Most writers usually start with a background that holds possibilities.
One that has atmosphere, mood or perhaps historical associations.
If this is the first novel in a planned series, creating the characters is usually next on the author's agenda.
The main character must be interesting, charismatic, and wholly believable, yet possess quirks of personality and temperament that set him or her apart from the madding crowd.
In novels, the main subsidiary character is usually of the opposite sex.
He or she must also have qualities with which readers can identify or at least that will arouse their interest or curiosity.
Various plot stratagems must then be considered, particularly how to involve hero with heroine, or vice versa? A cute meet? A holiday resort romance? Most novels usually feature at least one main plot and two sub-plots.
Too many sub-plots, however, can obscure the main story and even irritate readers, particularly if they seek a "fast read".
Dialogue should be used not only to give essential information, but to delineate character and advance the plot.
If possible, it should also be reasonably amusing and entertaining in itself.
Quips should neither be over-used nor avoided altogether.
After finishing the first draft of the novel, it should be put aside for possible re-writing.
The author should then approach the novel from a reader's point of view, clarifying any obscure plot details, sharpening the dialogue, and shortening descriptive passages.
Authors are often afraid or reluctant to prune their work, but almost all novels will benefit from astute editing.
It is far more preferable to be asked by a publisher's editor to expand a chapter or clarify a paragraph by adding some descriptive phrases, than to be told to cut the book by 30,000 words.