Starting My First Novel

Finish it! It's so easy to get into the rut of "not being in the right mode" and quitting, or starting another idea and not finishing the first one.

Set a quota every day and force yourself to write it no matter what. Make it something realistic, but erring on the side of too easy, that way when you're extremely slammed in work you'll be able to write anyway.

Good luck!

There are many ways to write a book. What I've found is that unless you plan it meticulously you can find that you've written yourself into a corner once you get past the first burst of creativity.

I think this is because when you first start you can make the logic of it work any way you like, but once you've established this logic and setting you're pretty much bound to it, and it can get tedious working within these limits very quickly.

I agree with Mallory that it’s good to have a target to write to, and even if I'm struggling for words, I can force myself to do it. But you have to be careful of this as well, because you're pulling the words and the best writing comes when the narrative and dialogue are pulling you.

Bits that I have struggled with I've generally gone back and rewritten them three times before I'm satisfied with it.
And this is a fact! “Everything is better on the 3rd rewrite.”

Another way, although I don't work this way, is to spend six months to a year researching and writing an outline before you even write the first chapter.
However, I'm not a fan of this method, because creativity shouldn't be pigeonholed too much. Ideas come when they come, and they feed off each other and can take your story to unexpected places.

And there’s no rule that says you can’t rewrite chapters you’ve already done, don’t be over protective of them.

And another good tip is that if you use post-it notes to plan your book use, sturdy pins and a well-secured cork board.
I’ve gone out and come back to find my book planing notes on the floor with the cat playing in them!

Good luck! I like your planning style I did loads of planning before starting to write and found it really useful and I really don't think it stopped the creative flow as you can always alter plans...
Hope all is starting well for you.