Have you always wanted to write a novel but never really knew how to begin? Actually, the fact that you were able to think about the whole thing might just mean that the next best seller might be your own creation. It may just take a little time, effort and a spark of inspiration to get you started. This is easier said than done. You will probably get that novel written as long as you put your heart into it and are willing to get down and dirty with these basic novel-writing tips as long as you have that passion for writing burning in there.

The very first thing you need to do is know what you want to write about. You need a story. Try to imagine it in your mind. Think of any plot that you think might interest your readers. So take it slowly and try to craft a storyline that you think people will appreciate. Choose which genre you're targeting - love, suspense, horror, science fiction while doing this. This is important, or else, you just may end up confusing your readers and they may not have very good things to say when somebody asks them for a review.

As soon as you've decided on a plot, it's time to create an outline of it. Some expert writers feel they don't need to do this because they work better when the ideas just flow. But for someone who may be starting, it is wise to be safe. A breakdown of the events in your story which you can do by chapter is called an outline. A vast majority of novelists believe the most important chapter is the first because this is where and how you present your characters and set the general mood of your novel. Others, though, making the first chapter's outline is enough, but for those who want to make sure they're on track with their story, an outline for every chapter works. The most crucial thing to do when outlining is to set specific goals for each chapter and to keep the focus.

You can now write your first draft with your plot clearly laid out in that outline. Don't be disappointed when you feel you've done some things wrong here and there because even the most bankable author will not publish a first draft. That's the reason why it's called a draft - you're supposed to go through it and fine-comb it until you achieve the tone and effect that you want.

Don't forget to give yourself time before going back to your first draft and editing it. When writers are caught up with their passions as they write, they come up with something that may be too deep and complicated for an ordinary reader to understand. In other words, they sometimes end up writing something that doesn't read too well. A good trick is to write the first draft, go back to it after a day or two, and read it again. By this time, you may encounter parts that you think you could write better. Try to come up with as many drafts as you deem necessary until you finally get it right. Once more, it's good to give yourself time before going back to a draft and editing it. This gives your mind a fresh perspective and you will tend to judge your writing with the best frame of mind.

It's time to go online and research on how to get published if you think your book is ready for the world. There are many websites dedicated to new writers and you can get in touch with them so you can start finding a publisher.