All novels--and other stories--have three critical components you need to determine before you start writing: characters, setting, and plot. The characters are the figures who serve as the focus of the story. They drive the plot.
Setting determines when and where your novel takes place, such as 14th-century China, 21st-century America or another world entirely. Along with your characters, your setting will have the most impact on your plot. Plot is the actual story--it involves setting and characters, and has a beginning, middle and end. According to Arcanum-Butler school system, plots also focus on several types of conflict, or opposition between the forces, in a story.
Write down details of your characters in your notepad. Typically, plot involves conflict--this doesn't have to be a physical fight. First, develop your protagonist, or the viewpoint character. Define his goals, background and relationships with supporting characters.
After developing the protagonist, do the same for the antagonist, then supporting characters. Carry your notebook with you to write down ideas or thoughts that occur to you.
If necessary, research your setting thoroughly. If you're writing a historical or historical fantasy novel, you need to know the social conventions and events of the time frame and how they could affect your characters.
Begin writing a rough outline of your novel's plot. Don't feel as though you have to stick to it under all circumstances. You may end up altering it in the editing process.
Set aside a time each day when you can write. The more regularly you write, the more easily inspiration will come to you and get you into the habit of writing. If you intend to publish or make a career out of writing novels, regular writing is an absolute necessity to make deadlines.
Set up a computer or laptop in a room with nothing but a desk. Remove all software from the computer except for a word processing program. Sit down and write for your allotted time.
After you finish writing for your allotted time, run spell check. Although the editing process normally takes place after the first draft is complete, you can save on editing time by fixing typographical errors as you go. However, don't alter wording or other elements of your work.
Continue writing each day until the first draft of your novel is completed in accordance with your plot outline.
Set your first draft aside for two weeks to a month. This allows you to approach it again with a more objective mindset because you become divorced from the writing process.
Read through your first draft with a critical eye, as though you were another reader or a potential publishing house editor. Look for any awkward phrasing, wordiness or awkward dialogue. If you see any plot or character inconsistencies, fix them to the best of your ability or change the original design notes to reflect your alterations.
Ensure that each plot element is in some way important to the overall story. The famous Russian playwright Anton Chekhov stated, "If you place a gun on the mantelpiece in the first act, it should be fired by the third act." If it's not important, remove it from the story.
After editing, allow a friend or family member to read the novel. Ask them to give you fully honest, yet constructive criticism and take note of their recommendations. Edit at your own discretion.