For a new writer, establishing a routine is the most important factor to ensure success in finishing your book. Although you have great ideas, it may seem impossible to find time to sit down and develop them. Set aside at least 15 minutes a day for writing. This will motivate you to write and help create your writing routine. As you settle into the routine, increase your daily writing time to between one and two hours for maximum productivity.
Many beginning writers can complete the first draft of a book with no problem but later have trouble revising. The result is an inferior book that is hard to sell to a publisher. Revision is of the utmost importance. After you finish drafting your book, change your writing routine into an editing routine for at least a month. Everything is subject to revision, from the overall structure to individual words in any sentence. A good strategy is to start with a "global" overview and work your way to small details.
For each book you write, start a "book bible." In a binder, create a section for your characters, one for your plot, one for your setting, etc., and add any notes you make while writing and editing your book. This can help you visualize the finished product and trace your progress as you write. For a new writer, to whom the process of writing a book can seem discouraging, a book bible can show concrete progress you have made.
On a practical level, having the best writing tools will make you more likely to finish your first book. Set aside writing space in your home, even if you do not have an office. Your work space should be peaceful (or at least quiet) and inspiring. If you write by hand, invest in good pens and notebooks; if you write at a computer, make your word processing page full-screen to avoid distractions by other program or tool icons. The objective is to establish a writing environment that makes you look forward to your work.