Writers talk about having conversations with their characters, listening to what their characters say. It's a concept that's hard to grasp, until it happens to you.
I freaked out the first time a character came to me. She said, "I like the feel of dirt on my tongue."
As I listened and asked questions, she spoke more, and every time, I repeated her words into my recorder.
It's an awesome experience to listen to your characters, then watch them come alive on paper. If it hasn't happened to you, don't despair. It will, when you least expect. Practice patience, believe, and talk to your characters. Even if they ignore you. One of them will talk back, when (s)he knows you're ready to listen.
It took about two years of serious writing, before one of my characters paid me a visit; but, I never gave up hope.
Characters do speak. As a writer, you must listen. Any questions?
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