I originally followed the "come up with the plot, follow the outline" commandment. Then I heard the idea that your characters should talk to you, and I thought that sounded like a good idea, but I didn't know how to make it happen.

I didn't have to. At some point a couple character marched into my thoughts and stated barking orders.

DAMN that's annoying!

Readers like those stories better, though. And they're easier to write. Although "easier" in the context of "I need to start on—" "NO YOU DON'T! You're writing this, now!"