From Mark Graham to Heather Graham
Added 2023-08-03 01:34:18 +0000 UTCHi!
Gosh. Has it been 12 years since I started writing? It's been wild and I only wish I'd started earlier. I've learned so much and met some pretty incredible people along the way. Doing all of this solo for so long before starting my Patreon and Discord servers left me in a pretty isolated place. Opening up, sharing and talking and laughing with the wonderful connections I've made (y'all know who you are!) has ultimately led me to finally come to accept some things about myself. Things I wish I'd accepted years ago.
So, hello, hi. I'm coming out. Mark Graham becomes Heather Graham.
The ref sheet I got back in July broke my egg. Such a simple, small thing. Well, not the process of designing it, no. That took some work but it pales in comparison to the incredible effort Noegenhed put into it.
The femme form did it. Just seeing her standing there with that grin and seeing the hints of myself there. If the writing I've done with feminizing men didn't give any hints, I've spent years daydreaming about being a woman - being envious of them in different ways. Longing to step into that world and out of the one I've been living in.
I thought it was impossible. Even just a few months ago, I'd just resigned myself to stay where I was, admitting to myself that I was on the knife's edge but seemingly unwilling to move even as the daydreams increased. A lot. As did the fantasies and desires. And still I thought it was impossible.
That one character in my ref sheet pushed me over the edge. My heart ached to see her. To see her confidence. To see what could be.
It broke me when I realized I could be her.
And, so, I made my decision.
I didn't want to grow old(er) and look back with immense regret at never taking that step. I didn't want to lie there, dying, cursing myself for not having the bravery to embrace who I was.
Today, I officially started my journey. And, boy, I am not a fan of needles. I still did it, though!
I'm sure this is no surprise to a lot of you :)
I don't expect much to change at all. I'm only even announcing it since I'm changing my pen name and will start using she/her as well.
And that's about it. My writing won't change. I still expect to focus on female werewolves and the others that I've been writing about over the years. Same style, same types of characters, and same content. What I'm going through won't influence any of that. I like what I have been creating.
Thank you for following me on this. There's so much for me to do moving forward, but I'm in a great place and I'm surrounded by wonderful people online and offline. I hope you'll continue to be one of them.
Heather Graham
TL;DR: Author is now a very, very good girl.
Comments
Some lessons are told to you. Some are things that slowly build over time and crescendo to an understanding. And other times, a massive blow of comprehension and epiphany washes over like a wave. I know things will work out the way they were always meant to, and you have the strength to see it through. Many, many people now know of your kind heart and openness, and all those who matter will support this new chapter.
ItsTheBigBadWolf
2023-08-26 11:46:04 +0000 UTCAaaa thank you so much! But, wow, the knowledge that something I wrote helped even a little bit to put a tiny crack in someone's egg is amazing. I hope your transition went really really well. I'm gonna soak in this happiness all day :)
Heather Graham
2023-08-11 00:04:39 +0000 UTCWell, I think now I can feel justified in accusing you of putting a hairline crack in my own egg with Layers, even if I didn't figure things out myself until later on. Regardless, I hope transitioning and being yourself bring you as much happiness as they can. Congrats
Liter Knight
2023-08-10 05:18:30 +0000 UTCThank you :D
Heather Graham
2023-08-05 22:53:55 +0000 UTCI am very happy for you Heather.
2023-08-05 17:16:46 +0000 UTCIt was meant to be mildly positive and supportive. I just want one of my favorite authors to be happy and in a good headspace.
Michael KochKetola
2023-08-05 02:22:30 +0000 UTCMan, so do I. I have a great life and this will just throw a wrench in some things in life for sure and complicate things. But, like, I kind of have to do it for myself. And I'll figure things out.
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 15:00:32 +0000 UTCThank you so much haha!
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:59:26 +0000 UTCI kinda planned to take breaks here and there so this will just make it more reasonable. And, thanks!
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:59:20 +0000 UTCIf at all possible, yes, absolutely!
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:57:57 +0000 UTCThank you :D
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:57:02 +0000 UTCI never thought I would do it, either. But, like I said, the feelings grew stronger and stronger until they truly broke. However, I know it's a privilege for many and life is often cruel in ways that prevent us from doing what we want. I hope you're at peace with that decision or perhaps that life changes enough to let you take a new path.
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:55:55 +0000 UTCI'll do my best, thank you!
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:49:20 +0000 UTCThank you very much!
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:47:44 +0000 UTCThank you! And, god, I hope it does as well. So many unknowns.
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:47:37 +0000 UTCYou know, this was actually beautiful to read and it made me tear up a bit. It was very insightful as well. I meant the changed writing in a different way but reading what you've written, I think you're right. I think there's a good chance that my writing could deepen and shift in certain ways, especially if all the things they say about emotional depth and other things that change. I can feel the love from your comment and it just makes me so happy. I'll keep writing and sharing for as long as I can and for as long as people enjoy what I'm doing. I hope you have a wonderful day and a fantastic weekend!
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:46:25 +0000 UTCMixed messaging, but I'll choose to read this in a positive light! Thank you and have a great Friday and the rest of the weekend as well!
Heather Graham
2023-08-04 14:20:17 +0000 UTCCongrats, Heather!
Ricky
2023-08-04 12:34:32 +0000 UTCDo what you love, love what you do, and fuck the rest. I hope this journey is all you've ever wanted in your heart and that you find yourself more fully than ever before in the paths ahead!
ItsTheBigBadWolf
2023-08-04 10:19:30 +0000 UTCCongrats! Take the time you need.
John Thomas Veltman
2023-08-03 17:23:24 +0000 UTCCongrats! It makes sense to do what makes you happy.
jordan
2023-08-03 06:05:11 +0000 UTCCongratulations Heather 🎊!!
Cinder2004
2023-08-03 04:32:11 +0000 UTCFor a long time, I've felt a similar way. And though I doubt I'll ever make the transition myself, it makes me happy that you are. Hope it's everything you've ever dreamed and more!
luckmans2
2023-08-03 04:19:44 +0000 UTCYou do you, If you feel you will be happier as a woman named Heather? Then go for it and keep going as far as you feel you need to.
Michael KochKetola
2023-08-03 03:08:27 +0000 UTCCongratulations Heather!!! But you should really consider this as a perfect time to take a month or two off. Spend some time in your new life, this is an amazing transition for you, and you should spend time embracing it! We will all be here cheering for you when you get back
Ryan Lutz
2023-08-03 02:29:49 +0000 UTCI'm so excited for you, Heather! The freedom that comes from embracing transition and letting it... transform (ba-dum-tiss) from idle fantasy or thrill into daily life is just wonderful. I'm going to have to finally connect to the Discord server at long last! Welcome to first day of the rest of your life :)
Mia
2023-08-03 01:51:05 +0000 UTCGood luck Heather, wishing you a journey that goes well!
Fred Jacques
2023-08-03 01:50:20 +0000 UTCBest of luck to you, Heather!
Euphoric Changes
2023-08-03 01:47:12 +0000 UTCGO HEATHER!! I hope your journey goes smoothly! And, you'll always be able to find support from your community :)
Wolfizen
2023-08-03 01:46:28 +0000 UTCHeather, I am so excited for you. You say your writing won’t change. Don’t believe that. As you discover and accept more and more of who you are your writing, best exemplified by your characters, will only get better. I look forward to seeing what you choose to share. I have had deep respect for you for years, but you somehow always seem to find new ways to make me respect you even more. You are an inspiration. I hope the journey you are on lasts a long time filled with many wonderful scenic moments that further your growth and dreams, and selfishly I hope you’ll continue to share it all with us, because in a today’s crazy world you’re a true light. Thank for all you share with us. It is appreciated.
Ariosto1516
2023-08-03 01:46:24 +0000 UTC
