I’ve recently encountered writer’s delay with my novel. I’d call it by its appropriate name, writer’s block, except I’m still writing, trying to work through it. My specific problem is that I’m not exactly getting anywhere, and what’s emerging are snippets of ideas rather than a linear story.

When a story just doesn’t feel like it’s working anymore, instinct tells you to put it aside until inspiration returns. The problem with this is sometimes the characters close themselves off and stop speaking, scenery fades away, and plot fizzles. After months of a blinking cursor and a blank stare, you begin to wonder if the story is meant to be told at all.

What I’ve found is that, too often, the characters are still there, still talking, but we’re so bogged down by outside influences, responsibilities, that their voice is but a faint whisper. Tune in. Listen to them. They will take you where you need to go.

But listen, too, to your instincts. Sometimes the main character isn’t the one doing the talking at all. When voices go silent and you feel your creativity drained, consider writing from another perspective: the villain, the mother, the sister, the neighbor, the best friend…Start fresh with this new point of view and see where it will lead you. You don’t need to use it for your story, necessarily; however, the exercise will open the door for you, allow for creativity to move forward, and perhaps lead you in a new direction, one that might take you by surprise.

Listen to your instincts. Listen to your characters. Your story wants to be told; give another character the chance to tell it.