Trouble with master pages text frames not applying to doc

Suddenly having an issue with this basic task. I'm setting up a book index (I've tried both independently setting it up as a new doc to have its pages moved, as well as setting up directly within the book) and getting stuck as my settings on the new master aren't producing a text frame on the document pages to work with. To trouble shoot, the steps taken were:

1. New Master selected from Panel flyout
2. Confirmed page size is same as all others
3. Margins and Columns > input the same margins, but as the new Master needs 3 flowing columns, they are set up here, with gutter specs. I did not try using "Enable Layout Adjustment"
4. On this master, with the text tool I draw a frame encompassing the 3 columns, and repeat on the facing page
5. Ctrl. B for Text Frame options > input 3 columns with gutter specs, precisely overlaying the columns set up.
6. Apply master to new pages for the index

At this point, I should have a selectable text frame on the document set up for the index pages, yes? No matter how I click or select on the area, I can't get text into the document. I can do it on the master, just not on the pages. I've held ctrl to try unlock it. No avail. Something simple is being overlooked. Thank you