I can tell you what has worked for me is to have about two different stories that I am working on: one that I try to focus most of my time and creative energy on, but the second one to jump to when I hit roadblocks in the first. Crafting a story is a bit like doing a puzzle, but when I can’t see the solution no amount of forcing it will make it happen. But turning to my "alternate" story sometimes helps my brain subconsciously find a path forward and I’ll bounce back and forth between the two stories. In the end you have to do what’s most productive for you.