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
What if Jim hadn't left Pam after Casino Night?
1 So much of Season 3 is about Pam building some boldness and courage. This version you’re setting up here is Jim finding that boldness and courage instead and I am here for it. It’s always great to see a version of Casino Night that doesn’t end in Stamford. I can’t really see Jim being this bold this quickly in canon. Same with being able to overlook his hurt and I guess anger as to how the situation went down. But, I have to say this is a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to seeing where you go with it!
Author's Response: Yes, this story is definitely about Jim's courage, and not giving up, of fighting for her--and that's why this is AU. Anyway, thanks for reviewing. I hope you enjoy the rest.
1 This was so damn sweet! And filled with just perfect one liners, i.e. jinx. I loved it!
Author's Response: I appreciate your review so much! Hope I continue to entertain.
1 Please continue! This contains two of my favorite things - Jane Austen and JAM! You’ve set it up really well here. Your writing is lovely, particularly for a second language. I would never have guessed you weren’t a native speaker without you mentioning it in the end note.
I’m very excited to see where you go with this. I’d be happy to help out with beta-ing if you can’t find anyone. Although, I’m not American so there may be things I miss in terms of spelling, terminology, etc. I can’t imagine that would be the biggest issue for this particular story, given the context of the time period... I don’t have a great deal of experience beta-ing (but, I was an English teacher earlier in my career).
Persuasion is one of my favorite novels. As previously mentioned (but, well worth saying again) I’m so very excited to see where you go with this.
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review! I would love and appreciate your help.
By the way, 'Persuasion' is also my favorite Austen's novel :)
1 I love so much about this chapter. You replicate the language and style of Jane Austen so well. It’s a delicate balance to fit the characters from The Office into the period, but you do it wonderfully. Pam is still Pam, a fierce sense of humor mixed with general politeness. I love her relationship with Michael, she accepts that he is her boss, but is able to gently nudge him in the right direction (much like the show).
It’s exciting to have Jim introduced - I can’t wait to see where you go with him.
Author's Response: Thank you so much - and I'm working on it :)
1 I love the introduction & repurposing of a few other members of The Office here. Dwight is so very Dwight, even in this world. It’s fun to see the dislike he takes to Jim, as well as how easily Jim takes it all in stride. His mischievous suggestion as to whether he can influence content of sermons to come hints in the beginning of pranking - something you wouldn’t think fits in this universe, but you’ve set it up so it works seamlessly.
A really lovely update.
1 I absolutely love the way you’ve brought Jim and Pam into working together. And to have Jim orchestrate it all by making Michael think that he needs it? Brilliant.
It’s so fun to see Michael in this time. He fits the genre so wonderfully. He has enough money/social standing to be seen as somewhat important in society, but he’s so delightfully improper, etc. and himself. It’s great!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your review (and even more for your help)!
I kinda like this Michael. He's fond of my faves and mostly harmless. It might be OOC, but I'll keep this line :)
1 I loved this chapter so, so much. The way you seamlessly wove moments from canon into it in a way that both keep the heart of the original, but also fit with the period was wonderful. The Dundies without them being the Dundies was so great. Of course Michael would manage to accidentally insult everyone by meaning to compliment them. Typical Michael.
All the Pam and Jim moments were just lovely. The way they bounce off each other feels so natural. All the references to Pam’s dorky dancing were a lot of fun.
Bring on the dancing!
Author's Response: Thank you very much for your review! I appreciate every bit of it, and I'm very glad you like the story :)
“but all this time I spent thinking of you and you alone,” has the strongest Mr Darcy vibes & I can’t even begin to tell you how delighted I was to read it!
This story is so, so wonderful. My Jane Austen & JAM loving heart is full. I’ve said this before, but your Michael is such a great fit for both the period and in terms of character. Those last few lines of his dialogue - amazing and utterly heart wrenching...
Author's Response:
Thank you so much!
I like to write to Michael. It's a challenge - how many grieve and happiness he could cause unintentionally to his surroundings.
By the way, I've always considered Jim as Mr. Tilney (with a vast amount of Captain Wentworth) and never as Mr. Darcy :)
This is Persuasion all over! Thanks for sparing us the full eight years of separation.
You’re right (about my last review) - Jim is not really a Mr Darcy at all, he’s far too affable and personable. Mr Darcy was definitely not a people person. That said, I still stand by from that line from the last chapter sounding so much like his conversation with Elizabeth when they finally communicated. Jim as Captain Wentworth is far more fitting.
I’m very worried about your endnote because I’m assuming that one of them is Karen... There’s angst to come... But it’s going to be so great...
Author's Response:
Thank you for your review!
Yeah, Mr.Darcy's confession is one of the most passionate things in the whole Austen's bibliography. I'm glad I was able to recreate the hint of it here...
Karen will appear, for sure, but some things just have to happen. But, and I can promise, I won't let them all suffer for a long time ;)
You know I love this story, but it’s worth repeating that I really love this story. This chapter was utterly heartbreaking.
You blend Austen and The Office worlds so well. I could never have imagined Michael taking on Jan’s financial issues in this world, but you made it work so seamlessly.
I wasn’t expecting Holly’s appearance in this. It’s nice to see her as kind of a friend for Pam. I’m curious to see how her storyline plays out - especially if she ends up with Michael...
I can’t wait to see what you write next!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! Your reviews are the best encouraging to write more :)
I like the idea of Pam having female friends (and friend aside Jim in general) and I quite like Holly, so... Miss Flax appeared. I guess, she's both Lady Russell and Mrs.Smith to Pam - Anne Elliot. Hope it was fit well :)
I keep expecting not to be all that surprised by this story - after all, it’s loosely following the plot of two others that I’m familiar with (The Office & Persuasion) and then you do something like fit the Dwight finding Pam crying scene seamlessly into the story & it makes me gasp. It’s just so perfect & unexpected (even though I think I know what to expect). I love that you keep surprising me with this.
Toby, was also a little shock, followed immediately by the thought of well, that makes sense. Although, is he Benwick or Elliot? You’ll have to write the next chapter quickly so I can find out!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much! I hope I'll keep to surprise you :)
I wish I could write as quickly as I want, but... oh well. So... when you find out who Toby turned to be, I hope you won't be disappointed!
You’ve captured the Michael and Toby dynamic so well. Seriously. Michael is just so perfect for this time period. Enough money/status to be seen as relatively important, but not enough sense that he’s constantly committing social slights. It’s perfect. This chapter just further adds to that, especially in his manner towards Toby.
The little flicker of interaction between Pam and Jim was wonderful - in a heart aching sort of way - too. Hopefully he won’t become too cruel in his pranks on Dwight. I love that Karen just doesn’t get it... That’s telling enough.
Bring on the next chapter, I feel like it’s going to be all kinds of awkward for poor Pam!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
The next chapter is half-written, so it will be soon :)
This is so perfectly Austen! There’s nothing hugely dramatic happening and yet SO MUCH is happening. It’s exactly the way Austen was, it’s all about the little glances and interactions between characters. I just watched the newest version of “Emma,” and I’m very deep in my Austen feels right now!
I felt for Pam here, being put into such an awkward position, she handled it so well considering. And Jim at the end - maybe, just maybe his heart hasn’t hardened towards her as much as she thinks...
Another really wonderful chapter!
Author's Response:
Thank you so much, Jenna! I like this subtle way of communication between Austen's characters too; hell, every time I remember how Darcy looked at Elizabeth I... oh, it's just me or it became hotter in the room?..
I know I could never be like Miss Jane, but I'm so happy that you like this story!
My favorite thing about this chapter is without a doubt Jim’s prank backfiring and Dwight getting published! And then using his small fortune to marry Angela. It’s hilarious. I wonder how Jim feels about accidentally being responsible for Dwight’s success...
It was also great to have Ryan’s motivations revealed - so he’s our Mr Elliot in this world. That makes a lot of sense. Although, I’m glad he isn’t making moves on Pam.
Pam’s snap was perfect. Very Anne Elliot, but without copying the original too exactly. Just the right amount of things being said to really get Jim thinking...
I’m looking forward to your next update!
Author's Response:
Thank you for your lovely review!
I think, Jim is jealous. Mostly, because Dwight is going to marry the love of his life, and Jim... well, isn't. Yet ;)
I'm glad you like the story!
Dernhelm, I say this every time & I mean it - this is so, so great! So much happens in this chapter, between Ryan and Jan, and then making it clear that Toby likes Pam, and then Holly’s conversation with Pam! I hope Jim heard and understood all of it! I’m so glad you had her clearly say that it wasn’t Roy that she loved, or Toby, hopefully that will makes things a lot clearer for Jim.
I love this so much. I feel like we’re getting so close to Pam and Jim finally understanding one another!
Author's Response:
Thank you, Jenna, your support means so much to me! And I'm happy that things I planned worked out well!
The things are going to the end, and I hope it won't be disappointing ;)
This is the best! There’s nothing like a last ditch confession of love in a letter to truly keep with the Austen source material. Just perfect.
I’m so excited we get an epilogue and some extra joy, after all this pining for so long.
Author's Response:
Thank you very much, Jenna! I'm glad that this journey finishes on a happy note. Perhaps, I'm addicted now to fluffy happy endings :)
Dernhelm, this story, like all your writing, is wonderful! I felt so lucky that I got to be the first to read it.
You blended Jane Austen and The Office seamlessly throughout this story. This epilogue was also a perfect nod to Austen - I loved Jim’s parents and their response to Pam’s lack of fortune. So very typical. The line about having other more ambitious children was perfect.
It was also wonderful how Ryan’s plan backfired and Michael found happiness with Holly.
I’m so sad to have this story end, but you wrapped it up so well!
Thank you for writing this! I wish I still had jellybeans to give!
A very fitting end to this lovely tale. Pam’s final present to Jim was beautiful. This entire story was just pure sweetness.
Merry Christmas, Warrior! Wishing you & yours all the best this holiday season.
Author's Response: I'm glad you liked it. I was kind of stuck about what Pam would give Jim, then thought of all the ways I've seen JAM go AU and her gift here was the result. Thank you for all the wonderful feedback you've provided through this story. Merry Christmas.
Ah yes, a wonderful use of the give Michael a present he likes as to prevent a Yankee Swap disaster... That seems about right... A nice glimpse into what the office party could look like - probably running a fair bit smoother than any of the years we see in canon...
Author's Response: Michael's energy is like that sometimes. If you can direct it in a safe manner you stand a better chance of it not blowing things up. I figured the office deserved at least one normal Christmas party considering everything else they've all had to endure over the years. Thanks as always.
1 Well now, that’s some imagery I was not expecting in a Christmas fic! Mose is such a joy. Loved the reuse of the jinx. I don’t know it I’ve mentioned this already, but it’s great to see you exploring this rather underutilized/unseen Christmas.
Author's Response: Thanks Jenna. There are really only a few instances in the canon time frame where we don't really know what happens other than during the breaks between the seasons. The big break in S4 is the biggest one where we don't know what happens so it's a lot of fun to explore especially as it was during the Jim and Pam are dating phase rather than engaged or married phase. Thanks for your great review as always.
This was the epitome of the Mondayist Monday to ever Monday... Five teal teapots is the perfect gold rings for Pam & Jim!
Author's Response: Kinda what I figured too. Thus needing the power of Teal Teapots of Love to slay such a fiendish beast. Glad you liked it.
Very literal take on the geese there - thanks to Dwight’s antics... The prank was a classic (with a twist). Very fun to see.
Author's Response: Thanks. It was a lot of fun to bring this one together.
1 There’s never too many Christmas fics in the world! I’m excited to see where you go with this. It’s totally in Jim’s wheelhouse to do something sentimental and lovely for Christmas. I’m interested to see which other images make it into Jim’s Christmas collection/12 days.
Author's Response: Thanks Jenna. The rest of the list should be a lot of fun to explore. Glad to have you hear for this one.
1 I’m slow to review at the moment! Their weekend together has been pure delight. I cracked up a little at “four calling phones.” Very in keeping with the original. Although, I definitely think pointless meetings could have been utilized for a far higher number knowing Dunder Mifflin - 10, 11? 400? 😉 As to the Home Alone inspired pranks, maybe so. They’re elaborate enough. Although, I don’t think Jim ever sets out to cause Dwight any sort of bodily harm...
Author's Response: Not ALL of the Home Alone traps cause harm. There was one where one of the bandits got covered in feathers for example. I'll have to think about it. The nice thing about the meetings being lower on the list is that the pictures on the card are bigger since there's less of them. Trust me when we get to the higher numbers that'll be a good thing. Thanks as always for your review. I'm glad you're enjoying this so much.
What if...Jim never got Pam's note? Jim accepted the corporate job? Married Karen? Pam quit? Married Roy? What if...both are divorced and run into each other again? AU.
1 Isabel is all of us. Yes to her enthusiasm and thoughts that it’s anything but casual.
Honestly, her willingness to drop everything and shop for a dress is so great. Way to hype Pam up. I’m glad she’s got her into something a little out of her comfort zone - that will definitely make an impression!
I’m glad Pam tells Isabel about the kid thing! I still feel like that’s going to be super awkward when she finally breaks the news to Jim. The more time that passes, the weirder it becomes that she doesn’t say anything.
I’m looking forward to their date!
Author's Response:
I agree with literally everything you said. You hit it on the nose: Isabel is such a hype-girl for Pam (and Jam too ;P). Of course she's gonna try to get Pam out of her comfort zone!
And yes, it could be super awkward, but who knows?
Thanks for your kind words!