Find a location to write that is comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions. You will be spending a lot of time at your desk, so it should be an area that is conducive to work.
Surround yourself with things that inspire you. In order to write an intriguing novel you'll need to be creative. Unlike an academic paper or dissertation, your writing should be imaginative, not stodgy.
Use the internet to find writing prompts, do research, or organize your work.
Pick the genre that will work best for you. Choose between fantasy, history, mystery, crime, horror, satire, romance, and many more. You may start out writing one type of novel and then realize that it fits better in another genre. Especially if it is your first time writing a book, you should expect to become more adept at writing in one style than another.
Start small and then build out as your ideas become more complex. Discover the general plot and story line and then enhance it with character interactions, intricacies, and plot twists. Don't try to do too much too fast, because you might end up lost.
Determine how long your novel will be. Plan to include three major plot twists and organize your chapters accordingly, to keep the reader engaged.
Work on dialogue and dialect. An important part of your novel will be the development of your characters and their interactions with each other. Your characters should be unique, consistent, and believable. Often, authors like to use vernacular to situate their characters in a certain place and time.
Perfect your first and last sentences. The beginning of a novel should draw the reader into your work. Often called the lead or hook, the first line sets the tone for the rest of the book. The conclusion, in turn, must have an equally powerful effect. The last word should be chosen carefully, as it is your final chance to speak directly to your reader.
Edit your novel. Not only do you want to edit your work for spelling and grammar mistakes, you also want to perfect your language and make it a better read. Take out unnecessary words, fill sentences with active verbs, and beware of clichés.
Hire a fact checker or proofreader. Getting others to read your work will help you discover holes and ensure that others understand the story you have written. You want your reader to be engaged, follow the story line, relate to characters, and be surprised throughout your novel.