It was such a INCREDIBLY NEAT, AWESOME AND VERY EMOTIONAL DRAMATIC STORY EVER!! It was very wonderful that Emily is living new life as girl who now beginning! I am very sad and disappointed her mother.. That now create problem and refused to get any HELP or loved for Emily.. I hope their sequel about Emily grow up or what happen to her mother to be found and did she realized her mistake yet.?

Do please E mail me if that okay knowing what happen to Emily mother did she will ever realized her mistake and loved Emily again to be with her true family or never again sadly..

I really love the story. You are a good writer. Sure wish I could become a girl

Rnb
8/30/13

After the first few chapters, I didn't think I would be able to stomach making it to the end, thinking it was a terminally unsettling story as several other authors have accomplished.  I had the feeling it would turn out like a hopeless, "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane" in a transgender setting.  But there were just enough hopeful hints in the chapter summaries to keep me reading.  And about two thirds the way through came to the correct conclusion that it wasn't one of those crazy downers but a story that has a crazy mother in it.  There is enough good in it to counteract some of the hits Emily takes, just as happens in real life.  Of the comments that have already been written, I discount several as being more of the "now if I had written it..." type comments.  For example trying to find a rational pattern in an irrational person's behavior can be a futile endeaver.  What Vivian sees as a threat, or her solution to the present threat is constantly being reevaluated and can change throughout her life, as sad as her life may be.   I personally found the story rewarding, where ultimately good, for the most part, comes to the surface over evil.  Yes, now if I had written it... it probably wouldn't have been as good.  I rate this story in the top 5% of the stories on the site.  But then I'm more of a "Perils of Pauline " than a 'Baby Jane, whatever' type.  Keep writing darling, I love your work.  Susana

P.S. I agree with your postscript that this is the end of this story and easily the beginning of at least three other stories: 1 Emily's, 2 Vivian/Jamie's, and 3 John's coworker's boy/girl. So please correct the heading note that says,"Complete?  No" I almost didn't finish because of that.  I often put books back on the shelf because of that note. Particularly the longer ones.

A beautifully crafted story and I would absolutely love to read more of your stories. You are a gifted story teller and very insightful.I could identify with the father - his fears and concerns.

The dream sequences could do with a bit of tweaking maybe by adding a bit of a prelude to alert the reader that this is a dream and not an actual event in the story.  

I would love to read a follow up maybe set aound now when "Emily" would be around 15.

I realise it has been 5 years since this story was posted and a lot may have changed in the meantime.

And to your final comment; what we need to do is learn from these life experiences.

I think, Emily's mother got insane,and her teacher is ridiculous.
I think this is the only way she hated her daughter so much.
Kisses.
Silvia.

Loved the story! Please bring Emily back!

wot happend in the end did thay find the mum and the baby did the mum get help and about the boy frind did he fall in love with her and live toghter

This story had the promise of a very good read.  However, I can't understand why one would think that a "nine" year old would do some of the things included.  This story could have been 100 times better if it was kept on the "higher" ground.  I can accept how a little boy being in an accident and losing his "manliness" as result.  The adjustment would be very difficult to say the least.  This story could have gone in a thousand different directions to make it a very sweet story.  However, the author lost me with the "dark" side of things.  I got totally disgusted and left it.  I know of a real case in one of the towns I lived in where the whole family was in a head on collison and one of their two sons sitting in the back seat was injured by the seat belt buckle and it striped him of his manliness.  Unfortunately, this boy did not survive.  If he had, he would be in this adjustment phase.  I cannot believe it would this dark as you portray Emily, family and friends.  As to writing ability, their is difinitely talent here.  Please write with more sentimental, sweet circumstances and make it enjoyable.  I do not mind crying, feeling angry, or laughter as I have found in so many of the other stories I have read.  I wish this one was along this line as I was into the caring, sympathy for Emily and it all went out the window.  Surely, with your talent you can do better.  I would like to see you write a good story on a "higher" plane and see the results and I think you would like it too.  I do not mean my comments to be harsh but honest.  With encouragment, please consider my thoughts as constructive criticism.  Looking forward to reading your new story.

This story had the promise of a very good read.  However, I can't understand why one would think that a "nine" year old would do some of the things included.  This story could have been 100 times better if it was kept on the "higher" ground.  I can accept how a little boy being in an accident and losing his "manliness" as result.  The adjustment would be very difficult to say the least.  This story could have gone in a thousand different directions to make it a very sweet story.  However, the author lost me with the "dark" side of things.  I got totally disgusted and left it.  I know of a real case in one of the towns I lived in where the whole family was in a head on collison and one of their two sons sitting in the back seat was injured by the seat belt buckle and it striped him of his manliness.  Unfortunately, this boy did not survive.  If he had, he would be in this adjustment phase.  I cannot believe it would this dark as you portray Emily, family and friends.  As to writing ability, their is difinitely talent here.  Please write with more sentimental, sweet circumstances and make it enjoyable.  I do not mind crying, feeling angry, or laughter as I have found in so many of the other stories I have read.  I wish this one was along this line as I was into the caring, sympathy for Emily and it all went out the window.  Surely, with your talent you can do better.  I would like to see you write a good story on a "higher" plane and see the results and I think you would like it too.  I do not mean my comments to be harsh but honest.  With encourage, please consider my thoughts as constructive criticism.  Looking forward to reading your new story.

part 9 was moving and worth writing about. some time we think about doing that and some will do that. the only thing i hate about this part was her mum. and soner she get away from her the better she will get. but then i have not read all the parts yet.

re Chapter 18.

You wrote "I know teachers like that (Mrs Bryan)".  So did I when I was at school.  Just like that.  For years I went around filled with hate and a desire for revenge.  Then one day I realized I was better than that, and I didn't need them.  They needed me.  The school was a smaller and not terribly good one, they never had had a State Scholar (you sit an extra paper and the State gave you a grant to go to university if you passed).  I got them their State Scholar claim to fame, and went on to other things, and that school is not even there anymore, it was pulled down and the land became a housing estate.  I am still around.  So I had the last laugh.   This story of yours Katie is disturbing, realistic, too close to RL for comfort.  But it is a tale that should be told, and you tell it well.
Briar

that teacher is an idiot, poor Emily  why can't people understand.

I have to say many of these chapters were well written, if a bit dark at times. The ending lines of the final chapter was beautiful. My only qualms with the story were character continuity. While the father came off a little pedophile like at the beginning (what with his naked daughter turning him on) at least those feelings disappeared towards the end of the story, however the mom was just ridiculous.

At the beginning of the story the mom was obsessed with her new daughter acting lady like, she came off as strict but very loving and devoted to her. Even in the middle of the story when she hit Emily, even though it was wrong she always said something along the lines of I'm so sorry, I love you I love you I love. As the story progressed instead of just using corporal punishment to deter Emily from being "unruly" the mother became a pedophile. Now I'm not saying you can't do whatever you like with your character but that was a HUGE 90 degree turn from where her character was going in the story.

Even after the mother molested her daughter though, she apologised she told Emily that no matter what happens should would NEVER want to hurt her and the she would always love her. In fact, I recall her saying to Emily that she would love her regardless of her being a boy or girl.

But once again the mother's character took a huge turn. She stopped getting help and started being emotionally abusive to Emily. She literally said the she hated her own child and wish she died in that car crash. Now what the heck was that about? If you go back only a few chapters the mom was saying how much she loved her own child, how much she LOVES her. Now she hates Emily? Where did THAT come from?

This mother character really needs a little more continuity for this story to make a litte more sense... either that or my other theory is correct that this character is actually mentally unstable, like so unhinged that I find it hard to believe she managed to find a husband and marry him with him figuring out how crazy she was. I mean how could she be that crazy and only have it come out because her son had an unplanned sex change?

A part from that ONE character I really did enjoy the story. I did think it was well written (besides the all too many sexual overtones). I must admit that I did cry at several points and especially at that suicide scene. That was very well written. And boy-o-boy I was *so* mad that after you toyed with my emotions and made me cry at the loss of Emily's life it turned out to be a dream! Still I was glad she survived, she's a survivor that one. It seems every time something goes her way something comes along to kick her in the gut. At some points in the story I almost thought you truly hated your own character.

Nevertheless I look forward to perhaps reading the future adventures of Emily. I think there is still a lot of story to tell and several loose ends to tie up. So one day please continue to write about Emily and please please please make her mom a little less insane, please? At least do it for Emily's sake, she's been through enough.

Just finished chapter 9.

I can't help but say, I cried. I'm still crying. You're a beautiful author. Your story is so touching in so many ways. Thank you. :')

I would first like to commend you on a well written story that keeps your attention throughout.  I found the Story Site several months ago and just re-read your story.  While I understand that if everyone did what they were supposed to do, there would probably be no story left, I still find myself very troubled by several situations that occur in the story.

I find the manner in which John was informed of his sex change very disturbing.  I can’t imaging a hospital would not have a psychologist or other mental health professional assigned to a case of involuntary SRS to assist the parents in determining how and when to break the news and most importantly to closely monitor John for a substantial period of time after he was told of his conversion to a girl.  To leave a child alone without any support or monitoring after traumatic news borders on medical malpractice.  Even as a lay person I can see the possibility of John lashing out in a destructive manner perhaps going so far as to attempt suicide.  Especially as a child he is more prone to a destructive outburst instead of a reasoned response.

Telling John about his new name was also poorly handled, as Jessica was allowed to accidentally inform John that his name was now Emily.  Again why wasn’t this part of a discussion with the parents of how to help John through his transition?

I could also see John / Emily having regular appointments with a psychologist at least weekly at first but continuing for several years as John/Emily deals with the issues of growing up.  The only reference given to counseling of John is when John is talking to nurse Rose after his party about his time at the hospital.

I was also surprised that John / Emily still agreed to the party after the way he was treated at the awards banquet and when he found that his mother had sabotaged him.  The lack of adult supervision at the party after what had happened at the banquet is also hard to believe.

Once John’s father learned about John’s abuse at the hands of his mother, why did he ever leave them alone together and why didn’t he tell John / Emily to tell him immediately about any mistreatment at the hands of his mother with an explanation that we need to help her get well so I need to know if she tries to hurt you.

I hope you do not take my comments too harshly as I as did enjoy your story and found myself emotionally involved in the pain inflicted on John / Emily.  Please continue to write as you have a real talent.

the 2nd greatest story i read here... bravo >.<.... it can be a book ~_^

Up to ch 14 now. Love the story so far, including the dark bits. karen

Just got to part 6. enjoying the story very much so far. Looking forward to the reaminder of the story. Karen

Thanks so much for this excellent story. It was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I wasn't able to stop reading until the end. I am looking forward to more stories from you.

I have really enjoyed this great tale of an unfortunate boy who through great odds came out on top in most situations.  Though I do wish that you would have continued on until a few of the many problems Emily has right now are solved.  O well, great story, keep up the good work, and I wish you could have given me and ending instead of a cliffhanger for an ending.

Hi Katie

I love this story, wished there could be more. But I realize you have to stop somewhere.

Hugs, Fran

Dear Katie:
I finally got a chance to read "How Life Can Change".  I am only up to chapter 10. But at the end of nine you asked for comments.  I think this is one of the better written stories to appear in this genre. Certainly in this Site.  You have a developing talent.  I hope you will hear this message because this is not faint praise but a sincere thanks to you for gifting us with this wonderful, emotional, tale.  You have made the characters very strong. They each have their own personality. The plot is full too, well detailed, and encompassing the actions to move the story. I had told you once before that I would start to read the story when it was finished, but I had other things get in the way.  I am happy I now have the chance to enjoy your well executed piece.  

I have very much enjoyed your story   How life can change ..
it has a nice flow to it  it has just the right amout of action ,
I feel for Emily ,   I hope her dad gets together with Emily's
best friend's/( boy friend's) Mom .. I hope Emily get lots of love
I love love storys  will there be a wedding ? kids ?
thank you for a great time I look forward to many more episodes to how life can change

christi :):):)

this makes me wonder if mother loves her daughter at all. I dont think so.

Yes, I read your footnote about "evil" teachers.  It makes one wonder why in hell they became teachers in the first place!

Hi Katie  :)

Well girl..... you still have me reading this story.
It breaks my heart the way that Emily has been treated in this chapter.  :(  But you are right about some teachers with bad attitudes or whatever(sorry, mental lapse).
Keep it going Katie!

Hugs, Fran

I think the story is great - although I agree that Vivian badly needs help!

In response to Languish's comment - I obviously can't talk from experience, but I imagine that for someone in Emily's position (having to deal with both gender reassignment _and_ an abusive mother) such a dream would not be unusual. She's just a kid - she shouldn't have to deal with stuff like sex yet!

(Of course, if you believe Freud, then such a dream would not be uncommon for any child...)

I really like your story, but that was a little much in chapter 16... It's just the fact that it was her fater that was in the dream and not someone else. I really hope that she gets the help she needs to fix that problem, and soon.

Hi Katie,
I really liked part 14.
It is fine with me, that you let the story guide you.
Hugs, Fran

Hi Katie,

Enjoying the story. I must admit, Vivian is written as a quite scary (unhinged even) character here. She rules by fear. I just hope she doesn't do anything stupid. Keep it up.

Karen.

Katie, you are doing fine hon.
You keep on writing.
Hugs, Fran

I am glad that the story did not end with the last chapter, I look forward to happy endings. I can understand the mother. A strict religious environment can be as much abuse as an alcoholic household, only of a different kind. She needs counseling and a program to overcome her problems. Abuse leads to more abuse unless it is addesssed. I'm glad that Emily is becoming more accepting of her fate. She will learn that being a girl can be more fun than being a boy. I look forward to reading more of this interesting story.
Hugs, Toni

i really love the story so far . but having a hard time understanding the mother. i am very pleased to see that emily didnt die and it was just a vision i was so releived. i hope her mother gets her head bolted on right soon and am looking forward to reading more i love the store thanks

Thank you Katie,
I much prefer this ending to what I assumed was the last chapter before. Yes this chapter brought tears, but for me that is a good thing.
Hugs, Fran

Please dont let that be the end.

:(

Katie is this how you want to end this story?

I know real life can be cruel......

Hugs, Fran

Little Katie no longer has internet access but I read all comments and e-mail sent to her over the phone twice a week.

Her work is being posted to StorySite and FictionMania by a volunteer, just as it appeared originally on BigCloset.

Little Katie has also written a novel "God Bless the Child" which will be coming out in trade paperback from Publish America sometime this fall. It's a very tense and dramatic story about a policeman who tries to rescue a gender-confused and abused child.

If you'd like to receive a notice from Publish America when the novel is available for order, you can e-mail me your address or snail mail me at Joyce Melton, 16478 Beach
Blvd. #151, Westminster CA 92683-7860. I'm Little Katie's literary agent and editor. :)

- Erin

Hi Katie:

I have read this somewhere else so I haven't really been reading the story here on Crystal's but I noticed part six was posted so I skimmed through it a bit.  You need to read or have someone else read the story and fix the errors.  Can I ask you why you posted it again without fixing the errors?  They aren't bad errors as such, but they do "jump out" at you.

The mom character sure took a harsh turn.  I hope this isn't going to slowly turn into another dominant mother feminization story.

THIS IS A VERY WELL WRITTEN STORY .IT IS A PLEASURE TO READ AND FEEL THIS STORY AS IT HAPPENS .THANK YOU ,THANK YOU ,THANK YOU.

It's me again Katie.  :)
You go girl!
Hugs, Fran

Hi Katie  :)
Thank you for a wonderful story. I looked forward to reading more of it.
Hugs, Fran

Tragic, but hmm interesting, wonder myself how it would have been, awaiting the next chapter of this..
Michelle

Enjoyed the story. Though it was a shock for the main character sure alot of those who wish to be a girl would like something like that to of happened.  I just came across the story with the latest update part and hadn't read the first parts pervious but would of like to of seen it move on from the hospital recover phase a little more quicker in the last part posted. Hope more parts will come to see how her friends get along with her and such.

Hi Katie

I just finished reading your story, and the thoughts crossed my mind about how I would have loved to be a girl when I was younger.  Your main character is getting that opportunity, although it was a real (and understandable) shock to her.  I hope we can expect to read more about how mom and dad help her to adjust and explore her new life.  Hopefully, she adjusts and learns to enjoy being a girl with all the pleasures it brings.

Being an author myself, I know how difficult it is sometimes to come up with ideas.  So, I wish you the best in coming up with continuations on this story.  I'd certainly like to see more.

Best Wishes
Karen Michelle

Dearest Katie

This is a wonderful powerful story for more reasons than I can possibly list.  It's simply too real to not be true.  I felt as if I was watching a real family's story unfold before my eyes.  I had such empathy for the characters you have created.  When John Sr. talked to his comatose son about the life changing decision to be made, it all seemed so real, it brought tears to my eyes.  John Jr./Emily's reaction to everything, her denial, her anger, and her eventual acceptance was right in line with a real life situation I believe.  

Thank you for taking me on such an incredible journey.  I look forward to walking along with Emily in the future.

Bless you love,  Maggie da Kitten

i'm looking forword to the next chapter. to see how Emily deals with coming home.

I love the story. How soon can we expect Part 2?  Don't leave us in suspense.  We want to know how Emily handles the change when she wakes up.

after my scooter was in an autowreck. i joked about almost becoming the eldest sister. so Emily's story comes close to what happened to me. i ended up a broken leg & a cracked pelvis. i'm able to get around fairly well. i hope that Emily is able have a happy life after she comes home. i hope that she can go on doing the things that she likes to do. maybe her friends will treat her the same. i know that my sisters could play baseball like any of the boys we grew up with if not better.