EmBolden

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Read these carefully to find out more about Emma's bespoke service:

How much does it cost?

I've genuinely kept my costs as low as possible, and for the first six months I'll be offering all slots at half price (£10.61 - £10 plus 61 pence admin fee). It's less than a third of the fee I receive for tutoring and writing jobs.

How does it work?

1. Request a slot now and Emma will email you a simple form for completion. (Remember to check social/spam folders if necessary)
2. When you receive it, click on the 'FILL OUT FORM' button.
2. Complete the short questionnaire. Be as honest as you can. Make sure the opening section contains one clear question.
3. Make sure you read and tick the ‘terms and conditions’ statement.
4. Click 'Submit'
5. You'll receive a confirmation link to complete your £10.61 PayPal fee.
6. Receive your bespoke and confidential answer within three working days.

Are you a real person?

Yes. First and foremost – this is not a site which provides computer generated replies. There are no algorithms churning out stock answers; there are no ‘copy and paste’ responses. Every single reply will be carefully considered: think about it as advice from a good friend or trustworthy colleague.

What kind of response can I expect?

This is essentially a question-and-answer site. Try to formulate the first part of your submission into a clear question: for example, should I do this … or that …? After analysing your questionnaire I will send your bespoke answer. It will be two or three paragraphs, in no fewer than 300 words.

So how can you possibly answer everyone’s questions? Are you delegating the work to other people?

This was something I had to think long and hard about. The simple answer is no: I can’t and I won’t. There are just 50 slots available per month.

Only 50 slots available? So I’m not guaranteed a response?

Unfortunately not. Though I will let you know. In order to ensure that every submission receives the full attention it deserves, and because I am doing all the work myself, I have decided to limit the number of queries I accept to 50 per month. As this site continues to grow, I hope to extend the number of available slots.

Why three days? I need an answer now. It seems a long time to wait.

I understand that you’re sending your question because you need a clear answer. And that it is a question that’s been weighing heavily on your mind. I promise I will get back to you as soon as I can, but I am one woman working by myself, and I want to pay close attention to your submission.

Are you qualified to answer life questions?

I believe so. Since completing my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, I’ve been working closely with teenagers and young adults for twenty-five years in a professional capacity. I’ve spent my career trying to support my students in their personal and academic endeavours. As well as an educator, I’m a writer. Perhaps, though, the most important skill that’s needed is listening. In this situation, my careful analysis of what you write will be the same as listening. I will get to the heart of what you tell me.

How do I know if this is right for me?

It may sound like a cliché, but we are all different. We may share similar experiences and be confronted by similar choices, but one person’s method of coping can be entirely different to another’s. Please make sure you read the information below: much as I’d love to know how to ensure your hundred-pound investment might make millions, or offer you the best medical advice to help you combat arthritis, I would never claim to have such expertise. Ask me about what to do in any life situation and I’ll give you a clear answer. If I genuinely feel I am not equipped to answer your sincere question I will refund your money (though I’ll happily retain any fees accompanied by silly or inappropriate content!)

Yes, it is a site for people who want to ask a personal question about something that has been on their mind for some time. It is for those who need a clear, confidential answer to a burning question. It can be about anything you like – relationships, online dating, careers, children, future plans, education etc.

No, it is not an information site to provide you with financial or medical advice, facts about university courses, or suggestions about how to handle the menopause or the most suitable method of contraception etc. There are many sites out there that specialise in these areas. I may on occasion, however, refer to something useful I have experience of if I feel it is likely to be of benefit to you.

Why pay for an answer when there are endless blogs and websites out there full of life experiences?

Because this is a unique website with a completely new approach. You will receive bespoke information and I am providing a genuine service – charging less than a third of the amount I receive for tutoring and writing jobs. I will spend no fewer than thirty minutes drafting my response (and significant extra time reading your information and thinking carefully about your individual situation).

You’re worth it. The cost is the same as two beers in your local; an average takeaway for one person; or a drizzle of petrol for your tank! 🙂 You are allowed to spend a small amount on something for yourself, on some clear advice that just might help lift that looming shadow. Of course, you should check other sites that might help. But my thorough research tells me there isn’t another site like this.

Why don’t you share some of the questions and answers on this website?

Confidentiality is key. And everyone’s situation is different. You won’t find your personal answer by looking at someone else’s submission.

What If I don’t like your answer? Can I have my money back?

As much as I’d like to offer this I simply can’t. And, as I’ve made clear, I won’t be writing answers simply to flatter and please people. I genuinely want to support people. Like all of you, I’m working hard to earn a living, and if I spend significant time on each submission I need to be paid. But I’ve taken the possibility of this into account by keeping my fee as low as possible.

Won’t you just tell people what they want to hear? Or encourage them to choose the ‘seize the day’ exciting option? After all, your own story is about deciding to do something difficult.

No. I will always be respectful and diplomatic, but the key aim of my response will be to give you a clear answer. Although I did have the courage to make a huge life change, I know it’s not something that’s right for everyone. There was a whole raft of complicated feelings that I had to navigate, and on many lonely evenings I longed to be able to put that ‘weight’ on someone else’s shoulders for a while – to have a confident professional give me an answer. I will think carefully about your personal situation and spend significant time analysing what it tells me about you. My key aim is to help you make a positive step forward and lift some of your burden. I’m not going to overwhelm you with information or give you long term strategies. I will tell you what I think you should do at this moment in time to help you alleviate the stress of indecision.

I look forward to hearing from you, Em x

Proudly presenting askembolden.com. Check it out and let me know what you think! via

The internet has a million answers; Emma will give you a personal one. A Bespoke Service Difficult choice Personal answer Bespoke answers

Welcome to my brand new site. A unique service. Emma will provide bespoke answers to personal questions.

The internet has a million answers; Emma will give you a personal one.

It's now easier to email EmBolden

Hello and the warmest of welcomes to my site. My name is Emma, and I’ve launched this bespoke service because I genuinely believe I can support people in their need to find answers to some of life’s most challenging questions.

My own story is that a couple of years ago I found myself having to make one of life’s most difficult choices: should I, as a mum of three teenagers, leave a twenty-year marriage and begin a new life? I was working full-time, had a lovely home and had been with my husband since college. But I was extremely unhappy and had spent many years agonising about the fact that I lacked the courage to forge a new path for myself. Despite being surrounded by supportive friends and colleagues, I found myself unable to confide in anyone. After all this time, how could I blurt out the truth about my feelings? My fears? And how could I ever find the courage to hurt someone in the worst way possible?

For so long I had cheerfully constructed the appearance of a woman who had everything going for her. I was preoccupied with a busy career in education and writing, and being chief meal preparer, crisis responder and taxi driver for three growing children seemed more than enough to keep me busy.

But I was bloody lonely.

I’ve often asked myself why I didn’t confide in friends. Why I didn’t turn to my own family members for advice and support. In some ways, I suppose I tested the water a bit. Sought out their opinions on divorce, life changes etc. But all the time I kept wanting to shout, ‘should I do it? Yes or no?’ In those scary times I combed the internet. Desperate to find stories similar to mine. But I wasn’t looking for counselling; and I didn’t feel I particularly wanted to pursue life coaching. I wanted an answer. A simple yes or no that was tailored to my personal situation.

I’m five years further down the road now and I’m extremely happy. Getting here has been a fairly bumpy road (though that’s a story for another day). But now that everything has settled and I’ve been able to process the myriad of experiences on my journey, I’m still acutely aware that there really is a dearth of support out there for those who, like me, sometimes just want a considered and professional response to a burning question. And while life changing decisions like leaving a marriage or emigrating can hardly be made as the result of a single page message from me, there is no doubt that an objective, bespoke response can help us find the courage we need to make decisions.

And I give you my heartfelt promise that that is what I will strive to provide.

EmBolden updated their business hours.