Differential diagnosis, people: Java Jive

[extrabitter]

This is our last Hall of Fame nomination of the current batch. We'll be taking a bit of a break after we do this to reflect on the season, bask in the sunshine, work on the new web site and do whatever else people do on a break. Meanwhile, keep the recs and the nominations coming! Hall of Fame threads will resume in July or so. We can all use the

Comments

[extrabitter]

I always loved the ending of this story, when House begins to plot a way to make Chase take Wilson's spot on a committee. House's internal monologue on that is quirky and in character.

I first read this shortly after I read "Tracking Time," so the piece seems as if it didn't quite make the cut on that piece. I can see why: nothing really happens, the dialogue is a little bit off in spots, and the time shifting from present to past to present again is jarring because of the point of view. In comparison to the rest of House fan fiction, this is better than average; in comparison to the rest of Namaste's work, it's at the bottom of the list for me. I'd have to say that this is the only one of Namaste's stories that I wouldn't think of as a Hall of Fame candidate.

[namasteyoga]

I'll fully admit to the fact that "Java Jive" for me was something I tackled to prove to myself I could write something after "Tracking Time." "TT" had been a project that went far beyond my expectations, and I was a bit worried that I'd blown my wad creatively in writing that.

I was concerned from the start that it was too repetitive of the format and themes I'd done within "TT," but at the same time, I had some new thoughts I wanted to play with once the new season started. I mostly wanted to explain away the sudden appearance of Wilson's office next to House's office.

[bibliosylph]

Yes, compared to fanfic at large? Good stuff. Compared to her other stories? Well, it's lacking in flavor, somehow. Or maybe there's too much, too wound up or overly-detailed.

[rrea]

A beautiful and heartwarming (but not fluffy) depiction

Is fluffy bad?

[extrabitter]

I didn't write that--the nominator did--but personally I don't think fluffy is bad.

However, this story is definitely not fluffy, and my impression is that the nominator was trying to make that clear.

[bibliosylph]

This surprises me. It's so expository and passive. I was reading it aloud to my daughter, and she kept asking me if it was going to be about something. I had begun by telling her this is a very good writer who writes the House and Wilson friendship quite accurately.

Anyway, yes. I like the "story," and the details are sound, and the characters seem like themselves, though I don't quite understand about the coffee addiction. But it's a bit dull, isn't it?

[namasteyoga]

I'm kind of intrigued -- and slightly concerned -- over the reading to your daughter bit.

As I said above, I sort of view this story as a transitional one for me. In retrospect I can see it as the step between the style I used in "TT" and some of the character study stories I did later.

But I actually did set out intentionally to write something low key, just kind of Wilson and House hanging out and watching out for each other in ways not related to huge life-altering events.

[bibliosylph]

My daughter? Nearly 16, and loves FF stories. Also, I knew that the story was purely a friendship thing, and that your writing is trustworthy. :-) We recognize quality by sharing it with each other.

It's a sweet story, actually just not as suited for reading aloud as some others.

[purridot]

This is my first post to this community where I've been lurking for awhile. I hope I don't screw it up

[extrabitter]

Welcome.

THe snapshot impression is a cool observation. For me, the piece is simply too long to leave that kind of effect, but I can see how you'd get it.

[rrea]

I guess I agree with bibliosylph that this is a bit passive for me. It's something I often find with gen though, so maybe it's just a genre thing.