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Articles by Paul Willson
I’m An Anxious Avoidant
Photo by Alexandra Gorn on Unsplash Member-only story Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- Two weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Anxious (Avoidant) Personality Disorder. It has been a tough couple of years for me with my mental health. To get this diagnosis doesn’t make me happy, but it gives meaning to feelings I’ve had for most of my life.
Alienation - Chapter 4
Aris confronts his mother about his childhood Paul Willson · Follow 6 min read · -- Find all chapters here Margaret hugged Aristotle warmly, “It is so good to see you. I’m so glad your father has put you somewhere safe.” “He’s not my father!” Aristotle retorted irritably as he sat down. His comment made his mother sigh with disappointment. “Aristotle, not this again! Your father took us in.
Alienation - Chapter 3
Aris is convicted of treason and taken from the hospital by Frieda to a mysterious house. Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- Aris felt less of a patient and more like a prisoner in his hospital bed. He was bound to the bed at all times. His bonds were only loosened for meals. He could see how nervous the medical staff were whenever they entered. He was a dangerous rebel. He was a trained killer, ready to escape at the slightest opportunity. Guards were stationed outside. All visitors were prohibited.
Aris Wakes Up In Hospital
Aris Wakes Up In Hospital Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- Aris’s eyes began to flitter open. The first thing he heard was the beeps of the heart monitor. A soft familiar hand holding his own and his fingers began to curl around it. “Aristotle?” the concerned and familiar woman’s voice of the hand asked.
A Rebel Attack Goes Wrong
A Rebel Attack Goes Wrong Paul Willson · Follow 3 min read · -- Aris moved stealthily through the dark crowded street. He gently pushed through the throng of the crowd. The streetlights allowed his cap to cast a long shadow over his face. He danced between the blind spots of the security cameras dotted around him. The cameras were his only fear. They were designed with facial recognition in mind and finding a face they could not see would raise an alarm and the street would be flooded with soldiers.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 28
Carmen Writes Her Thesis On Vampires Paul Willson · Follow 3 min read · -- Carmen took a deep breath after she finished writing and rubbed her eyes. It had me almost a year since she had burned Hugo. She thought of him often. Although she struggled to come to terms with the idea of vampires, she couldn’t help but be vigilant for signs that a person could be a vampire. She couldn’t say she missed Hugo. He always appeared sincere and never harmed her, but he was a being that preyed on people.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 25
Brice’s Life Ends Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- Brice for the first time Carmen had met him, looked afraid. He was trapped. The figure at the door cast a towering shadow over her as he passed. He was huge. Taller than Hugo. Taller than Brice. The scraping sound made Carmen look. His long hair was blonde, tied tightly back in a ponytail. He had a calm confidence, yet his eyes were dead. Behind him, he dragged a long axe. Brice’s eyes darted between the two old vampires, unsure what to do.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 24
Hugo and Brice Fight Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- It was like a gust of wind that left Carmen choking and gasping for breath on the floor. It took her several moments and a noise to know that Hugo had come to her rescue. First, she saw Brice lying prostrate and still on the ground, then she saw Hugo. He looked different. There was a darkness about him. He wasn’t the charming young man she knew. He looked older and dangerous. Brice slowly rose from the floor laughing darkly, “That hurt.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 23
Carmen Confronts Brice Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- Carmen entered the dark old warehouse and searched for the light switch with the torch on her phone. If she hadn’t been so frightened it would have felt like a cliché. An old, isolated warehouse at night, where no one can hear you scream or help you. It was straight out of those bad, gory horror movies she watched as a teenager. A letter brought her to where she was. It was an old-fashioned letter sent in the post to her surgery.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 22
Hugo Returns With News Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- Since Hugo’s visit to tell her Brice Hargreaves was coming for her, Carmen had become tense and fearful. Every unexpected noise, every shadow in every corner terrified her. She was terrified that it could be Brice. There was a time she would have seen someone’s claim of being a vampire as a sign of delusion and mental illness. She wouldn’t have laughed. She would have taken their claim seriously but would want to treat it.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 21
Brice’s Travels Back To America Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- Brice Hargreaves walked along the bank of the Potomac River in Washington D.C. in a happy mood. He had returned to America a couple of months ago. It had been a long journey. It was a journey being constantly on the run. He used Helene Dufour’s money for as long as possible paying in cash where possible. He then murdered another woman. He kept killing whenever he needed more money. As hard as it had been, it was liberating.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 20
Hugo continues his story Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- Whatever the fear she felt of Hugo, it was nothing compared to her fear of Colonel Brice Hargreaves. “What? Why is coming here?” “He is obsessed with you. He blames you for a wrong done to him?” “Wrong?” Carmen was incredulous. “How can that man blame me for a wrong done to him after what he did to me?” She thought to herself. “What is he blaming me for?” “I do not know but you need to know he is not the same person you knew before.
Talking Like A Girl
Photo by Robert Eklund on Unsplash Or how to respond to your wife/girlfriend when they are venting about their day Paul Willson · Follow 3 min read · -- When your wife or girlfriend gives birth to a daughter, as a father being protective comes naturally. Carrying her to bed, carrying when she is tired, making sure she is safe. Making sure she has her meals made for her. Then you find you grow an interest that you never had before in ballet and other forms of dance because your daughter is doing it.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 16
Colonel Hargreaves has gone missing and two people have been murdered Paul Willson · Follow 3 min read · -- Carmen went cold. What did “missing” mean? She knew Colonel Hargreaves wasn’t a man who got kidnapped. She was now afraid, very afraid. Major Dunedin’s face went white. She was in command of the trip, despite Colonel Hargreaves’s seniority. She knew she would face consequences for her distraction. A very annoyed French detective approached David Edwards and whispered in his ear.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 15
Carmen visits Amiens and asks questions about Hugo Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- The journey the following day to Amiens was a long one. Carmen had woken early and was carrying a cup of strong coffee in the car. Carmen rode in the car with Major Nicole Dunedin, and Colonel Hargreaves once again travelled separately. Major Dunedin was a highly talkative person who told Carmen she was from Phoenix, Arizona and majored in psychology at Arizona State.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 14
Carmen arrives in Germany Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- The transport plane shook as it landed. “Welcome to Germany, Dr Martinez,” an officer greeted her as she gratefully walked off the plane. “Germany? I wanted to go to France,” Carmen told angrily turning to Colonel Hargreaves as they walked to the buildings at the military base. “Relax, there isn’t an American military base in France. We will drive to Amiens and stay in a hotel,” Colonel Hargreaves told her.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 13
Carmen goes to Lebanon to find out more about Hugo Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- Carmen arrived at the bunker. She flew to Lebanon by an army transport plane. It was a long and uncomfortable flight. She was staying at a US military base which was hardly a five-star resort. All in all, she was not happy at all. The weather was not overly hot but much warmer than Virginia, however, growing up in Arizona meant she was used to and welcomed the arid climate.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 12
Carmen tries to move on but Colonel Hargreaves finds her Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- Carmen sat in her office reading her case notes. It had been a year since she had been at the facility. She had reported Colonel Hargreaves to the Pentagon and was promised that it would be, “looked into”, but she was told that any attempt to discuss what happened to her would mean a long prison sentence and possible trial in a military court.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 10
Carmen Comes To Terms With Her Ordeal. Lance Corporal Jimenez Suffers A Surprise Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- Carmen slowly opened her eyes. A shaft of light shone through the windows. As the fog of sleep cleared from her head, memories of the previous night came back to her. Did it really happen? Her nakedness, the ache in her shoulders from having her hands above her head for so long and the stickiness between her legs made her realise it did.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 9
Hugo Disappoints Carmen. Carmen Suffers A Horrific Ordeal Paul Willson · Follow 10 min read · -- Carmen got out of bed. She had an important discussion with Hugo and felt terrible from lack of sleep. She had no idea why she dreamt what she did, but she decided that the sooner this week was over, she could return home. She reasoned these dreams were caused by the stress of being at the facility at the facility. The sooner she left, the sooner she could return to her normal frame of mind.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 8
Hugo Tells Carmen His Strange Story Paul Willson · Follow 3 min read · -- Carmen woke and thought about her dreams. They were the same once again. However, this time the face of Hugo appeared in one of her erotic dreams. She didn’t understand why, she wasn’t attracted to him, but it they pleasant all the same. She went down to the cell block as usual and met with Hugo, “Bonjour Carmen! I’m pleased to see you return. I enjoyed our conversation yesterday.” Bonjour Hugo, cava?” Carmen asked tentatively.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 7
Carmen Connects With The Prisoner Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- Carmen lay in bed once again lost in thought. Her dreams disturbed her even more than the night before. It wasn’t the nightmares that disturbed her. It was that she had the same dreams again and the erotic dreams once played out as before but as she looked at the face it was just a faceless man, not Brice Hargreaves like before. She wanted to be pleased about that but for some reason, she wasn’t.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 6
Carmen Has Strange Dreams Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- Carmen ate her dinner in her room and then went to bed early. Her sleep was disturbed by strange vivid dreams, some frightening, some nice, some erotic. When Carmen woke, she lay in bed thinking. She thought about her dreams. The psychiatrist in her didn’t mind dreaming, even nightmares were okay. It was just her brain dealing with recent events. However, her dreams the night before were intense and unexpected.
The 3 Worst Pieces Of Book Marketing Advice To Help New Authors?
Photo by frame harirak on Unsplash They Are Just Unhelpful Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- I’ve been self-publishing books since September 2023, but it wasn’t until May 2024 that I have been taking it seriously. Taking it seriously means trying to make money from it. I have two pen names, Paul Willson, writing mainly fantasy, and Sean Dalton, writing mainly erotic romance. Like most authors, I found the writing part to be the easiest.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 4
Carmen Discovers Why She Is At The Facility Paul Willson · Follow 4 min read · -- Carmen woke and felt Brice’s empty side of the bed. He had probably left in the night. She didn’t mind it was an enjoyable evening, the sex was spectacular, and she wasn’t expecting any commitment, nor did she want any. Even so it would have been nice to wake up next to somebody. Carmen looked at the clock next to the bed, 7:30am. Time to get up. She showered at dressed before heading to the officers’ mess for breakfast.
Life and Death of Vampires - Chapter 2
Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash Carmen Arrives At The Military Base Paul Willson · Follow 3 min read · -- The car carrying Dr Martinez slowed, turned and several minutes later stopped. Dr Martinez could hear talking outside then her window lowered. The sunlight blinded her for a moment and when her vision returned, she saw a soldier looking at her intently at what looked like a gatehouse. “Dr Carmen Martinez?” the soldier inquired. Dr Martinez looked at the soldier.
Life and Death of Vampires - Introduction
Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash Thesis Paul Willson · Follow 6 min read · -- Before we can talk about the life and death of a vampire we must first talk about the birth of a vampire. The birth of a vampire must not be confused with their human birth when their mothers give birth to them. No, the birth of a vampire is when what some might call a soul leaves their body, yet the body continues to exist as if alive, sustained by the consumption of human blood.
Chasing a Phantom - Chapter 5
Morgan Gains A Couple Of Leads From His Hospital Bed Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- “Jesus Christ, Morgan! Look at you! Don’t you ever get tired of the beatings?” Morgan’s sister, Orla, shrilled, the following morning, as she looked at her brother with disdain. “Mum!” Izzy, Orla’s thirteen-year-old daughter, admonished her mother with a whispered shout so as not to disturb anyone else on the ward as she sat on the bed with her uncle, holding his arm tightly.
Chasing a Phantom - Chapter 4
DCI Oscar Randell Is Given A New Investigation From The Top Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- DCI Oscar Randell sat outside Nigel Wood’s , the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, office waiting to be called in. The waiting area was plush in contrast to the rest of the building. He had no idea why he was here, but it had to be better than the last time he was at Scotland Yard when he was under investigation for planting evidence.
Chasing a Phantom - Chapter 3
Morgan Discovers Member Of The Government Are Being Murdered Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- Morgan Porter’s journalistic instincts kicked at the sound of a VIP entering the ICU. When the doctor had gone, he gingerly got up off the bed and shuffled over to the ICU door to try and overhear any information he could. He could see the waiting press through a window.
Morgan Porter Takes His Punishment
Morgan Porter Takes His Punishment Paul Willson · Follow 5 min read · -- Morgan Porter left his favourite Isleworth café and there was a car waiting with a couple of heavies waiting for him next to it. It was parked on yellow lines, but it would have been the bravest or stupidest of traffic wardens who would have given them a parking ticket. “Porter, the boss ain’t happy with what you wrote on your blog and what you did to his business.
Chasing a Phantom - Chapter 1
Justice Served Paul Willson · Follow 6 min read · -- Auberon “Aubie” Claude De Villiers Wycliffe MP finished the fine single malt in his glass. It was a particularly good single malt. It was a fifty-year-old Highland malt. The aroma and smoothness gave it away as something very special. He gave a wry smile; it was expensive, and he probably shouldn’t have bought it but today was a good day and it was right to celebrate. Aubie had just been made a junior whip.
Letters of Life and Death - Extra
Paul Willson · Follow 2 min read · -- My dear son, Ayri We are writing to you out of shame and relief that you are alive and well. Princess Oriana has told us that you and she have been corresponding and that you pleaded with her for help to avoid execution. When you were born, the country rejoiced at the prospect of the first Lashkir in centuries. Histories tell us that the existence of a Lashkir brought glory and wealth to the kingdom and that almost all Lashkir were slain in battle.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 23
Paul Willson · Follow 2 min read · -- Dearest Ayri I write to you in secret, out of habit than of necessity. I confessed to my father that we had been corresponding and he told me he already knew. He scolded me severely for being reckless yet expressed pride for what we have achieved. I met Gyvern Trailsmith once again. We embraced openly in friendship. You were right about her. She is a great ally of peace. So, for the peace conference. I am overjoyed to tell you that peace has been achieved.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 22
Paul Willson · Follow 1 min read · -- Oh Ayri! Your country’s army has returned to its side of the border. There is calm between them. For the first time in years, there is peace. Your father has proposed a peace conference on the border. My father has agreed. An invitation with both your father’s and my father’s signature has been sent to the Kingdom of Rurik to mediate. My father has insisted that I attend too.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 21
Paul Willson · Follow 2 min read · -- My wonderful Oriana You have done it! You have achieved what no man has done or tried to do. I feel so much pride and joy for you. When peace is declared, it will forever be yours. Have faith in Gyvern Trailsmith. She is a woman of her word. Her determination will force my father to do the right thing. If my father refuses to see her, she will present the evidence to my mother. My country will join yours in declaring peace. Of that, I have no doubt.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 20
Paul Willson · Follow 1 min read · -- My dearest friend Ayri You will have noticed you have a neighbour, the aide to the Chief Minister! He has been charged with treason. The Chief Minister has resigned in shame. My father has written to your father to sue for peace. He has ordered that our army is to return to the border. We have never been so close to peace. My heart is filled with joy.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 19
Paul Willson · Follow Just now -- My patient friend Ayri I have met with Gyvern Trailsmith in the utmost secrecy. She is a woman who demands admiration. She is brave, determined and strong. She agrees with my assessment of this nefarious warmongering by the Western Isles Confederate. She suspected their involvement in the beginning. We have devised a plan to present the evidence of the plot to our respective kings at the same time to stop anyone from interfering with our quest for peace.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 17
Paul Willson · Follow Just now -- My heroic Oriana Hearing your news fills me with anger. I would change the term of the Lashkir. I plead with you for my freedom so I can fight the Western Isles Confederate. The Lashkir would be known as a force of vengeance, not as a lucky charm in battle. I am lucky I have you as a friend. The world will know you as its saviour. Trust Gyvern Trailsmith. She will prove to be a determined friend to you. Do not under any circumstance underestimate her.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 15
Paul Willson · Follow Just now -- My brave Oriana Correspond with Gyvern Trailsmith. She works for my mother, but she also works for my country’s intelligence. I remember she had suspicions before the war. What these suspicions were I cannot remember. I do remember she was silenced and sent to work for my mother. I sit here in my cell in frustration. If I had my freedom, I would return to find the truth. Please, please keep yourself safe. I still fear for your safety.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 14
Paul Willson · Follow 1 min read · -- My Dear Ayri I fear for my emissaries. It has been many weeks since I last wrote to you, and I wish I had some good news for you but alas I do not. I’ve had word that some of my emissaries have been killed. Some are missing without a word. Two have returned with no information. Someone is trying to silence the truth. I am in no doubt that there is a nefarious scheme to prolong the war. I am convinced men entrusted with power have been bribed.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 13
Paul Willson · Follow 1 min read · -- My wonderful Ayri You have unlocked the key to this mystery. I got an artist to draw his likeness, and we began asking those who he may have come in contact with. They tell me his name is Hurst Gundren, Kell Orgress and Victor Druin. With so many names for one man, it is clear he enjoys using aliases. I wonder if Endrest Hardrake is his real name. I am doubtful. I have dispatched emissaries to the Western Isles in the utmost secrecy.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 12
Paul Willson · Follow 2 min read · -- Valient Oriana I am enjoying so much the books you have generously gifted me. Time has become less of a burden, and you have given me the ability to escape this small cell, if only for a while. I have put some thought into who this man is you seek information on. The only person I can think of who this could be is Endrest Hardrake, a weapons trader from the Western Isles Confederate.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 11
Paul Willson · Follow 2 min read · -- My brave Ayri I was so happy to see you at your trial. My happiness was only tempered by not being able to acknowledge you or embrace you, but I know that day will come. I was so relieved to see that you were well. Now your innocence is proven, I will petition my father to have you moved to a larger cell and to make you more comfortable. You faced your accusers valiantly and I have never seen you look so sure of yourself.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 10
Paul Willson · Follow 1 min read · -- My dearest friend, Oriana I wept when I read your letter. I feel like I will soon wake up from this nightmare. I feel like I might just yet have a future. This is thanks to you. I will stand trial willingly. I know of my innocence. I know the witnesses cannot truthfully identify me as the perpetrator of this evil crime for I was not in Euloch province. It is not only proving my innocence I look forward to, but also to see you after all this time.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 9
I hope you will enjoy the books I gave you with this letter. I have been made aware of a meeting between the Chief Minister’s aide and someone from your country. Who they are is uncertain, but it is strange. Were they discussing peace or something more nefarious? Is this treason? Were they discussing you? Does my father know? I must discover more. The Chief Minister is the biggest influence on my father in continuing this senseless war. It worries me that he is talking to those in your country.
Letters of Life and Death - Part 7
I’m afraid. Our allies are being murdered. I do not know how. We are working under the utmost secrecy. Furthermore, my chambers were ransacked. I am sure the perpetrators were looking for witness statements that prove your innocence. I worry that one among us is a traitor. Someone must be informing our enemies of who we are. I’m afraid to write to you in case our letters are being read. I fear I have stumbled upon something far bigger than we could imagine. I fear you are just a pawn in a wider game.
Letters of Life and Death
Do not put yourself in danger for me. I would die happy if it meant you were safe. Since I read your last letter, I have slept little. I lie awake worrying about you. I do not want you to suffer for me. I too wish for the war to end, though, I do wonder if a Lashkir will ever go free. What you say is true, I never wanted to be the Lashkir, but I got caught up in the excitement of no longer being in my older brothers’ shadows. I was young and never truly understood what it meant to be a Lashkir.
The Demon and The Raven
Andras confidently walked into the large throne room, a throne room dedicated to the vanity of a conquered dynasty. His black armour gleamed malevolently, his red cloak flowing behind him, contrasting with his blond hair. His cold blue eyes stared straight ahead. The scar running down his cheek gave him an added appearance of malevolence. Soldiers from his conquering army stood to attention on either side of him creating a guard of honour. All that stood against him were defeated.
Playing Sports With Your Child
By Paul Willson Today I was playing sports with my 7-year-old son. It was a pleasant afternoon, if not particularly warm for late May, so having a game or two of sports with my boisterous son felt like a good idea. First up was basketball. It is not my game at all and not one I enjoy playing. To make it more interesting we invented a new game. A game that was more fun. A...
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