Married mom of 2 almost grown and flown kids who began watching The Office when her own teenager put it on. And began writing soon after.
In different places and different times, Pam meets Jim, and these meetings change both their lives.
1 What a lovely chapter and special gift.
The banter between them seems so accurate and adorable but the magic of the experience he gave her was what made this part of the story so interesting and entertaining. I like the description of the dress of the times. Heavy into outlander right now and that's what I thought of as she dressed especially with the mention of the butt cushion.
Author's Response: Thank you for your lovely review! And about the dress — I imagined Pam wearing something like this one (only green in color!): https://64.media.tumblr.com/8878c8eafd6457527277272714f0ea51/9229e06775ab3797-a4/s2048x3072/4e0b13ecb42be009a53986cd3dc25b2ddf355d8b.png
1 Welcome back! I am so sorry for all you have been going through. I was very excited to see you did find your voice through all of this and you gave yourself the present of posting on your birthday. Hope you were able to celebrate in some other ways.
On to the story. So what a surprise this opened to but I really liked it. I wasn't expecting the Dunder Mifflin milieu in this one but I enjoyed how you brought it in. You really did well describing Pam's utter shock when 'He' showed back up in her life.
Enjoyed this line soo much -weird timey-wimey stuff somewhere else?’
SPOILERY COMMENTS
But then you pulled another twist off - when you described Ryan and his bluetooth headset did I think anything of it? No just a good description of his 'type'. I did not see that coming but now it explains why Jim is there. I look forward to seeing what the paper company on paper is all about.
Oh and a little tidbit I noticed that I wonder is it meaningful. Pam and Angelica are friends her (and the name -is that because she is slightly different here?)
Toby interested and sorta hits on her in this world too, well done.
Again I am glad you are writing again and hope to see more of this story.
1 Ok so this explains one thing - with him spending so long on shaving it's no wonder he doesn't have the time to take a comb to his hair... not sure if Jim is this facetious about his grooming although the reference to the grandfather helps me buy it and the contrast to Roy helps too -- plus I enjoyed the story so much I'll buy it for the sake of getting this story from it.
Another wonderful little slice piece.
As you could imagine I was delighted about the prankster in Pam and the innuendo suggested both pre and post shave - I like the subtle hints rather than the outright descriptions. This feels very true to the Pam and Jim I picture in this stage of their life.
I noticed other details like:
"noticing other details"
her grinning at the view
Pam's recognition of his smell
clutter of the apt - three added towels to it.
Your stuff always so enjoyable - lately coffee and your one-offs precede my morning commute. Glad you are always writing more as I have been devouring your stuff that pre-dated my MTT addiction.
In their new house in Austin, Pam gets inspired by a certain Taylor Swift song and leaves out one of her old journals by accident. Jim gets Pam's perspective of The Job and some other events from season 3.
Just a cute little one-shot of future Jam reminiscing over old memories.
1 So after I saw you're ditto on my rec I had to come check out your stuff. Right off the bat I was feeling it. Stuff we saw so alike.
I'm about to say the sac religious here but I'm not familiar with Folklore. That said I love the way you tie lyrics to sentiment and feelings. Lyrical inspiration is always so strong.
Aside from the deep insights to Pam's mindset I like the little bits about the toys. I love these little details in stories. Not only do I feel like it gives more depth to Jam but also to the writer behind the story.
I liked the little callback to Philly Jim and his Avatar.
Promise to check out your other story soon. So much to read so little time but it's on my bookshelf. Meantime glad I got to enjoy this one.
She leaves Phyllis’ wedding reception with Roy and unbeknownst to her the last remnants of her friendship with Jim up and follow them out the door.
Yes, it’s another Season 3 fix-it... don’t judge me...
1 Jenna -
Once again I am in love. Love with this story and what you do...
1) the way you always have Michael be the catalyst to getting them back together - it so fits how I view Michael, sure he's crass and ignorant and narcissistic and doesn't think before he acts - but at the same time he has a huge heart he just doesn't know quite how to work it sometimes. But sometimes he does. And sometimes he is wise and I see so much of his love for Pam and Jim and well your Michael so often seems to be the one who fixes them - whether knowingly or unknowingly. THANK YOU for that.
2) I love how you weave your own tales into the story- that is another thing I love of this fandom - the way every story is little bit of a way to get to know the authors who write them and why I have become so involved here. I have made friends (in a time where we've been in some ways isolated) - through reading and writing, the forums and interactivity of this place.
3) There's no complication of Jim "cheating" on Karen and the way you worked out their (K&J) ending and why he was so cold the whole time was such a perfect reveal. I mean up at the beginning I was having a little bit of hard time with Jim's attitude - even in middle of season 3 he always still seemed to be friendly with Pam - only after Roy attacked him could I understand the way you were writing him and I didn't feel like that had happened yet. I'm glad I stuck with it because the explanation worked!
4) you write so well - easy to get lost in the feelings and scenes.
Glad I finished this in time to vote on it for Dundies cause this is among my faves.
Bravo...
1 What a simple, wonderful, concise, amazing story. A 55 word snapshot of each season, each one as lovely to read as the last (maybe the third had a little sting). Hoping to find time to read the longer stories you have in my tour of the works of the local legends. Love these little ones to get a taste of what I have to look forward to.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed them. These are some of my favorite little things that I’ve written and it means so much that people like them!
1 I was smiling from the moment I read the disclaimer. What fun! key moments for me were the no-hitter reference. I had a lot to learn when my son became a all-star, little league player. I have since become well versed in baseball dos and don’ts and would also know as well. And Oscar, you nailed him. I heard his voice and saw his face at that moment. So much fun. Thanks for the laugh.
Author's Response: I'm really glad you liked it! Definitely got attached to this fandom for Jim and Pam rather than the comedic side, but these are fun characters to just let mess around.
7 AU of Christmas Party. What if Michael called the warehouse crew up for Yankee Swap, and Roy got the teapot? What would he do if he reads the card? Warning: Violence/Abuse, Emotional Abuse, basic triggers.
1 Really great start. Your writing is very natural, easily read and yet very entertaining. I especially like the part about watching her at the Dundies. I like that you explained its plausibility since not quite what we saw on show...I do that too. Looking forward to seeing more from this story.
Different take on the Jim/Pam/Roy triangle and how Jim helps Pam leave Roy finally.
Domestic abuse, trigger warning.
Several recommends to share story here from fanfiction net.
1 I’ve been wanting to start your latest story every time I see you update but before I did I felt I needed to read this one. (Which as you can see from this review I have begun.)
I was planning on leaving a review sooner to cover the story so far and this chapter seemed the right place.
The description of her nightmares was so vivid and haunting. At times I wasn’t even sure they weren’t just in her head.
There is such devastating realism throughout so far from the abuse to the Stockholm syndrome she seems to be suffering. Glad to know there is also Jim there for her throughout all of this.
I’m so intrigued to see where the rest of this goes in both this story and the next.
1 Love it. You write them so right. So cute and playful and so in love.
So fun.
1 I was swept into this story immediately. Such a naturalness to the writing --I felt right at home. Coming from a mom who's kids are almost grown, you brought me back to when my kids were that age.
Late night guests, messy rooms (sadly, messes remain until they go to college), calling us out for less than clean language, fights over Minecraft (I think that was the reference, believe it or not they still play it as teens).
And my stomach flopped too, from sick Jim.
I think I'll be reading this instead of working on my own story tonight. Now look what you did...but seriously, well done. Really love it. Can't wait to read more.
Author's Response: Maxine, thank you SO much for this review. I sincerely love hearing from my readers, especially new ones! This story is near and dear to my heart as I experienced my father getting into an accident and suffering from a TBI when I was a tween, albeit it was many years ago it had a profound affect on my relationship with my family.
I love that you noticed the call outs to childhood, and I'm silently thanking my mother for putting up with my messes even through college ;)
I am going to check out your stories, and thank you again so much for this kind review, and I hope to hear more from you!
1 Again, so moved, so swept away by this story. So glad I decided to read it.
Knowing this happened in your life, I can't help but wonder how much of your story is your own personal experience and how difficult that must have been for you and everyone in your life. It's weaved in so well to your story, the impact of this on the kids and how it takes away a little of their ability to be just a kid. The duality of CeCe being both child and having to grow up fast and be almost like a parent to her dad is so visible here.
On a personal note, love the fact that he loves Devil Wears Prada - the men in my life do, too. My son, especially. But what's not to love, that is a great movie and I just watched it again last weekend myself (my son ran into join me when he heard it on).
Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's Response: Maxine, thank you so much again! I love hearing your thoughts. This story is deeply personal to me and very much related to my own experiences. It has been cathartic for me to work through them, but also to explore how a different family would handle it. I had to throw in a little nod to John Krasinski being a huge fan of Devil Wears Prada before he even met Emily Blunt, I love my little Easter eggs that I plant :) I’m excited to hear more of your thoughts. Another chapter coming soon!
1 Wow, the ASL. I don't know why I didn't see it, why I didn't know it meant something to be there in the earlier chapter. I took ASL class with my babies (they can learn to sign before they can talk so we learned a little ASL ourselves) so I guess it didn't strike me as odd they would know it, but now it's the aha moment for me.
Is this a nod to "A Quiet Place or perhaps a little more personal. But it hit me. I'd feel bad for this to happen to any family but to our beloved Halperts it's even more heartbreaking.
But I am excited for Uncle Michael. I can't wait to see how you present him and how he's changed. Can't wait to see what comes next.
Author's Response: Maxine, it’s a bit of a nod to both. I lost the majority of my hearing in the accident and now speak but also sign, so
Although it’s hard to convey ASL in a story, I’m going to try. It’s also a nod to a Quiet Place. I’ve had the opportunity to meet John Krasinski multiple times and was on set with actress Millie Simms for the second film, she’s deaf in real life. It was one of the most amazing opportunities of my life. John has been so gracious every time I’ve been around him, and it’s help develop “Jim” for me too by knowing the actor a little bit more.
I’m so excited for Uncle Michael! I’ve already jumped a head a bit and started writing that chapter lol.
Thank you again for your reviews they make me smile!
1 Don't know how I missed this update but wow, I loved it.
Your depiction of Michael was just right - matured and evolved, self-aware but still with the playful edge that makes Michael, Michael.
Perfect use of the line: Never, ever, ever give up.
Bravo.
Author's Response: Aww thank you so much Maxine! Writing Michael into this story was an absolute joy, and I love the idea as you mentioned that with age came some maturity for Michael but deep down he’s still himself. His relationship with the Halperts is one I’ve imagined never stopped when he moved to CO, I see him in their future quite a bit. :) thank you for your review!
I loved reading this chapter. After everything they've been through they deserve a little happiness and her name is Olivia. Such a beautiful name and knowing the ASL for beautiful I totally envisioned the moment.
True they will have more tough times ahead but so glad they are enjoying this moment all together.
Now adding a horse/pony to the equation seems a little foolhardy but I'm sure you have a plan in mind there. Cookie ordeal sounds interesting. Hope I'm not forgetting something I should remember from an earlier chapter.
So enjoyed this whole story even though it broke my heart at times. you tell it all so well.
Author's Response: Awww Maxine, I’m so glad you enjoyed the chapter, there will be another chapter of this to come, and then a sequel after that taking place in Nashville! I love that you were able to envision the ASL, that certainly was one of my favorite parts of this story and will become a bigger piece in the sequel. Cookie was referenced earlier in the goldfish chapter where Jim got the kids a goldfish and it only lived four hours. Lol. This story definitely broke my heart in moments, but was so wonderful to walk through it. Be on the lookout for another chapter to close this out then a sequel!
Ok and I'm crying again!!!!
She sniffles once, quietly, listening to their babies. (once our babies, always our babies)
This was perfect...right down to the last line with Phil.
Thank you!
Author's Response: Thank YOU for getting me thinking about this one again! Once you mentioned that they're the ones in the front seat now it basically wrote itself.
1 got so emotional I forgot to leave the jelly bean!
Author's Response: Anything but that!
1 so true!!!! And scene. Wonderful.
Author's Response: Thank you!
1 When DJC comes up in the random story - you have to read again (55 words makes in a no brainer). It was even better the second time especially as as I think about all the times I turned to face the kids in the backseat of the car. Now they are the ones driving it.
Author's Response: Hmmmm. Kinda makes me think of a follow up...
172 
7 authors. 21 songs. The most shameless smut this site has ever seen.
1 Wow, this story just took me away. To London with the vivid imagery you painted but to a state of such joy in reading the words you magically put together. What an incredible talent you have.
Your characters never seemed to stray from what we know of them yet the story felt new but with the familiarity that comforts. The sprinkles of dialogue so natural here as if they were part of this first and repurposed on the show instead of the other way around. Is it enough to say I loved it? It was pure music. Bravo.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Max! I'm thrilled you loved my characterization. It's always a risk in this sort of AU so I'm so glad it translated well. Thank you for taking the time to review and letting me know you enjoyed it! :)
1 Love that you made a new series out of these. Nothing made me laugh harder than the cold opens on the show and now I have more to laugh to. I could totally see this happening. Keep them up. Especially the network note...now I've got to go back and read the the NN from the last one.
Author's Response: Thank you! They're a lot of fun to write, too. It's funny, because I basically watched for JAM, but the ensemble is offers so many different routes to explore. I have at least three more in the pipeline - I'm kinda hoping they're helping me get the voices down for more JAM-centric content.
1 Another great one. Once again I can hear and picture them all in the talking Heads. Love Michael’s. He is hard to write as and you nailed it. Pam’s too. The way she gets excited when she knows what Jim has said, that totally came through. It’s so clever too (if a little dark but I’m as much a fan of L&O SVU as the Office so I’m there). Grinning with glee as I’m reading the Forward to legal part. So funny.
How do you come up with the ideas? Are you really Schur posing as one of us?
Keep these up. They are so entertaining.
Oh and Kevin. 3 words and it was him. And Ryan’s ‘putting in the effort’ spot on. I could go on and on.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, that's great to hear! I am... not wild about Michael as a character (I feel like I get more stunned by him each rewatch) and I'm glad to hear that's not stopping me from writing him effectively. Always nice to discover someone else who appreciates a little darkness. :)
I can guarantee you that I'm not Schur - although I am tooling around with a The Office/Good Place AU, so there's that?
(For the record, Ryan's actual first choice was Jim, whenever Pam started dating seriously again, but he didn't quite have the guts to say that with Jim at the table.)
A series of Jim/Pam one-shots, inspired by lines in the show (now in chronological order!)
1 So usually the stories about Pam and Jim’s sexual encounters are not quite my thing - unless they are part of a bigger story. But I really liked this one. The realism of it and the way you so accurately and humorously had them interact through the encounters were great. Also Jim’s self consciousness about seems like it would be right on point as as him not wanting to hear about Roy. And the line about his faulty penis just plain out made me laugh (not at him, mind you)
This was a great addition to this anthology.
1 A very fun peek into the craziness of having two under two - having lived through it - you made me wonder how I ever did. All with the heart of Jam in the middle. Well done.
Author's Response: Haha - yes! Thanks so much, I'm glad you found it fun (and sorry for taking so long to reply to this review!)
Lady, this was so good. You really honed in on the emotions and feelings around that night and everything leading up to it.
What really struck me was the recognition that they needed to talk - but they needed the intimacy too - like it was one of the ways back to each other -even if it felt somewhat different this time.
The whole bit about Brian and Jim's recognition of what he himself had been like when she was with Roy - you really had the dialogue and feelings just right.
And things seem like they are going in the right direction until he misreads her and she him and they are still miles apart. Him not realizing that the last thing she wants is to move and her feeling like its something she needs to do for him.
"But maybe that’s ok. Because Brian’s ideas about fighting and not fighting didn’t include a third option, which is compromising." This was so perfectly put and so what they needed to make things right in their world again (even if takes a bit longer to really come to that).
Great job as I've come to expect from you.
Author's Response: Thanks so much! And sorry for a very slow reply 😱 I'm really glad you enjoyed it - and yeah, my thinking on them needing intimacy too came from that moment in the episode where Pam goes to hold his hand and it seems like a bit of a surprise to both of them. Which was quite sad to watch. I did think Brian's ideas about the fighting/not fighting were a bit off and didn't really apply to Jim and Pam. Thanks so much for taking the time to review, I really appreciate it!