Author: R. Ross Horton II

Heroes, Villains, and Lawyers – New Orleans Travelogue Part 3

This is an excerpt from my first book, Love Songs and Suicide: A Travel Memoir, Romance, and Tragic Musical Comedy. The first section is available for free. If you haven’t read a sample from my book yet, I’d recommend starting with chapter one. The book is also available on Amazon.   Chapter 3. Heroes, Villains, […]

All About Dating – Therapy Blog #7

“When is the relaunch?” my therapist asked. I’d just told her that I was about to enter the dating scene again after an extended hiatus. “Soon,” I told her. “I’m having some lady in Bangladesh fix up my profile pictures as we speak.” “Oh yeah?” Shannon, my therapist, asked with a laugh. “Yeah, just some […]

A Short Story (My First Since Finishing My Book)

The picture above is of me and Winston, my unfixed 150-pound Newfoundland (TMI, sorry). It was taken in 1994, the same year in which the story you’re about to read takes place. This is the first significant writing project I took on after completing my book, Love Songs and Suicide: A Travel Memoir, Romance, and […]

French Quarter – New Orleans Travelogue Part 2

This is an excerpt from my book, Love Songs and Suicide: A Travel Memoir, Romance, and Tragic Musical Comedy. The first section is available for free. If you haven’t read a sample from my book yet, I’d recommend starting with chapter one. The book is also available on Amazon.   Chapter 2. French Quarter   […]

R. Ross Horton – Professional Killer with Words and Music

Thanks for visiting my online portfolio. My name is Robert. Sometimes I go by Ross, my middle name. I’m a contract killer who slays his victims with words (and music). In a good way, of course. Stories that Sell and Jingles that Stick (a Short Bio) Last year I published my first book—Love Songs and […]

Exposure Therapy and a Panic Attack – Therapy Journal #6

Exposure therapy is the type of therapy I Know I need. But it terrifies me. In exposure therapy, patients effectively face their fears in controlled situations. For example, if someone has a horrible case of social anxiety (as I do), they would intentionally place themselves in social situations that make them uncomfortable. Over time, if […]

Hangovers Upon Hangovers – New Orleans Travelogue Part 1

This is an excerpt from my first book Love Songs and Suicide: A Travel Memoir, Romance, and Tragic Musical Comedy. The book is also available on Amazon.   Chapter 1. Father and Son   My 69-year-old father and I were sitting outside on the Steamboat Natchez, a New Orleans cruise ship. “That jazz band is […]

A Surprise Diagnosis – Therapy Journal #5

I was in the market for a new psychiatrist. And my weekly therapist, Shannon, had a recommendation for me: Dr. Gillis, who was based in my home state of Florida. Dr. Gillis was an MD rather than a DO—like my previous psychiatrist—and had an impressive resume, with a variety of peer-reviewed articles to her credit, […]

My Apocalyptic Party Song (and the Pitch I Wrote for it way Back in 2020)

Of all the songs I’ve written, this is one people seem to like the most. I’m not sure why.It’s fun. And most of my material isn’t necessarily “fun,” just as I am not necessarily fun.But yeah…I’m just gonna post it…No edits. Original post title below. Now or Never, a Post-Corona Party Anthem – The Top […]

Weight Gain Worries – Therapy Blog #4

My prescription for Effexor, an antidepressant, arrived by mail. But by the time it arrived, I already knew I wasn’t interested in taking the medication. After I researched the drug, I determined that weight gain was one of its many potential side effects. Granted, that side effect was not reported in the drug’s clinical trials. […]