markgraham
patreon
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
ItsTheBigBadWolf
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.
Heather Graham
Aaaa 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 :)
Liter Knight
Well, 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
Heather Graham
Thank you :D
I am very happy for you Heather.
Michael KochKetola
It was meant to be mildly positive and supportive. I just want one of my favorite authors to be happy and in a good headspace.
Heather Graham
Man, 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
Thank you so much haha!
Heather Graham
I kinda planned to take breaks here and there so this will just make it more reasonable. And, thanks!
Heather Graham
If at all possible, yes, absolutely!
Heather Graham
Thank you :D
Heather Graham
I 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
I'll do my best, thank you!
Heather Graham
Thank you very much!
Heather Graham
Thank you! And, god, I hope it does as well. So many unknowns.
Heather Graham
You 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
Mixed 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!
Ricky
Congrats, Heather!
ItsTheBigBadWolf
Do 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!
John Thomas Veltman
Congrats! Take the time you need.
jordan
Congrats! It makes sense to do what makes you happy.
Cinder2004
Congratulations Heather π!!
luckmans2
For 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!
Michael KochKetola
You 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.
Ryan Lutz
Congratulations 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
Mia
I'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 :)
Fred Jacques
Good luck Heather, wishing you a journey that goes well!
Euphoric Changes
Best of luck to you, Heather!
Wolfizen
GO HEATHER!! I hope your journey goes smoothly! And, you'll always be able to find support from your community :)
Ariosto1516
Heather, I am so excited for you. You say your writing wonβt change. Donβt 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 youβll continue to share it all with us, because in a todayβs crazy world youβre a true light. Thank for all you share with us. It is appreciated.
