I've been writing fanfiction for awhile now. Just recently discovered The Office and figured I'd try my hand at that as well.
At first I thought of having all my stories in the same universe, but then I had some AU ideas. So any stories that occur within a common universe will be in a given series.
Sequel to Pam 6.0
Pam broke up with Roy after his comments in S01E06 – Hot Girl, and after a summer of simmering tensions Jim and Pam have finally admitted their feelings for each other.
Lovely way to combine two episodes. Jim being a little despondent without Pam in the office makes sense. He's without his office buddy and fiancé so yeah it makes sense he'd be a little down.
Nice to see Pam doing well in New York. Also nice to see her wanting to leave quickly to get back to Jim.
The surprise welcome back was all sorts of sweet. Same with their afternoon off at home.
I like the change from sweater to tux this time around. Felt very classy.
Nice to have Casino Night go in a good direction this time too. Nice job as always.
Author's Response:
Yes, Jim is very much missing his best friend/partner in crime/life partner/fiance/... the list goes on! I'm happy to hear you liked this mashup, I felt like I should at least acknowledge Conflict Resolution happened so... there it was!
Pam can only distract herself with New York for so long, understandably. She's having a good time and being challenged, but the person she want's to share with is just over two hours away!
I'm glad you liked that unabashed fluff, I enjoyed writing that. It was fun to play with Ryan a little bit before he became the jerk that he was in later episodes too.
Jim is all about classy, as we may recall from the time he wore a tux in canon. I'm glad that fit for you, I just felt like it was a natural progression. This is Jim and Pam's outing in the middle of wedding planning/saving, so they went a little over the top.
Thank you for your kind words as always! We're almost at the end of this one.
1 Very sweet. Clearly this is early into their dating relationship so a lot of things ring true. After the road they've traveled to get to each other I'm sure all that residual fear and worry wouldn't go away overnight.
Nice to see Jim comforting her like that. It's also kind of fun to see them testing out pet names for each other. I get the feeling they'll settle on one or two later, but here where everything's new they're trying a bunch to see what works.
Author's Response: Thank you so much!
1 Very interesting premise. I've never seen the movie in question, so I'll just let this fic wash over me. A very different kind of banter between them. Very curious to see where this one will end up.
Author's Response: Yep! Pam’s taking on a different role here, but it fits with the motive of the story, so I hope the difference in her (and Jim) is a good one!
1 Yeah, no issues just skipping to date three. I mean just look at the number of stories here that have the post "The Job" date already at that number or past it for the two of them.
I can tell you had been doing your canon-viewing research with this one. Both "The Job" and "Fun Run." The fun witty banter between Jim and Pam over the soda's was just all sorts of fun. Stupid Karen, why did she have to storm in just then and ruin such a great moment. Still considering how brief that shot was on the show, you really did great job at expanding on the emotions of it.
That it would also effect both Jim and Pam with all the nervousness that it did was a really good way to fill in those brief shots. Considering the history between Jim and Pam and all the emotions pent up, it makes sense that they'd kind of get into it like that.
However in one of the best sit-com tropes, they immediately just fling themselves at each other. I mean that couch scene? Hoo boy that was hot. In all the right ways.
Speaking of "Fun Run," if that's what went down, I love the image of Pam in her talking head telling how she helped Jim get over the break-up and in her mind she's got that scene along with the rest of the night(s) playing through her head.
Great story as always.
Author's Response: I am absolutely adopting all of this as canon and from now on when I watch Fun Run, this will be exactly what Pam is picturing! Thanks so much for reading and leaving your thoughts, I’m so glad you enjoyed!
1 Okay this is super cute. Nice to have some internal thoughts in the call back. It was a good day for both of them. One of the last ones they had for a while so it's good to remember those early sweet moments.
The flash forward with the kids was just all sorts of adorable. I can totally see Jim and Pam being the kind of parents to gross out their young kids like that. Also Pam's admission and their banter was special to read too. Very nice little one shot.
Author's Response: Yeah, true! Thank you for the review.
1 First off the technical side of my review. It would be easier to read if every time you have a new person speak, to make it a new paragraph. The double spacing does help, but it's still a block of text that can be a little hard on the eyes of the reader.
Other than that, I loved this. As others have said you did a great job of getting into the character's heads so we see what they're thinking. Jim's vision of his life in 10 years was adorable.
Pam's frustration at missing her shot with Jim was bittersweet. Bitter because in the moment Pam doesn't know he's almost outside the door. Sweet because as a reader we know what's coming so the anticipation is exciting.
Then their return to banter at her desk. Just a lovely image.
Welcome to MTT. Great job for posting your first fic. Looking forward to what else you come up with.
Author's Response: Thanks for the advice and I appreciate the feedback. Excited to continue writing on MTT
This was very cute. The fact they're both nervous about the date is incredibly endearing. However one gets the sense that despite the fancy clothes and flowers, they're still them and they're going to have fun finding their way back to each other.
Again the wall of text, for me, made it somewhat hard to read. I've often said to be a good writer, one should be a good reader. Next time you pick up a book, take a look at how the words on the page are laid out. Paragraph breaks give a lot of information as to who is talking, when they're talking, or some new important point is being made. Those subtle distinctions, for me, tend to get lost in just a wall of text.
Author's Response: Thanks for the feedback. I am rewriting the third chapter with that format right now.
1 Much better with the formatting. This makes it a lot easier to tell who's talking and what they're talking about. Yes, it takes a little more time to write it that way, but the end result is worth it by just adding that extra polish to the writing.
Kind of quick whirlwind of emotions on the date there. Cute and playful at dinner to intense and even angry in the park. I do kinda get it. There are a lot of underlying emotions going through everything. It's your first story here and you want to get out all the stuff you've got bundled up in your head. I get it. This does work, don't get me wrong.
I do wonder if you ever go down a first date story like this again, if you took a little more time, timeline wise with Jim and Pam, if you could get into some more depth. Lots of big emotions for the two of them. Seems to me that those kinds of emotional wounds will also take time to heal. So maybe expand on that. In "Fun Run," Pam did say they went out to dinner a couple times for her to help Jim through the breakup. So expanding on the next dates to see that healing process could be fun.
Now that's not to say I didn't like this story. I did like this story. It's cute and sweet. Jim and Pam finally getting together is always fun. Well done for posting and completing your first story. Looking forward to seeing what else you have to offer.
"I need to get out of this dress."
"I need to get out of this dress."
1 Another gem from you AG. I just love the fact that they still just basically attack each other like that. Even after two kids and all the S9 drama, they're still that wantonly passionate for each other. Incredibly descriptive as always. Also love the fact that now that they're leaving they really let loose.
The coda there with the neighbors was just the cherry on top of this whole story. Great job as usual.
Author's Response: The "coda" was one of my favorite parts :) Thanks Warrior!
1 This sounds just all sorts of interesting. At times a little confusing since we seem to be bouncing between several peoples thoughts, but when reading carefully it becomes clear who is thinking about what.
Other than that, the characterizations were all right on par. This looks like it could be a bit of a roller coaster.
Author's Response: Thank you! Sorry for the confusion. I went back and fixed it a little to make things more clear. It's hard when you are using the entire ensemble and want to get their thoughts in. I hope you enjoy the rest.
1 Great descriptions with Pam getting ready. It really set the scene well. I also loved Confident Pam flirting with Jim there. He's just standing there gobsmacked and it's adorable.
Packer's being an ass as usual. Seriously, who doesn't want to punch him in the face. I also fully get that Jim would be to distracted by all that to remember his bet with Karen.
Also good on Jim for trying to out bid Packer. Tension or not it's really good to see that there's no way Jim would let that creep get anywhere near Pam.
Which of course does set up that cliffhanger nicely. Please update this quickly. It's a really great chapter and story and I can't wait to see where it goes.
Author's Response: Thank you! And it's so great when you tell me your favorite bits. I'm so encouraged, that I already posted ch. 3. :)
1 Oh Toby. You can just tell that he's trying to be more than friends with Pam. I'm sure she'll be nice, but let him down easy. Especially after that conversation with Jim. I'll get back to that in a minute.
The rest of the auction was fun to read. The different bids for everyone. Jim getting a triple date of out it. And here he is, a date with three girls all at the same time. Seemingly every man's dream, but of course his dream is much different.
Kinda figured Karen would have a break-up scene like that. When honesty strikes, it's like a dam bursting. Still it's over and done.
Then of course we have Jim and Pam's talk. Love the image of him giving her his coat. Very gentlemanly. After all this, it's great to see them talking so freely about everything. Lovely images there.
Can't wait to see how this all wraps up.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! Glad you continue to enjoy this. I've posted the conclusion; can't wait for you to check it out.
1 Wow, when Jim and Pam finally get together they just go for it. Not complaining in the slightest mind you. The scenes getting to and then back at Pam's place were great. Love to see them just fall for each other like that.
Jim's date was fun to watch. Kinda interesting that the college girl trio knew Ryan had a girlfriend and still showed up to bid on him anyway. What is the world coming to?
For Pam to show up to rescue him from the date was a stroke of genius. Especially the way she came over to the table like that. Lots of fun.
I'm actually kinda sad that Pam didn't go to dinner with Toby. If for no other reason to say thank you for making sure she didn't have to have that date with Packer. I also get why Toby backs off. It would feel a little awkward to be sure.
All in all this was a fun story. Great way to end things here with Pam and Jim just so in love with each other. Lovely way to end it.
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat
Author's Response: Thanks so much for the indepth review. I didn't mean to imply that the college girls knew Ryan had a girlfriend beforehand. They figured it out when Kelly outbid them and gave them dirty looks. As for Toby, I think it would have been more painful for the poor guy to get his hopes up. I imagine that Pam will do something kind for him in return someday. So glad you enjoyed this story. I always appreciate your feedback.
The darkest timeline post Company Picnic.
1 Thank you for sharing this. As much as we love fun, fluffy stories and happily ever after, life is quite often not as fair.
I'm sorry for your loss as well. I think it's a very brave thing to write this story as a way to help yourself go through everything. I'm not sure what the word is to say about how you described the grief Pam is going through here other than it just feels real.
My sister also went through a miscarriage similar to this one. I remember her grieving just as hard as you portray Pam here and I'm sure many other women.
A hard story yes, but written well.
Author's Response: Thanks Warrior. I so appreciate your review, and your kindness. It certainly hasn’t been my favorite lived experience, but writing it out and making it Pam’s shared experience actually helped some.
1 Interesting concept. Going from sweet to more rough and intense. I was going to say something about how I'm not sure using some of the terms they did for each other feels in character, but then you added the after-care portion where they made sure they were okay with everything. Good call there.
So yeah other than that equal parts sweet and sexy.
1 That's one great Christmas gift. Also makes think that at the end of night Dwight's still going to end up on the roof waiting for that helicopter.
Very descriptive throughout everything. You painted a very detailed picture which was a treat to read. That Pam is that forward and assertive is kind of refreshing to see.
Great way for them to finally get over (and under ;) ) themselves and finally be together.
Author's Response: Thank you so much :)
The Jam Fam gets a new game in their household.
A family-friendly one shot about the most popular game on the market, Animal Crossing
1 I know nothing of animal crossing other than the occasional screen grab I've seen mainly from you guys in chat. Just leading with that. However the scenes here were so descriptive I had no trouble imagining what was going on. Well done in that regard.
Silly, fun, funny, and then there at the end a valuable life lesson. Great story. Also kind of fun to throw in the phone call with Kelly. Nice job.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! The goal was to make it easy-ish for everyone to understand!
1 Very cute. Always kinda fun to see then get together quicker than canon. Also nice that Karen gets it. After all this is a lot earlier into her being around so it's probably easier to take.
Lovely imagery to see them talking and kissing in the car like that. Nicely done.
"But her heart broke that night, too. She lost her partner in crime, her best friend, and the man she loves because she was too scared to screw everything up. "
Jim finds Pam crying in the hallway instead of Dwight, he tries to figure out what's wrong but she doesn't want him to know that he's the problem.
1 Good call on the ending. Of course that's coming from an irredeemable JAM fan but still. The roller coaster of emotions Pam is going through is so very well written. You captured all her feelings from Casino Night up to this moment really well.
The image of her sitting at Jim's desk looking for any sign of the old Jim, her Jim if you will, hits one right in the feels.
Then their discussion, finally being honest with each other, and there it is. Buried under a mountain of distraction, her Jim. Literally and figuratively. He's still there, and though it took some pain and angst, it was her courage that brought the real Jim back to the surface.
Great story. I really liked this one. Them getting together feels earned after everything in here.
Sometimes Jim doesn't get Roy.
A version of Booze Cruise where Jim rocks the boat.
Wow, a little courage will go a long way there Jim. You've really got their emotions written out well here. The nervousness, the fear, the feeling that Jim and Pam know there's something between them but they can never really bring it out. However what I really like is how seemingly one small new set of words or actions can shift course just enough to where big changes start happening as the proverbial ship moves further down this new heading.
Jim finally letting himself be honest, finding the courage to not just let Pam completely drift back into herself, standing up for what he feels is right in his heart and damn the torpedoes. Just great.
Great way to see Pam there at the end. In a very short time frame she has two very clear points of comparison. Jim and a much less desperate declaration but still true and honest. Roy who is once again drunk, ignoring her, and again can't remember they're engaged.
Her moment of clarity of the blade severing her connection to Roy seemed to be well and truly earned. That she acts so decisively is great to see.
However there's still storm clouds on the horizon. How will Roy take this? How will Pam? Katy's still there. They're all still stuck on a boat. Really looking forward to seeing where we go with this.
Author's Response: Thanks Warrior! Indeed they are still all stuck on the boat - such fun. I think any declaration that Jim makes here would be a lot less desperate than a Casino Night declaration. That looming wedding date certainly increases the stakes somewhat, without that there’s a lot less timepressure. I think that makes for a somewhat less desperate Jim... I hope chapter 2 doesn’t disappoint, it should be up sometime in the not too distant future.
1 Very real feelings there at the start on the boat. Roy not getting her at first seems so very on point. Also I love that Roy is the one to misinterpret things this time around. Good job Pam on getting that line said to the right guy this time.
Jim and the cavalry arriving just in the nick of time was perfection. I mean I could hear the steel in his voice there. The kind of steel that regardless of who it was, who they were with, or what they were doing, Jim was going to come out on top. Loved that. And of course Roy gets thrown in the brig. *chef's kiss*
Then of course Jim goes right into the tender guy we know him to be with Pam. The guy she deserves. Kind of rough on Katy true, but as you wrote, it wouldn't be fair to anyone to continue that relationship.
Then of course Jim is showing his quality again. Nice reference by the way with the giant mechanical man. He's been patient this long, what's another month? Especially since even as he's waiting, he's quickly growing into her main guy.
So it's only natural when Pam makes her declaration there in the break room. It's still all sorts of sweet. Especially when she uses his line back at him. You can just see Jim really start to glow there as he takes in what she's saying. Just wonderful.
Lovely story as per usual.
Author's Response: Thanks Warrior! I realized that without Roy setting the date, the wedding wouldn’t really be on the forefront of his mind - I figured Pam’s line was ripe for misinterpretation. Jim strikes me as a mostly non confrontational kind of guy. (Snowball war with Dwight aside). But I can imagine Pam looking like she’s in trouble would take some of that softness away. Jim was pretty rough to Katy in canon so I figured might as well go with it... I only recently watched The Giant Mechanical Man and genuinely loved it. Such a sweet movie. I appreciate your wonderful review as always!
1 Very interesting set up here. Pam and Roy already on shaky ground seems telling. I liked that you gave us their actual argument. A lot of times it seems like an author will just mention that Pam and Roy fight but we don't actually get the dialogue. I like that here we do. I think it gives a lot more insight to them as characters. I also really like that Pam doesn't back down from Roy. Nice way to show she does have some steel in her spine.
Jim is just as love-lorn as ever. Great internal thoughts for him. His need to be with her yet he feels he has to tread so carefully so as not to rock the boat. You pulled that off really well I think.
Really looking forward to seeing where this goes.
Author's Response: Thanks so much for all the wonderful thoughts on my story.
1 Another good set up chapter. Interesting there with the fight between Pam and Roy. They both do have legitimate points. Roy's a jerk for bringing Katy back up like that. However I felt he also had a point if Pam is constantly gushing about Jim to her Mom. That made the fight feel very real.
Oh Jim. There you go being as hopelessly in love with Pam as ever. Great way to get into his mindset.
Really looking forward to getting into the meat of this story.
Author's Response: Thanks for all the kind words. I also can’t wait to get into the main part of the story. Just wanted to show that not all is well in Pam-Roy Land.
She’s trying to be honest, isn’t she? So, in all honesty, she wants him to fail the interview.1 Very good internal thoughts for Pam here. I like seeing what her thoughts are leading up to leaving the lid and the note. Though correct me if I'm wrong, she hasn't actually left the note in Jim's folder yet. Something to look forward to since this is not marked as complete as of yet.
Welcome back. It's great to see you again.
Author's Response: Thanks very much W4! It's great to see you too.
Nope, she hasn't left the not, nor the lid, but she has to make a move, right?
1 Now there's an interesting twist on things. It felt like a day of pretending things are alright when she knows they're not. Then her realization there after she wakes up was really good to see. So now we have Pam rushing off to who knows where. I'm kinda hoping it's to New York. Can't wait for the next update.
Author's Response: Thanks an interesting way to put it. It feels as if during most of season 3 Pam is pretending things are alright, especially in this episode. Well... she's on her way. And the story is almost completely written :)
Thanks so much for reviewing!