversation didn\'t seem too cheesy (?) with just a bunch of monosyllabic questions and answers, but they seem to like the less-is-more approach to their communication... Anyway, thanks so much for all your support, and I hope to see some yummy frosting from you soon! :)

Australia by Erileen Rated: T [Reviews - 25] 18
Summary: Past Featured Story"It takes eight hours to escape her, seven hours to come back, and two steps to reach her."

Jim tries to run. Slight spoilers for Casino Night.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim/Pam, Pam/Roy
Genres: Oneshot, Romance
Warnings: Adult language
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1395 Read Count: 4002 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: December 20, 2008 Updated: December 21, 2008
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: December 22, 2008 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Erileen, please write something, anything else. I don't care if you don't continue this (okay, I do, but...), just keep sharing your work with us. This is a beautiful, spare, completely miserable look at that moment in time. It actually hurt to read it. So, so well done.

As others have said, it's amazing to me that you were able to return to material that I was certain had been bled dry, and find new ways to talk about it. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Author's Response: Wow, thank you so much! Haha, I officially apologize for any hurt or angsty feelings bestowed on the reader ;) In all seriousness, thank you so much for the great review and the sweet welcome!

Idiosyncrasy by callisto Rated: T [Reviews - 46] 25
Summary: He thought he knew everything about her.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Present, Episode Related
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Fluff, Humor, Oneshot, Romance
Warnings: Adult language, Mild sexual content
Challenges: Pam's Quirks
Series: None
Chapters: 2 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 2943 Read Count: 10738 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: February 08, 2009 Updated: February 11, 2009
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: February 11, 2009 Title: Chapter 2: my boyfriend is twelve

This is one of those 'I could quote the whole thing back at you' situations, Callisto. So, so well done. Let me play my personal highlight reel for you -

Sometimes, though, he’d reach for the jar but fall a bit short as he leaned in, his eyes bright with mischief or amusement or incredulity, and she suspected he hadn’t really come up for jellybeans at all.

Oh, you think so, Pam? :) I love that you're telling us this story in the happy present, but still include these little stings from the past, just brushing up against what it must have been like to be her and realize how Jim felt.

She had no idea he was so into zombie movies...

This whole section is great. Men of that age who are into zombie movies are thick on the ground (believe me) and it just seems so likely for Jim. I also enjoy the general consensus out here in the fanon that, for as much as Jim mocks Dwight for being a nerd, he's not exactly innocent of the type of geekery that he likes to tease Dwight for.

He glances up at her in the mirror and his eyes are so green and full of desire and sometimes he’s not a boy at all.

:: thud ::

While I'm down here on the floor, just let me say that I like the detail of him only being late for work. Again, it just seems so likely.

And I love, love tidy!Jim and Jim the reader. I know that the only time we've seen him interact with a book on the show was when he wasn't reading it, but there's no way that he isn't bookish. It just sort of radiates off of him. But maybe that's just me.

Thanks so much for sharing this sweet story with us. My apologies for not reviewing the first part. Don't be a stranger on the Most Recent page, okay?

Author's Response: Oh Talkative, reviews like this are the reason I put this stuff out there. Thank you! I so appreciate seeing specific things that worked/resonated, and I appreciate your taking the time to point out things you liked. About the zombie movies: yeah. I have enough men friends to know the secret geeky world of late twentysomething guys (and older...), and I agree that Jim is more like Dwight than he would ever, ever, EVER admit. (The dual TH in the last ep where they\'re shoving each other like brothers just says so much to me. :D) And despite what happened in the FTC I\'ve always gotten the sense that Jim is a reader--it just radiates off of him, like you say. And... I wondered if it would seem like I\'m making him too \'perfect\' in that he\'s tidy and relatively clean, but honestly, I lived with a man like that and they do exist. Anyway.... I\'m so glad you enjoyed this. I haven\'t had many ideas for our couple lately, I\'ve been so busy and working on other things (how dare I work on original fic, eh? :D), but it\'s nice to know there\'s still a place for my random musings when they come to me. Thanks again for the review!! ::hugs::

Visibility by callisto Rated: M [Reviews - 42] 65
Summary: Past Featured StoryAll her life, Pam's felt invisible. That's all about to change. An AU take on Beach Games.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past, Episode Related, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim, Jim/Karen, Jim/Pam, Karen, Michael, Pam, Toby
Genres: Angst, Oneshot, Romance, Steamy, Workdays
Warnings: Adult language, Moderate sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 8157 Read Count: 9631 ePub Downloads: 8
[Report This] Published: February 28, 2009 Updated: February 28, 2009
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: March 02, 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Visibility

Dear Callisto, you already know how I feel about this one, but, as I didn't get a chance to send you my final thoughts before you posted (stupid busy weekend), here's an abbreviated version, fit for public consumption -

I've said it before, but I'll say it again - your characterization here is just killer, particularly, amazingly, Toby. He stares at her for a long moment before his eyes light up and he laughs, a surprisingly free, happy kind of laugh she’s never heard from him before. “Seriously?”. Love it, love it, love it. It's marvelous that Toby sees exactly what's going on with Pam without commenting, while still holding on to his own feelings for her. And, of course, talking about Toby brings us to the end of the story, which, as I said in my email, cuts just like a particularly good episode of the show, reminding us that, even though Pam and Jim are in this happy bubble together, they aren't perfect.

And your Pam is just darling. I think you've captured that desperate, faltering attempt on her part to be assertive so well. I know I wrote it differently in Vocabulary, but I think it's all about the timing. I can absolutely believe that she would have been capable of forcing the two of them over that line on that particular night.

Your Jim is great, too. I kind of want to smack him for being such a coward, but at least he put himself in the right place at the right moment, having the good sense to take his opportunities when presented to him (much as he does a week later in the canon).

Finally, I am completely willing to take the blame/credit for smut that hot, sweet, and well-written. Saves me the trouble of having to write it myself.

Brava, Callisto. Just say the word when you're ready to go again, hon.

Author's Response: Talkative, my dear girl. So now I\'m feeling very impatient and silly for not wanting to wait through the weekend--I\'m dying to know how much more fluid the whole last part would\'ve been if I\'d waited for you. :) But, I\'m happy you approve. And I\'m very tickled that you are so in love with that one line from Toby. That\'s one of the first bits I came up with for this, as you know. I agree that slightly-aggressive-Pam is easier to imagine right after this episode when she\'s completely empowered and more or less at peace with how things have transpired, and that life will go on and she\'s done what she can--and I completely share your black feminist heart that she needed that year to figure herself out and find her own place and voice. You and Blanca gave me such great advice on that ending--poor, poor Toby. Oh, well. Sacrifices had to be made. I would\'ve loved to see Jim being more proactive in the whole process, but it\'s hard not to sympathize with how shell-shocked and freaked out he must have been. Like you said--solve that problem with some angsty nerd-sex! :) (Oh--and I am definitely going to hold you to that last offer, by the way. :D)

Abstinence by Colette Rated: MA [Reviews - 53] 32
Summary: Set about one month after The Job. Pure, romantic smuff, straight up. Not angsty, not edgy, no apologies.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Past
Characters: None
Genres: Romance, Steamy, Weekend
Warnings: Adult language, Moderate sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 2 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 4118 Read Count: 21576 ePub Downloads: 12
[Report This] Published: March 20, 2009 Updated: March 22, 2009
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: March 22, 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Night...

Colette, you know I love this - I think it goes without saying at this point that you're one of the finest, if not the finest, writers that we have in our little purple arsenal. You've got both chapters up, but I'm going to be methodical here and take them one at a time. So let me show you what's beautiful about what you've done here -

We know these people - you could take out all of the names and post it on a different website, and I'd still be able to tell you that this was Jim and Pam. You're in third person, but Pam's voice is unmistakable. And the little details - the silly jokes, Jim's smile when she gives him her key, the messy apartment, right down to Jim's taste in reading materials - it's them, over and over again, as real as watching it on tv (even moreso, in some ways, if they keep doing what they did last week).

The foreshadowing of Pam's parents' relationship problems is excellent. I think I was reading too quickly the first time around, as I missed it, but it leaped out at me the next time I read. It's dropped so lightly, so perfectly into the middle of their conversation.

And, finally (for this chapter), the way you deal with how they're settling into their romantic/sexual relationship is just marvelous. I love how they're shaking their nervousness and shyness, but not quite, not completely. I adore that Jim hesitates without hesitating and that Pam takes every opportunity to reassure him that his affection is welcomed, as if she's afraid he'll misunderstand and leave (again).

Author's Response:

Purple arsenal? Both literally and figuratively ;-) I don't need to tell you that the best compliment is that a fic is in character (and that it's sustained in the details) and that the 'voice' sounds right - so many thanks for that alone. Also, especially glad you picked up the ref to Pam's parents - wondered if that would 'read'. I did want to keep it subtle, cause while these things never actually come out of nowhere, often it's only in retrospect that you register small hints percolating for years. And finally - yes, exactly. I hoped this would feel like that place where it was all still new enough that they'd have a whiff of shyness/nervousness/carefulness, but solidified enough that they were both relaxing into it...which is, of course, when all the good stuff really begins.

Okay, shutting up now...I still have another response to write for your very generous reviews. Thanks so much - as always, it means a lot.

Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: March 22, 2009 Title: Chapter 2: ...and Day

Like we’re this real...’ she hesitated a beat, suddenly feeling surprisingly shy, ‘…this real couple now.’

I'm starting with that quote to point out how incorrect you are in stating that this is just an "unseemly display of smuff." You've captured them so perfectly at a really compelling point in their relationship and you've done it with the merest slip of a plot, the thinnest possible premise. You're dealing with a lot more that just sex here.

But, good God, the sex... this is, quite possibly, one of the hottest things I've ever read, and I don't just mean on this site. It was messy and clumsy and so honest. You're not just moving bodies around the page, you're telling us something about these two people and who they are relative to one another while you do it. You had me the whole damn time, but She cried out his name, digging her nails into his back and he seemed to know to hold still, like a lightning rod for her to break around. earned you an out loud "Holy shit" (and my husband a "Oh, nothing. Just something online."). That sentence alone merits a county fair worth of blue ribbons.

Colette, don't you ever hesitate to post something again. Your instincts in this fandom are pitch-perfect. You make me either want to give up or work twice as hard - I can't decide which one.

Author's Response:

1) You're far too kind 2) there's a 3rd option: just keep on doing what you're already doing, cause it's pretty dang wonderful.

You know, I admire a well wrought, complicated plot, but I'm personally much more drawn to writing small moments (beating them into the ground, lol?) So, I'm always grateful for readers, like you, for whom that's enough. And I'm thrilled you thought the sexing worked...especially that it reflected other dimensions between them beyond the actual bumping of uglies. That's precisely what I hoped, but you never know. 

And lastly, I'm pleased you mentioned that first line in your review, because, really, in many ways that sense was as - or more - important  to me in writing this than the more, uh...purple parts.

Thanks - much appreciate the appreciation, Talkative.

Sinatra by LoveFool Rated: K [Reviews - 24] 10
Summary: Big time spoilers through S5 Season Finale. ::sigh::
Categories: Episode Related, Jim and Pam
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Drabble, Fluff, Humor, Oneshot, Romance
Warnings: None
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1299 Read Count: 3449 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: May 15, 2009 Updated: May 15, 2009
Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: May 15, 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Oh, Lovefool... I'm over here frantically reading What to Expect When You're Expecting and sweating while you're showing the rest of us how it's done.

The good part...Jesus, I was inside the good part.

Wow. Just... wow.

Author's Response: Shut up, Talkative! You are going to be AWESOME. I can not wait to see what your sweat produces...um...that didn't sound right, but you know what I mean! ;-) Thanks for reviewing! 

Summary: Past Featured Story

A series of Season 5 episode related stories. 


Categories: Jim and Pam, Other, Episode Related
Characters: None
Genres: Drabble, Drunk Pam/Jim, Fluff, Humor, Romance
Warnings: Moderate sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 25 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 47542 Read Count: 78581 ePub Downloads: 16
[Report This] Published: June 15, 2009 Updated: September 10, 2009
Reviewer: Talkative Signed
Date: July 07, 2009 Title: Chapter 1: Weight Loss: Someone Just a Little More Funky by sophia_helix

From the Counting Crows reference in the title to the "Kay-o" at the end, this is perfect. Michael and Holly, at this point in the season, find one another through their awkward, pop-culture-that-no-one-else-cares-about-laden dialog. Kudos for telling us a story without much more than that and for making it so vivid. These felt like deleted scenes; like necessary insight into characters we already know so well. Thanks for kicking it off right, Sophia.

Reviewer: Talkative Signed
Date: July 07, 2009 Title: Chapter 2: Business Ethics: Father, Brother, Lover (Dance Instructor) by: Paper Jam

This is me, catching up on my reviewing duties and having the distinct pleasure of re-reading these fine chapters. PJ, your first contribution is just wonderful, and, taken with Sophia's, reads like a drum-tight transition from Michael and Holly's story (elements of which you include so well) to the wider ensemble. I love it in your version of Michael's head - the way he interprets (rationalizes, really) what's going on around him. You tie this back into the episode with such a light touch, using the details from the canon like touchstones, not neon signs. Finally, this is so very funny, in that... particular way that Michael is funny. I could feel the laugh building until I got to "Yes! His logic is infalliable." I had to pause for a moment to recover. So, so well done. Can't wait for your next contribution.

Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: July 07, 2009 Title: Chapter 3: Baby Shower: Synchronicity by Blanca

Blanca, we've talked about this already (of course), but I just want to state offically, publicly, how well done this is. The extension of the parallelism that we see in the episode is great. Also, again, publicly - He can still feel the ache in his back from the cold, hard linoleum floor. - :: thud :: So much :: thud :: in this one. You know I love you to death, even though Pam's dream wasn't sung through like I suggested. Next time.

Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: July 07, 2009 Title: Chapter 4: Crime Aid: Oh simple thing, where have you gone? by: thirtypercent

Hey Ms. 30% - the truly noteworthy part of your contribution (alhough, really, the whole thing is well done) begins the moment that Jim picks up his phone. Turns out our story is working rather like the season did and, once again, I find myself anxious to see my two favorite characters interact. Speaking from experience, it is a bit of work to make Jim and Pam sound like Jim and Pam, esp. when you've got them on the phone. It sounds exactly like them - I can hear and feel it when Jim still gets breathless over Pam's admissions of her love for him. Turns out I do, too. A delight to read.

Reviewer: Talkative Signed 10
Date: July 08, 2009 Title: Chapter 5: Employee Transfer: Louis Armstrong by Annabel Winslow

Annabel, context in which we write these things aside, borrowed characters and purple screen and all that, you are an incredibly gifted writer. I'm quite certain that I don't need to say that to you, though - your self-awareness is palpable and driving all of these well-constructed sentences; subtleties of plot and character. A new story from you always requires that I revisit the delight and surprise of finding you here.

You have transcended compliments on your characterization - I know these two people you bring to life not just as Jim and Pam, but as your Jim and Pam, a heightened version of our favorite characters who I'm always so, so happy to see. I can't quote favorite lines as there are just too many. As far as I'm concerned, you have these two and the world they inhabit dead to rights.

I hummed "Kiss to Build a Dream On" for two days after I first read this, a small, lasting blessing from this story that made my husband wonder what had gotten into me. Thank you.