Charles Wiegand - Author

The Algebra of Storytelling: Why Consistency is the Real Magic

May 6, 2026

"In the algebra of fantasy, A times B doesn't have to equal B times A. But, once established, the equation must hold throughout the story."
—Lloyd Alexander (1965)

In just one sentence, Lloyd Alexander offers a deceptively simple truth that every storyteller—regardless of genre—needs to hear.

At first glance, his quote seems aimed exclusively at fantasy writers. After all, he was the mind behind The Chronicles of Prydain, a richly imagined world of enchantment and epic quests. But the wisdom in his words travels far beyond dragons and spells. It speaks to every writer shaping a narrative, whether that world unfolds in outer space, a 1940s detective’s office, or a quiet town café.

On the Daily Ritual of Writing

April 25, 2026

"Some days you go to your office, and you're the only one who shows up, none of the characters show up, and you sit there by yourself, feeling like an idiot. And some days, everybody shows up ready to work. You have to show up at your office every day. If an idea comes by, you want to be there to get it in."
--William Thomas Harris III (1940– )
From Hannibal Lecter's Creator Cooks Up Something New (No Fava Beans or Chianti) (May 18, 2019)

Sitting down to write, with or without inspiration, gives creativity room to bloom.

Writing Prompt 5: The One Secret Rule - Build Your Character's Core

April 16, 2026

Every character has a belief, a rule, or a personal code that quietly drives their choices. Sometimes it's conscious ("Never trust anyone."), sometimes it's buried so deep they don't even see it themselves ("If I don't stay strong, everything will fall apart.").

Your job is to find it and then break it.

Writing Prompt 4: The Mirror Scene - Show Who They Really Are

April 9, 2026

Sometimes the clearest way to reveal a character isn't through their thoughts, it's through the people who challenge, irritate, or even quietly admire them. A "mirror" character forces the protagonist to see themselves in a way they normally avoid.

This exercise uses contrast or reflection to make your protagonist's inner truth impossible to ignore.

Writing Prompt 3: The Reversal Test - Break the Expected

April 2, 2026

Once you've uncovered your character's wounds, it's time to add tension by breaking their pattern. We all have habits, defenses, and predictable reactions, but the most memorable moments come when a character goes against their own nature.

This exercise is about taking what's familiar and flipping it. Why? Because when a character finally acts differently, it tells the reader, "This matters."