Field Notes

Recent findings on topics affecting me and, perhaps, you too. Read my thoughts on these matters and the articles that inspired them.

Personal Stories & Advocacy

The Power of Pets

March 24, 2025

Harvey, an Aussiedoodle, joined our household in March of 2023. Before him we had Reggie, the sweetest goldendoodle. He died at eleven years old, too early, in my opinion. Absolutely distraught, grieving Reggie was unlike any other loss I'd felt. Reggie cuddled and consoled. As I recovered from surgeries and suffered flare ups from my rheumatoid arthritis, he comforted me. What would I do in a couple of months as I recovered from my third operation on my right foot, I wondered? Historically, my depression intensified after operations, I needed a dog by my side. My campaign for a new one resulted in Harvey, who brought me the companionship I desired.

Heart.Org

Meet Melissa

Melissa Royce is a writer, speaker, and literary curator based in Asheville, North Carolina.
With a background in theater, education, and public speaking, she crafts narratives that explore resilience, connection, and transformation. Her work appears in The Great Smokies Review and the Southern Review of Books. She recently completed her memoir, Fiery Grace.

read BIOGRAPHY

More events are coming soon!

There are no upcoming events at the moment, but more are on the way. Check back soon for updates on readings, workshops, and appearances.

Field Notes

A gathering of information that may help me and, perhaps, you too. These are links to articles about rheumatoid arthritis, chronic illnesses and applicable medical findings.

View all notes
Book Excerpts

Latest Discourse

If Nobody Knows, Then Nothing’s Wrong

A Selection from Fiery Grace, my Memoir

Read More