A Little About Me

I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English Literature and Folklore and Ethnomusicology, so storytelling has always been a passion of mine. The stories we tell, whether it’s with our words, our bodies, our practices have an unyielding and incredible influence on the world and it’s my dream to help others show what’s in their hearts.

I currently reside in Northwest Arkansas, working in office management, though I only consider this my day job. Beyond work, I spend my time writing, reading, and tabletop gaming.

I decided to start The Refined Gem after purchasing a Kindle and devouring all the romance I could get my hands on. What I noticed was disheartening. These fantastic stories, exploring sexuality and desire, and acting as such a beautiful outlet for female-driven pleasure, have unfortunately been underrepresented when it comes to the publishing side of the literary world. Of course, the major barrier was the cost. If you can’t find an agent for your manuscript, it’s up to you to front whatever it costs to self-publish. Rather than forcing you to forego the polishing process as so many do in self-publishing, I hope I can offer you that service at a price that doesn’t financially ruin you before anyone ever gets to read what you have to offer.

 

In terms of design, I am by no means a Picasso or at the level of many artists out there. But I do have a bit of experience, creating fun prints for family gifts or even designing elements of this site. With the increasing popularity of the Cartoon Cover Phenomenon, of books with adorable, innocent covers containing spice and steam and angst, I knew that this was a service I just had to tack on.

All in all, I want to thank you for taking the time to read a bit about me and what I’d like to do. If you’re an aspiring author—or even if you’re already published and just looking to change things up—I hope you decide that I’m your girl!

— xoxo, Emma