I’m Melissa Harrell, and I’m so glad you’ve dropped in! Whether you’re here out of curiosity or just wandering the web, I’m thrilled to share a bit of my world with you. I’m a counselor, writer, and speaker currently adventuring overseas, supporting the mental health of our amazing military service members and their families.
When I’m not in counselor mode, you’ll probably find me exploring new places, jotting down stories, or chasing good coffee and great conversations. I’m all about sharing the journey—ups, downs, and everything in between—so feel free to tag along by checking out my blog or hanging out with me on social media.
Let’s connect, laugh, learn, and grow together. Ready? Let’s go!
Common Threads: Why the Answers to the Present Lie in the Past
After a major life crisis, Melissa wrote this moving memoir which weaves together her personal life and professional work. She provides resiliency tips, inspirational and uplifting scriptures, and insight and commentary based on her own experiences. Sure to inspire not only those facing challenges but those supporting them.
Order Common Threads: Why the Answers to the Present Lie in the Past
Grounds for Return follows Michelle Richardson as she returns to Chatham, North Carolina, after twenty years in the military to support her sister through a medical crisis. Back in her hometown, Michelle reconnects with family, old friends, and a potential new love, all while confronting the lingering effects of a past tragedy. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant small town, this emotionally rich story explores healing, faith, and the enduring power of home, hope, and human connection.
Order Grounds for Return: A Yadkin Valley Novel
Recent Blog Posts
Holiday Blues: When it’s Not the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
“Every Who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, was singing! Without any presents at all! He HADN’T stopped Christmas from coming! IT CAME! Somehow or other, it came just the same!”—Dr. Suess, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas Memories are powerful things. They can...
Well at least…Common Threads Addendum Part 2
After wrapping up Common Threads, a very personal memoir, my goal was to put my artistic energy into fiction writing. I felt that I had said all I needed to about my personal journey. I was eager to dive into creating new characters and chapters, preferably fictional...
Common Threads: Addendum Part 1
Write the book that you want to read. That is the adage drilled into writers. Today marks six months since Common Threads was published and over the last few months for me, that motto shifted from write the book you want to read, to write the book you will NEED to...
Grounds for Return: The Making of a Book
So, what is your cinnamon? What will you persist at until you get that sweet taste of satisfaction? Whatever it is, I invite you to join me on your quest to tear away, board by board, until you reach that delicious prize Don’t let anyone tell you that your cinnamon cannot be reached, the only limitations that you have are the ones that you set on yourself.
A Mental Health Therapist Response to School Shootings
I told myself that I was not going to respond publicly to the tragedy in Texas. For once I was going to sit it out because today should be all about my daughter. Today is her high school graduation. “Stay focused, stay in your lane, and just keep doing your job...