Why I Opted to Pen Down a Therian Book

I wanted to take a minute to share the story behind why I wrote I’m a Therian, So What Now? Truly it is not something I had set out to do; rather it became something I felt compelled to do.

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When the realization hit about my belonging as a Therian, it brought in grappling confusion. One time during dinner, I remember getting dazed off, particularly engrossed as I found myself fixated on the bowl of water my cat was drinking from. Hard to put in perspective, but I didn’t feel like myself. Like, the physical form I occupied was not even mine. All I could recognize was this strange feeling that emerged from within... different. I had no idea how to define it, and even more, I had no idea where to seek assistance.

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As with all teenage folks, the internet became my saving grace. On TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, and so on, there was quite an impressive amount of it. I must admit, in the beginning, I enjoyed that a lot of people talked about the things I also experienced, such as shifts and interaction with theriotypes. But disappointingly, it was not the case in most instances. It was more like some attention-seeking strategy from some people. That made me second-guess myself. Am I really a Therian if I don't do xyz? Or am I just making it all up?

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That self-doubt soon enough escalated in me to an identity crisis. I began to ask myself – is it possible that I am pretending, only that these emotions that I was feeling were so real. I was suffocated by this, it was as though I needed to be somewhere but couldn’t. I turned to a private Therian Discord group nearly out of desperation. I thought they would simply sell me out or might even ridicule me. But to my surprise, I got encouraged instead. They also told me how they felt in a similar situation – lost, full of contradictions, and what helped them to find their way out. It was truly an epiphany. I came to understand that this is a process and every individual will find their own pace and patience to do it.

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It was at that moment that I came to realize how much others may benefit from a properly written book. Not some random information from online, but rather an honest representation of what it really feels like to be a Therian and what may be the cause.  I know too well the feeling of complete isolation and bewilderment and did not wish anyone else to experience it. Therefore, I resolved to make something that would serve as an actual manual for anyone interested in Therianthropy, with particular emphasis on beginners. There is so much out there that is simply not true concerning this phenomenon, and it can become so tiring. I think I aimed to write something that doesn’t lie and that gives a sense of closure and comfort to human beings.

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However, the process of writing this book turned out to be very complicated. It required telling the stories of my own troubles and shortcomings, however, I understood that if my intention can save at least one person, it would be worth it. To me, this book is not only a textbook to help you understand Therianthropy. It is more of providing assurance to the people that they are not by themselves. There is a society waiting for them, and that it is acceptable to take one’s time in knowing one’s self.

In case you are reading this, and whether you have been a Therian for years or don’t understand what it means, this book is for you. I wish it encourages you to embrace who you are instead of making you feel the need to hide it. And after you read this, I want to know your opinion. I want to hear your story also.

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Take care and be who you are,
Leonie 🐾

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