How do you learn to write a novel? How do you get started? Is there a format or a set of rules and procedures to follow?

There are no rules, not even the rules of conventional grammar. To put it in another way, the "rules" of writing are more like guidelines than actual rules. Treat them as such.

There is no single clear path to completing it. If outlining helps you, then do it. If it doesn't, then skip it. It is your story, so write it in your own way.

I have written many stories, and here are some things that have worked for me:

Don't just sit down and start writing. You need a premise. What do you want your story to be about? You should know at least that much before you begin typing.

Who is in your story? You don't need to know everyone, but you should have a clear vision of your main characters and know some basic facts about them. Don't worry if you don't know every little detail. It doesn't matter. Your characters will reveal more about themselves as you write. When they speak, listen to them. It is your story, but it is also theirs. If they deviate from your outline, there is a reason. Either the character doesn't fit perfectly into the story or the story isn't the right one to tell.

Many beginning writers make the mistake of starting with lengthy descriptions of their characters. This can quickly lose the interest of readers. Instead, begin with action. Put the reader right in the middle of the action and make them curious about what happens next.

Interesting stories require conflict. It doesn't have to be explosive, but there must be some form of conflict.

Don't take the straightforward and predictable path. Stories need twists, turns, and unexpected developments. A good rule of thumb is to have something happen, have your hero try to fix it, and with each attempt, make the situation worse before they finally succeed. Make your heroes work for their victories.

Have a general idea of where you want the story to go. You don't need to know every detail, but you should have some ideas about how you want it to end.

The most challenging part is sitting down every day and writing. Open a Word document, close your eyes and envision the story. Write what you see. Repeat this every day, even if the words aren't perfect. Keep going until you reach your desired endpoint.

After completing the story, set it aside for two weeks. Then, reread it critically. Cut anything that doesn't advance the story or explain the characters' backgrounds. Read the dialogue out loud in front of a mirror and make changes if it feels off. Give your work to a small group of friends for feedback and revise based on their criticisms. Keep doing this until there are few criticisms left.

When asked what makes a successful writer, Stephen King said that if someone pays you for your writing and you use that money to pay a bill, then you are a success. Writing novels is the same unless you are writing solely for your own enjoyment. In that case, success is defined by how the story makes you feel. Keep writing until you are proud of it.