I came across a post titled "13 Tips for Writing a Novel" by Chaker Khazaai, author of the Confessions of a War Child trilogy. Several resonated with me, so I pass it along for your consideration.
An abbreviated sampling:
4. Write as if your readers are beside you, listening to the story unfold.
I found when I got hung up on a passage of the story it would help to step back and just explain it, simply, out loud.
6. Your characters should remind you of the people you have met in your life.
Use writing to heal past wounds of those who have harmed you, or to celebrate the wonderful people who would never.
12. If you don't feel like it, don't write.
Do something else you enjoy or, like me, take a nap!
For what it’s worth.
Ray
© 2015 Ray Rhamey