Penname: JennaBennett Real name:
Member Since: December 09, 2018

Bio:

Super late to this party... 

I’ve loved The Office for a few years now & have dabbled in fic for other fandoms. Deep in another rewatch, I thought there’s got to be some amazing fic out there for arguably one of the greatest shows of all time & here I am - potentially attempting to devour the MTT archive in its entirety?

 If I manage to stop reading for long enough, I may attempt to add a few ideas of my own. Time will tell.

Edit May 19: Understandably, I've fallen head over heels with this archive and all that it offers. I've started a Fic Rec Friday thread on Twitter, where I enthuse about the many stories that have brought me joy. So, I'm just putting it out there if you'd like to stop by and have a look. I'm also super open if you have any suggestions that you think should be added/are must reads... 

My The Office dedicated Twitter: @chilibabies

You can also find me: @standardcatlady  

Author of the Month July 2020


[Report This]
Reviews by JennaBennett
How Not To by agian18 Rated: M [Reviews - 112] 99
Summary:

Meeting in an unusual place in life, a broken Jim and Pam try their best to put the pieces of their lives back together while not falling apart and back down the hole that they're trying to help one another out of.

Based on the song "How Not To" by Dan + Shay, because do I *ever* write something that *isn't* based on a song? 


Categories: Alternate Universe, Jim and Pam
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Angst, Drunk Pam/Jim
Warnings: Adult language, Drug Use/Abuse, Other Adult Theme, Possible Triggers, Violence/Injury
Series: None
Chapters: 15 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 69192 Read Count: 12654 ePub Downloads: 15
[Report This] Published: June 27, 2019 Updated: November 20, 2020
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed
Date: March 27, 2020 Title: Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Wow with the Angela storyline happening here. It’s nice to see the judgey Angela that feels so in character, but then to have that redemptive sort of moment where she leans into an apology of sorts... Damn. And to have Pam reflect on it at the end. Extra damn. What a mantra for her to have going forwards.
Side note: I’m going to need you to mail me one of these Jim Dandy/Friendly’s things that you speak of...

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed
Date: March 16, 2020 Title: Chapter 10: Chapter 10

“Sir is my stepdad” - when I say I laughed, oh my god, I laughed. The whole Michael interview was a pure delight. Just brilliant. I feel like this is exactly how an interview between Michael and just about anyone would go down.
Nice to have the reference to canon with Cugino’s & the first interaction with Dwight.
Who would have thought the silver lining to a global pandemic would be a long anticipated fic update...

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: July 09, 2019 Title: Chapter 6: Chapter 6

My heart. My heart. My heart. Oh bless Michael. So well intentioned above all else. I love his inclusion in this story. It’s nice to see Pam opening up to Jim (despite the worst of circumstances). I hope that she doesn’t push him away later because she’s feeling too vulnerable.
Not to be too over the top, but this story has literally been haunting my dreams so there’s that...

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: July 08, 2019 Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5

The graphics worked for me & they worked for me, like it was a really fun additional layer having them in there - I thought I wouldn’t really like it, but I did! It took the story to a whole new place of clever creativity.
I’m very interested about this Karen inclusion! I always like seeing her as a friend (to either Pam or Jim). I feel like there’s so much potential for that. I hope Pam is kind of off base in her fears. Although, I’m really wondering if we’re going to get a merger with Karen based on that set up!
It’s so nice to see Pam and Jim building their friendship in that Pam and Jim way...
Also, we’re starting to dig deeper into Jim’s background which I am very excited about! Can’t wait to see where you take this next.

Author's Response:

I'm so glad that they worked, yay!

I struggled with how I wanted to include Karen, but I'm really excited for her part coming up here, and I hope you will all enjoy her, too. 

Yes, the backgrounds are coming together soon! I'm a little nervous about it, but hopefully the buildup will pay off! 

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: July 04, 2019 Title: Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Pamcasso - my heart... I like this tentative kind of friendship that you’re building. All these little glimpses into what may have happened for Jim are certainly piquing my interest! I say this every time, but I can’t wait to find out his back story in this! I have to ask, because I love Dan + Shay in that very casual fan who gets into their music when it randomly plays on Spotify way, if I listen to/watch the music video for the song will there be spoilers for this story? Am I better off saving it for after?

Author's Response:

Ahh, Pamcasso. Yes, I honestly live on tiny glimpses. Love a good buildup! 

So, the thing about the music video is that it will basically give away the ending. The entire "back story" though is all my own craft, so that will be up to you to decide! But, either way, great song, and great music video. 

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: July 02, 2019 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3

I love how you’ve brought Larisa’s point of view into this too. I’m dying to know Jim’s story, & the trauma that’s led to this...
Pam’s connection with Meredith is kind of lovely to see - given the circumstances. It’s probably not the healthiest connection, but it makes a lot of sense.

Author's Response:

Thank you! I’m trying my best to incorporate characters from the show in this twisted little world, and I’m glad that it’s resonating :)

Oh, trust me, we’ll get to Jim’s story, and Pam’s, too ;) 

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: June 28, 2019 Title: Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Boy, oh boy, I feel like this fic is going to break me... but hopefully, ultimately, in a good way! You’ve definitely got me interested in this first couple of chapters. I’m dying to know more about what you’ve hinted at Pam’s history and whatever has gone on for Jim to have them both in a super dark place.
Looking forward to seeing where you go from here!

Author's Response:

My goal for every fic is to break my readers, so I’m glad that it’s working ;)

Thanks so much for reading! 

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed
Date: July 28, 2019 Title: Chapter 7: Chapter 7

I loved that we got Karen’s perspective in this chapter too. I also love that you’re not setting her up as a love interested in any way. Definitely a few more hints at Jim’s history too - enough to leave us intrigued. I’m enjoying this story so much!

A Yoghurt Lid by impreciseotto Rated: K [Reviews - 8] 22
Summary:

“Are you free for dinner tonight?”

“Yes.” Her reply is immediate, eager, completely certain. He sees her, truly sees her, sees her eyes taking him in and her hands clenched in her lap and her hair the same way it has been every day that he has known her.

“Then it’s a date.” It is the most important thing in the world that he clarifies this last piece of information, that she knows what she is getting into. He is almost prepared to hear her recant, to take back her single syllable and tuck it away for someone else. But she doesn’t. 

Dear friends, may I present a short collection of events taking place during and after the events depicted in ‘The Job’ (S3) detailing Jim’s break-up with Karen and his first date with Pam. Get excited for some angsty monologuing from Jim, some indignant Karen and some super fluffy adorable first-date non-canon content.


Categories: Jim and Pam, Present, Episode Related
Characters: None
Genres: Drama, Romance
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: None
Chapters: 4 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 7313 Read Count: 6005 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: June 28, 2019 Updated: June 28, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: June 28, 2019 Title: Chapter 4: The Date

I am always here for a first date story & this was no exception! I liked how your breakup between Karen and Jim played out. I do wonder if the nonexistent canon version would have them talking about Pam as it happened or if it was the elephant in the room.,.
Their date was lovely and felt very them. This was a great read!

An Exercise in Courage and Honesty by NobleLandMermaid Rated: T [Reviews - 17] 26
Summary: Past Featured Story

A look at Pam’s Season 3 journey through the eyes of her art instructor.

“Marla always started off the term asking students to fill out a survey about themselves... There wasn’t much on Pam’s paper; a few neatly written words that she worked as a receptionist, hadn’t taken art classes since high school, and liked watercolors best.”

Safe and Sound Cover


Categories: Jim and Pam, Present
Characters: Jim, Jim/Pam, Other, Pam
Genres: Angst, Romance, Workdays
Warnings: Other Adult Theme
Series: None
Chapters: 3 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 4287 Read Count: 5156 ePub Downloads: 5
[Report This] Published: July 14, 2019 Updated: July 14, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: July 15, 2019 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3

This was just lovely! Marla was a delight. I find sometimes it’s a balance to add an original character & have them add something of value to the story, but I feel like you did this wonderfully. My heart always hurts for Pam during this period & this definitely brought the emotion. It was great to have the jump forward in the finale chapter & see a happier version of Pam. The visual of the image/artwork added another layer to the story also.
Congrats on AOTM!

Author's Response: Yes a lot of things about an OC is a balancing act but I’m glad to hear Marla works as an OC and as the narrator. This is a tough Pam time but it’s also so important and the show never delved into Pam’s art enough for my tastes so it was fun to explore that. And yes, getting to write a happier Pam was like a little reward 😊 thank you for your comment!

Second place is just the first loser by Duchess Cupcake Rated: T [Reviews - 10] 20
Summary: Past Featured StoryShe might be in second place, but Karen Filippelli is no loser. 
Categories: Episode Related
Characters: Karen
Genres: Angst
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1819 Read Count: 1255 ePub Downloads: 3
[Report This] Published: July 28, 2019 Updated: July 28, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: July 29, 2019 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

My heart! Oh Karen. I felt for her so deeply in this. I think we can all relate to that feeling of second place... That said, I have trouble sympathizing for Karen in canon at this point - in some ways, in others I completely understand her hanging onto the Jim thing for all its worth. But, I do think she was a little deliberately cruel at some points in canon. In this lovely fic though, my heart breaks for her and I wish her only good things...

Author's Response: Oh, thanks, JB! I really like that canon Karen (like Jim and Pam) has some pretty obvious flaws and, in my opinion, some redeeming qualities. But, yeah, if I were her friend I'd be dragging her out for a drink and a "He's just not that into you..." speech. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review. 

A Beautiful Day by warrior4 Rated: K [Reviews - 4] 6
Summary: The Halpert home gets a visit from an old neighbor.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Future
Characters: Cece Halpert, Jim/Pam, Phillip Halpert
Genres: Childhood, Kids/Family
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: Jamie and Morgan
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1726 Read Count: 1671 ePub Downloads: 1
[Report This] Published: August 13, 2019 Updated: August 13, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: August 13, 2019 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This was both lovely and heartbreaking... Mostly in that these conversations need to be had with children at all. You took a very real issue and applied it to our fictional faves in an authentic way. I feel for Pam, not knowing how to respond and wanting to shield her kids from the harsh realities of the world. I loved Jim coming home and supporting her in all the best ways.
This was great, but at the same time leaves me so damn grateful I don’t live in the US and have this as an ever present reality... I feel so deeply for parents that really need to have these conversations with their little ones...

Author's Response: Please don't believe to much in what the news and media present. For all the hype, mass shootings like the ones that make the news are actually rare when one really looks at the statistics. Thing is they're very dramatic and in the instantaneous news society we have now, such events get widespread coverage. But that's a different discussion.

Thank you for your comments. Yes it's hard to have those conversations, but it's also important. Not just about tragedies on the news, but anything that can spark deep feelings, good or bad. Especially important to talk to children. That's what Mr. Rogers was great about. Talking to children about their feelings and letting them, and by extension all of us, know that our feelings are real and they're important.

Begin Again by SprinklesTheCat Rated: K [Reviews - 8] 11
Summary:

A brief snapshot of Pam and Jim's first date after "The Job", completely based on the lyrics of the Taylor Swift song "Begin Again".


Categories: Jim and Pam
Characters: Jim/Pam
Genres: Fluff, Oneshot, Romance
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 2917 Read Count: 1945 ePub Downloads: 2
[Report This] Published: August 18, 2019 Updated: August 18, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: August 19, 2019 Title: Chapter 1: Begin Again

I’m always onboard for a first date story & this delivered the goods! I liked that it didn’t get too bogged down in their history/all the hurt they caused each other in S2/S3. The song really does work for them and you linked it up so well. This was a lot of fun!

Author's Response: Thank you! It was fun to figure out how to match the lyrics and the story. I'm glad you liked it.

Say Something (I'm Not Giving Up On You) by agian18 Rated: M [Reviews - 5] 12
Summary:

Inspired by the deleted scene from Dwight Christmas. What happened that night when Jim decided to take the 5 AM bus instead?


Categories: Jim and Pam, Episode Related
Characters: None
Genres: Holiday, Inner Monologue, Kids/Family, Married, Oneshot
Warnings: Mild sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 4388 Read Count: 1569 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: August 24, 2019 Updated: August 24, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: August 26, 2019 Title: Chapter 1: Say Something ('m Not Giving Up On You)

First of all, anytime of year is a good time of year for a Christmas-esque story! This felt very in tune with Season 9 for me (& by that I mean it left me a little sad). I wish Jim had the confidence (for want of a better term) to have these difficult conversations with Pam at the time. It may have resulted in a slightly less angsty time for the pair of them. This fit perfectly in that he left everything that really needed to be said unsaid... Playing it out in his mind doesn’t really get him/them anywhere.
This was lovely in that aching, reality sort of way. I don’t typically go for Season 9 stories, but I’m glad I read this one.

We Are Special by umadashibayashi Rated: K+ [Reviews - 5] 8
Summary: Before Dwight could consider the implications of Jim having telekinetic abilities, no matter how minor, how crude, all that raced around in Dwight’s head was pure fear.
That’s why he initially missed Pam’s wink.
Categories: Other, Episode Related
Characters: Dwight
Genres: Humor
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1501 Read Count: 864 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: August 28, 2019 Updated: August 28, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: August 28, 2019 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

I love Pam & Dwight’s friendship throughout the series. This is so, so fun! I love it as a backstory to all the lovely moments where Dwight has Pam’s back in canon.

Through the Door by Awimoweh Rated: K [Reviews - 4] 6
Summary: AU on June 10.
Categories: Jim and Pam, Alternate Universe
Characters: Jim
Genres: Fluff
Warnings: No Warnings Apply
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 1867 Read Count: 1087 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: August 30, 2019 Updated: August 30, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: August 30, 2019 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This was really, really sweet! I love a good take on June 10th & this hit the spot. I was a little confused as to whether casino night had happened in this universe, but it didn’t really matter either way. It was nice to see Pam have a little more confidence earlier on & actually communicate with Jim how she was feeling. That’s the beauty of fic - thanks for sharing!

Trapped in the art room by ScrantonSantiago Rated: T [Reviews - 8] 8
Summary: Pam is sent to go get a new piece of paper for the Dunder Mifflin booth during "Job Fair". She finds herself alone in her old high school art room when what sounds like gun shots being fired ring out through the hallways. 
Categories: Jim and Pam, Episode Related, Alternate Universe
Characters: None
Genres: Drama, Suspense
Warnings: Mild sexual content, Violence/Injury
Series: None
Chapters: 1 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 633 Read Count: 1446 ePub Downloads: 0
[Report This] Published: September 02, 2019 Updated: September 02, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: September 02, 2019 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This is an interesting premise/start. Looking forward to seeing where you take it next! Although, that episode of One Tree Hill destroys me, so I’m a little worried...

Kind of Reckless by Coley Rated: MA [Reviews - 32] 47
Summary:

It's the kind of reckless that should send them running, but they know they won't get far.

She's known him most of her life, but this summer Pam sees Jim in a completely different way.


Categories: Jim and Pam, Alternate Universe
Characters: Ensemble, Jim/Pam
Genres: Drama, Fluff, Romance, Steamy, Wet Pam/Jim
Warnings: Adult language, Explicit sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 3 Table of Contents
Completed: No Word count: 22738 Read Count: 9089 ePub Downloads: 8
[Report This] Published: September 04, 2019 Updated: May 24, 2020
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: September 04, 2019 Title: Chapter 1: You're dodging the moon and I'm playing it safe

Coley! Nostalgia is my love language! I am so here for this story! I definitely don’t know what an apple pucker is, but going back to your hometown & finding that dorky boy down the street is now gorgeous & you want to do things to him - that I understand...
I loved all the repurposing of all the other characters, especially Kelly. You always write such lovely Pam/Kelly friendships.
I’m so, so excited to see where you take this.

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: October 16, 2019 Title: Chapter 2: You can kiss me in the moonlight

What’s that? A teal teapot mention in an AU? How delightfully unexpected and perfect.
Calling Pam out on her late night/homecoming and I officially love Celia - the MVP of this fic. Also, her snide/accurate comments about the Anderson boys are life.
This is so, so great. Oh to be young & with crush. I love Pam pretending she’s just getting ready for later & not priming herself to see Jim. The chemistry with these two is so damn tangible.
I too was disappointed that Jim didn’t just kiss her then & there in the middle of the farm...
A “that’s what she said” and perfectly executed. What a thing of beauty.
I would also like to join the “never liked Tom” fan group. His timing is terrible.
I don’t know, watching Empire Records with your girlfriends is pretty hard to top in terms of a good Friday night. Jim better pull out the big guns.
Oh cool, cool. Cool, cool, cool. “It’s a date.” That’s fine. I’m fine.
I giggled a little at Cynthia and Teri - not going to lie, despite the moment interrupting going on.
Well, that was all far too adorable for words. I love me a smitten Jim and I feel like that’s very much where we’re headed.
I’m a little worried about Celia’s fate in this story. All these little mentions of tiredness, etc. are not boring well as far as I’m concerned...
Awesome. There’s a “hi” “hey” interaction now too. I’m feeling all the feelings.
I love this story. I love this story a whole lot. If you wanted to update sooner rather than later I’d totally be okay with that...

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: May 25, 2020 Title: Chapter 3: One restless summer we found love growing wild

Coley. Coley. COLEY.
“And, it’s kind of perfect.” Yes, everything about you updating this story is kind of perfect.

Okay, I love this mostly confident version of Pam. She’s adorable, all gesturing at Jim to undress. I’m here to second that request.

“Hey, you’re the one who’s going to have to explain to our parents why we have to dance to this at our wedding.” PLEASE. Is this the sequel?! Please tell me this is the entire plot of the sequel...

Jim is stealing soup and all I can picture is Rory Gilmore and the damn cornstarch. I kind of hope that was the inspiration of shoplifting something so miscellaneous.

I’m sorry, what’s this about Jim’s French teacher, Mrs. Levinson-Gould?! Talk about a plot twist.

“Tonight’s my favorite, too.” I am a puddle of mush. Oh to be young and completely smitten.

“in the corner of the hay loft” Hi, yes. I needed this reminder that this is FARMER JIM and not regular, tractor-less Jim. My heart.

“Celia pulls a piece of straw from Pam’s hair and raises her eyebrow at both of them.” Celia, cementing her status as MVP of this fic and possibly any fic.

Queen. Cougar. Oh. My. God. “If I’m going to write her a thank you note, I need to know what I’m thanking her for.” This fic is a gift. An actual gift. This is hilarious.

I actually can’t deal with these cute, soft little head kisses. Like, this fic is just bubbling with sexual tension, but this may just be the thing that does me in.

A joke at the expense of Kevin’s maths abilities? Perfect canon insert is perfect.

Umm. No. No thank you. I don’t like the turn this is taking. Don’t hurt Celia... My heart can’t take it...
“She really is fine.” She better be, I swear to god...

Honestly. I’m not even mad about waiting seven months for this. It was that good. I will relentlessly pressure you to update forevermore though. That’s not changing.

Author's Response: Oh Jenna. I love this review a whole lot. All of the parts you called out were my favorite parts to write and I 100% got the soup idea from Gilmore Girls and I was really hoping someone would somehow put that together. ;)  Celia's fine... I promise that Celia is fine. 

Gorgeous by SprinklesTheCat Rated: M [Reviews - 23] 41
Summary:

This story started out being a one-shot inspired by the Taylor Swift song Gorgeous, but then it became so much more. Thanks to Coley for reading and giving feedback. 

Pam and Jim meet right before Jim starts at Dunder-Mifflin. Pam develops a crush on Jim and has to figure out what to do about it. 

 


Categories: Jim and Pam
Characters: Dwight, Jim, Jim/Katy, Jim/Pam, Katy, Kelly, Larissa Halpert, Pam, Pam/Roy, Ryan/Kelly
Genres: Drunk Pam/Jim, Romance, Steamy
Warnings: Mild sexual content
Series: None
Chapters: 5 Table of Contents
Completed: Yes Word count: 16908 Read Count: 5873 ePub Downloads: 10
[Report This] Published: September 16, 2019 Updated: October 10, 2019
Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: September 19, 2019 Title: Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Oh my goodness - that line about the manager having the hots for Ryan... Too real, too funny. I just keep picturing early S3, “but that’s nothing compared to the way Michael has been looking at me” when Ryan takes Jim’s desk.
Jim’s assessment of Ryan feels fairly accurate. It’s nice to know he’s still fairly true to character in this universe. I’m looking forward to seeing Jim fall for Pam in this world too!

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: October 11, 2019 Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5

What a lovely end to this story! Although, I’m a little sad to see it end... It’s so nice to have a version where they work their way towards each other so much earlier & without all the angst. Kelly was definitely the MVP of this story. Her matchmaker skills clearly paid off.

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: October 06, 2019 Title: Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Perceptive Larissa is the best version of Larissa. It was sweet to see Jim consider how he felt about Pam a little deeper due to his sister’s prying. Kelly can always be counted on to help spread information around the office. It’s nice to know Jim can identify his jealousy. Looking forward to the next chapter and seeing how these crazy kids resolve things!

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: September 17, 2019 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

A Pam who has an awareness that she’s attracted to Jim is a Pam I can get behind! It’ll be interesting to see how aware of it Jim is...
The end with Roy felt fairly organic - I can picture that, & him breaking down with Pam in that way. It’s always nice to have Roy out of the way fairly quickly. Fingers crossed he stays out of the way.
Looking forward to seeing where you go with this!

Author's Response: Thanks JB! 

Reviewer: JennaBennett Signed 1
Date: September 30, 2019 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3

This is so sweet. Of course Pam doesn’t recognize what a crush feels like after all her monotony with Roy... It’s really fun to see this swap - Pam instantly smitten & Jim a little oblivious. I always appreciate a good take on Pam’s friendship with Kelly too.