Process Breakdown

[lizvogel]

I am having a problem. I have this story idea. It's a good idea, I like it, but I absolutely cannot get it moving. And the reason I can't get it moving seems to be that the characters are effectively non-existent, just plot roles without personalities. This never happens to me. Characters wander into my head and set up housekeeping at the slightest provocation; in fact, I can't keep the little buggers out. It's plot I normally struggle with. Except this time.

In other circumstances I would figure this story just isn't ready yet, and shove it into the back-brain and let it percolate for a while. But the deadline for the anthology I want to send it to is in five days, so letting it stew in its own time isn't a viable option.

Neither is smacking my head against a wall until it splits open and the necessary story components fall out, but I'm considering it.