For years, whenever I'd finish reading a novel, I'd experience a slight twinge in the pit of my stomach, and the aching suspicion that I too could write a novel.
Perhaps you've felt the same way.
Maybe like me you tried to write.
Perhaps you struggled through a few half-hearted drafts, and they're still lodged in an old file on your computer.
It's possible you went so far as to print out your pages.
But then you buried your chapters at the bottom of your desk drawer.
It's apparent you have the interest, but how do you really commence? Writing a novel is a journey.
The time to embark on that journey is now.
Here are twelve simple steps to starting your novel:

1. Just Begin.
   Maybe you've had an idea in mind that you've been tinkering with for years and years.
   I had the concept for my novel Dancing above the Waves for ten years before I sat down to write it.
   Don't let that happen to you.
   As Goethe said, "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
   Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
   "
2. Dedicate a Space to Write.
   You don't need to have an office or even a spare room to pen your opus.
   What is helpful is to set aside a permanent place, even if it is just a corner of your kitchen table, breakfast bar or dining room table.
   Set up your computer.
   Get some extra paper and you are ready.
   
3. Back up your computer files.
   Save your drafts.
   Don't lose even a precious word you've written.
   I knew somebody who was in the midst of writing a novel when he had his laptop stolen.
   He had never bothered to back up his writing.
   He was half way through writing a novel - and lost all of it!
4. Write every Day.
   You've no doubt heard the old saying, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice.
   "This maxim applies to writing as well.
   You must keep at it to improve.
   Get in the habit of writing every day.
   If that's not possible try to write several times a week.
   You owe it to yourself and to your writing.
   Before you know it page will follow page, and soon your pages will turn into chapters.
   
5. Tell your friends and family you've begun.
   If you share with others you have a writing project, you'll start to think of yourself as a writer.
   When they ask you how you're doing you'll feel encouraged to continue writing and to keep them up to date on your progress.
   
6. Record your thoughts and ideas.
   Keep a pad of paper handy.
   Put a note pad on your bedside table and sprinkle pads of paper throughout your house.
   (Some people get inspired in the shower so have a memo pad handy even in your bathroom.
   ) Take a note pad with you wherever you go.
   Or, if you prefer, make notes on your iPhone or BlackBerry.
   You never know when and where you'll feel inspired.
   I get ideas while driving so I always keep a notepad on my car's visor.
   Often times the simple words or phrases you jot down at random turn into your best ideas.
   Conversely, if you have no way to record them, you might lose these important thoughts forever.
   
7. Write an Outline or Synopsis.
   You wouldn't take a car trip to a place you'd never visited before without doing a Mapquest, consulting a road map, or using your car's GPS tracking system.
   It's the same idea with your novel.
   I wrote a synopsis before I ever sat down to work on my novel.
   Of course, you might add or delete characters, change your ending, and even alter your story.
   It doesn't matter.
   Having a synopsis will encourage you to keep going.
   Most of all, it will prevent you from feeling lost.
   
8. Create a Profile for Every Character.
   A profile is a set of physical and mental characteristics as well as the background information you will need to develop your characters.
   You should determine everything about your characters from their eye color to their lineage.
   Where were they born? What's their favorite color?What are their likes and dislikes?How do they handle stress? Do they speak with an accent? Are they sad or upbeat? What made them that way? Just as we get to know new people over time, you will learn to know your characters over time.
   Soon you will understand how they'll react in different situations.
   With an in-depth profile you will be able to originate characters that are believable to your readers, not just stereotypes or stick figures.
   
9. Read books.
   One of the best places to learn about writing novels is to read them.
   From reading you will learn about language, and words.
   You'll soon gain a love of fine writing that will inspire you to do your own writing and create your own voice.
   Reading can also help you determine what kind of book you want to write.
   As a child, I loved reading "Nancy Drew" mysteries and even now I enjoy books that are page-turners.
   When I started my novel Dancing Above the Waves I knew I wanted it to be filled with suspense because that is the kind of tale I enjoy most.
   
10. Take a writing class.
    Many argue that good writing can't be taught.
    What a class can do for you, however, is help you get in the habit of writing.
    If you take a writing class, you'll have exercises and assignments that will encourage you to write.
    Many community colleges, and universities offer extension programs with night and weekend writing courses.
    
11. Join a writers' group.
    In workshops, you read your writing out loud and exchange chapters.
    These groups can be a fun way to overcome any fears you might have about showing your writing to others.
    
12. Don't Give Up.
    Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never give up!"He might have been speaking about war, but what he said also holds true for writing.
    Never give up.
    Keep writing.
    Watch your pages turn into chapters.
    And your chapters turn into a novel.
    And always remember enjoy your journey!