New Novel Available in e-book

The Landlord is now available through Desert Breeze Publishing House, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, or other Internet book stores. Add "Belfie" to the name of the book to retrieve the information for purchasing.


It's a quick, fun romance - even the guys like it!

Here is an exerpt from the book.

Her landlady ushered everyone in and pulled chairs from other rooms to allow seating for her twelve tenants. "He should be here soon. I've put coffee on if anyone wants a cup." No one took up her offer and the gathering resembled a wake Kristen had attended for her friend's Polish grandmother.

Just then there was a knock on the door and Barbara flung the door open with a flourish.

A good-looking man in his mid-twenties with dark wavy hair and an amazing physique made his way in. He nodded to everyone, looking slightly awkward as he gazed at the silent, apprehensive crowd. Kristin felt her heart palpitate a little too quickly. What great eyes. She checked his left hand. No ring. Good sign. Oh, for Pete's sake -- so what. He's your new landlord. End of

discussion.

"Well, everyone, it's very nice to meet you all. I'm pretty lousy remembering names, so I'll just get to meet you individually when I check out your apartments. I'd like you to make a list of any repairs needed or problems, and when I come by, we can talk about them. I'm going to try to keep everyone happy, but as your leases come up for review there may be some changes. I'll

be fair, but taxes and expenses continue to rise every year as you are well aware, so--"

"Mr. Turner," one of the elderly men interjected, "keep in mind that many of us are living on Social Security and it's a stretch to pay the rent as it is."

Kristen noticed David's eyes turn down as he nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. Now, I plan to mark the parking spaces in the back with the individual apartment numbers. If any of you have more than one vehicle, there will be an additional charge, as I'll have to clear another section and have it paved. Right now, I understand some of you park on the street, but I heard that parking is

going to be illegal on the northbound side beginning next May when the students go home for the summer. But we can work on that later. Most of the rules stated in your present leases will stay in affect, especially the clause about having no pets. Even fish will not be allowed."

You could have heard the proverbial pin drop. More than half the tenants had a pet of some kind. Barbara knew about them but had just looked the other way. Well, if that's the way he wanted it -- so be it. She'd just move, that's all. She'd probably be making so much money that she'd need a real house or luxury condo, anyway.

After a few more remarks, everyone stood up and Barbara tried to introduce some of her friends to the new owner. A couple slipped out without a word and Kristen moved toward the door. Just before she reached for the handle, Dave stepped in front of her. "You must be their mascot," he said softly, "since you're the only one without white hair."

"They're my friends. Don't make fun of them," she pronounced rather rudely, to her own surprise. He backed up.

"I...I really wasn't making fun of them. I only meant--"

"Sorry. They really are all very special to me and I know that it would be hard for them to move. Some have lived here for twenty years or more. So I hope you really will consider their finances before raising their rents."

"I'm not going to raise them any more than I have to, but I have a pretty hefty mortgage and I wasn't kidding about the taxes. I'm not trying to make a fortune, but I need to meet my expenses. Certainly you can understand that." His eyes took on a coolness she hadn't seen earlier.

"You're a realtor?"

"Yes."

"So you make money other ways."

"Ma'am, I'm sorry I don't know your name..."

"Kristen. Kristen Collins."

"Kristen, I don't know why, but you seem to dislike me already." His demeanor changed and he smiled as he continued, "It usually takes people a few minutes to dislike me, but how I earn my living is really no concern of yours. I'd really like us to be friends, so let's start over, shall we?" He extended his hand and she reluctantly placed her hand in his. His touch rather alarmed her. She did not like being drawn to him. She wanted to dislike him -- for some strange

reason. And of all things, she wished she'd worn her hair down and applied make-up. How ridiculous!

"I'll be calling you sometime next week to check out the apartment."

"Yeah. Fine. I'm very busy with my packed social life, so call early."

How infuriating. He saw right through her -- with his stupid crooked grin. "Right. I'll give you at least a week's notice. Or should I make that a

month?"

Kristen could feel her cheeks flush. What a giveaway. Would she ever outgrow that annoying sign of embarrassment?

 "A week will usually suffice," she offered weakly and made it

out to the hallway -- too self-conscious to turn around and announce her departure to her friends.

Once in the protection of her own place, she leaned against the door and felt tears stinging her face. He so enjoyed taunting her. What kind of guy would get pleasure out of humiliating a poor girl, one who didn't even have a job?

My French Friends

A special welcome to my new friends from the beautiful country of France. I have been getting so many French stopping by my site -- more than Americans! --that I wanted to say Bon Jour.

 Having been to France I just want to comment about your food. We never had a poor meal in France. Never! Even at the Louvre, the food was memorable. My husband and I have cooked as professionals and we can not come up to your standards. So, please stop by often. You can leave tips on cooking!

 I have been writing non-stop - novels - but plan to spend more time on blogging. au revoir.     June

Penn State Tragedy

I write with a heavy heart about our wonderful Penn State football team. It is tragic that events like those outlined in the press were allowed to continue even after exposure to the authorities. How could the original witness walk away, leaving an innocent child in the hands of a pervert?

 The sin of one man being further perpetrated by "good men doing nothing" is appalling. My heart grieves for the children's lives that have been permanently damaged by the cruelty of a sinful man and those who allowed it to continue.

Last night they held a prayer vigil for the victims. I'm thankful that there are many who put the children first. I was shocked to see so many in support of Joe Paterno. Yes, he did a lot for football and Penn State, but at what cost?

I would  hope those who turned out to show their support for him would put some perspective on the events in question. Games - over lives? Please. Have we fallen so far?

Amish Novel Completed

I just finished my first draft of an Amish novel. (one of three) It's 85,000 words long. I had to do my research even though I live in Amish land. (Central PA) It was so much fun to write and I completed it in a little less than a month. Now the work begins - edits and more edits. I enjoy the fresh writing the best, but I'm learning that it is necessary to let some time pass and then read it with fresh eyes.
Waiting to hear from an agent who has shown serious interest. I'll keep you, my readers and friends, posted. Enjoy life - it's the only one we get.

Interview for new book

My interview is still on this website, but you must go to older blogs to read it. My next book will be published December 15, 2011. It will be titled "The Landlord" and it's a fast, romantic Christian novel. All my novels promote abstinance before marriage and could be read by teens as well as adult women.

http://www.desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com

A Book about moving on after a difficult divorce

MOVING ON

This Christian Romance e-book is now available. May be purchased through Desert Breeze Publishers, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and many other book stores.

Here is the first review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving on is sometimes hard to do., September 14, 2011

By

Fran Fernandez (Seaford, NY, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Moving On (Kindle Edition)

Moving On, by June Bryan Belfie is a good read. She brings her characters to life with her words, and by their reactions to the hard places that come to all of us. You'll fall in love Laura, and feel her heartache at being deceived, and then heartlessly dumped for the perpetual younger woman. The book shows the reality that being a Christian doesn't exempt you from the trials of life, but that you have God's resources of grace, strength, peace and wisdom in the midst of them. You will see and understand how divorce not only tears the heart apart, but family too. In the midst of attempting to begin anew, other people, and situations arise to challenge Laura and her teenage daughter, that moving on can be a mountain to climb. Throughout--June subtly paints the beautiful restoring hand of God to the places of bruising. I won't tell much more. You'll have to read for youself and be blessed.

2nd review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitive and thought provoking, October 14, 2011

By

Jill Poyerd - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moving On (Kindle Edition)

I really loved this book! The author does a great job of weaving the storyline together, and she handles the character's situations with sensitivity as well as a touch of humor. I'm not divorced, but the way Ms. Belfie conveys the pain and struggles of going through such a change in life is powerful and gives me a new appreciation for those who do. It's a book that catches you, puts you through the ringer, but leaves you with hope. It was hard to put down...I highly recommend it!

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This is the story of a Christian woman with a teen-age daughter trying to find her way after her husband divorces her. It's the story of her personal struggle as she leans on God for answers.

She meets her friend's cousin, Len, a widower unable to let go of his past. An illness brings her ex-husband, who is a doctor at a local hospital, back into her life. But will she ever trust him again? Does he even want her back? Or will an event take place in Len's life to change his future?


The first few pages: 

His death would have been easier. Laura Barron avoided looking at the burgundy leather armchair as she slipped her mother's crocheted afghan off her shoulders and placed another log on the fire. Laura glanced out the front window as the snow swirled against the window panes and inched its way up the stone steps, already covering the front porch of her nineteenth century Chester County farmhouse outside of Philadelphia. With a sigh, she returned to the sofa vaguely aware of Vivaldi playing softly in the background and opened the editorial section of the Sunday paper. It was already history since it was now Tuesday evening, but between working and caring for her teenage daughter, Kim, she usually found herself behind on reading. It still felt strange to be sitting there alone.

She pictured Dave across from her in his chair reading his latest medical journal. Funny, she thought they were happy -- at least as happy as most of her friends after a marriage of nearly twenty years.

Laura looked up as Kim came down the stairs two at a time. Everything her daughter did and said was quick. Her tongue was as agile as her one hundred-and-ten pound body. She had inherited Dave's dark brown hair and expressive eyes and Laura's fair complexion and slender curves. It was no wonder boys called her all the time. Sixteen was an exciting age, the transition from child to woman.

"Mom, the hem's coming out of my slacks, and I have to wear them tomorrow. Would you be a sweetheart and fix them for me?"

"Mmm, I suppose so, but why can't you wear something else?"

"I have to wear these. They go the best with my new sweater, and I told Lisa I was wearing red so she's planning to wear her red sweater, too." Kim's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Logical explanation. Laura smiled at her daughter. "I'll do it this time, but I've warned you that you should learn to sew. I'm not always going to be around to do it for you."

"You have to be around, at least till you're ancient. Who else will teach me how to take care of kids and all that stuff?"

Laura laughed and went over to the dry sink where she kept her sewing box. Kim went on chatting about her friends and the upcoming weekend. She told of her plans to go to an indoor skating rink on Saturday with her best friend, Lisa, plus five other girls from school. Lisa was in her class, and they attended the same small non-denominational church in West Chester, where Lisa's father was the pastor.

Kim and Laura had joined the church after the separation, since Dave had remained at their old church as part of the missions committee. Seeing him every week was too much of a strain, and people seemed to treat her differently once they were separated.

Laura watched as her daughter exclaimed over the all-night skate, expressing herself with her hands. She was entertaining and exuberant. That's what kept Laura going after Dave left.

Kim ran upstairs to answer her phone, and Laura's mind wandered again to the past. Why hadn't she seen it coming? Certainly the signs were all there. Perhaps she couldn't admit to herself that she had failed. Failed as a wife, anyhow. Her job was going well, and she'd been

promoted two months before they broke up to assistant vice president. It was a small local bank, but it pleased her that she was rewarded for her efforts.

She should have seen it coming. Dave had joined the gym and went religiously every other morning to work out before heading for the hospital. Then there were the new suits and casual designer clothes. In the past she had to beg him to buy clothes for himself. He even changed from his childhood barber to a 'hair stylist.' She had figured it to be a midlife crisis though he was only forty-four.

Laura first saw Dave during her sophomore year in high school when she and her friends went to the football games. Dave Barron was the star running back, and all the girls had crushes on him. It was five years later that she and Dave officially met. She was home between semesters from Penn State, and he was on his break as a first year medical student at the University of Pennsylvania. They were introduced at a Christmas party of a mutual friend. During school breaks they dated frequently, but their relationship did not develop into romance until her senior year of college.

She recalled the Christmas Eve when he promised to love her forever and placed a solitaire diamond on her hand. Not wanting to be apart any longer, they married the following December during his final year of medical school.

Dave was the only man she ever loved. She'd had crushes, but never knew the real thing until he came into her life. He also became her best friend.

As she hemmed the slacks, she thought back to the months before he left. He began staying late at the hospital, sometimes not arriving home until midnight. She never questioned him because there had always been trust between them

Kim called down the stairs and shook Laura from her thoughts.

"No emergency on those slacks, Mom. School's going to be closed tomorrow because of the storm. I'm so mad."

"I'll finish them anyway, so you'll have them when you need them. How much snow do they predict?"

Kim came back down and plopped herself on the sofa across from Laura, folding her arms. "They thought it might be a foot or more by morning."

"It's nearly a foot already. It's so beautiful. Have you looked out?

"Yeah." Kim frowned and shook her head. "I had my whole day planned, and Lisa and I wanted to go shopping after school. Nothing ever works out."

"It will probably be over by Thursday. Maybe you can go shopping then."

"The sales are only for tomorrow, and I desperately need new jeans."

"Honey, you have at least five pairs in your drawer."

"They're way too big for me. You know I lost five pounds on my diet."

"I know and you're way too thin now. I wish you hadn't done that."

"Thin is in, Mom. You know that. Maybe that's one reason..." Her voice trailed off, and she looked away from her mother. "I have to call Lisa and tell her about school."

Laura knotted the thread and handed the finished slacks over to her daughter without a

word.

I've been writing (off and on) a humorous book of letters written by a lady in her autumn years - totally fiction, but scattered with truths. I've decided to post them, chapter at a time, for your amusement. I'd love to hear your comments. Some may hit home! Enjoy.

 

Community Church

Director of Music
Dear Dan,

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the duet last Sunday. They could go on American Idolatry - or Idol? I forget what it's called, but you know what I mean.

There are a couple other things I wanted to tell you. I was just wondering if you could put the sound down a trifle. It's hard to get rid of my head-ache when I come out of church and Tylenol doesn't seem to be effective. Perhaps if you cut it back to one drummer and only two trumpets it would help a wee bit. Poor Mr. Trumbley had trouble getting his walker through all those wires.

One other suggestion. Have you ever checked out the Hymnals in the library? You'd be surprised at some of the songs in them. They might notwork since each verse has meaning, but you never know. I've been told repetition helps one remember, but after singing "God is good" eighteen times, I'm afraid my mind wandered a trifle, though I certainly don't disagree. He is indeed good!

I really do appreciate the work you put into the service. I know the rap songs may attract some new people, but perhaps you could try diversifying. Thanks for considering my suggestions. See you next week.

---------------------------------------

To my dear daughter Cherry,

I tried to do that e-mail thing, but I think the computer is broken. It kept saying something about an internet connection not being on, whatever that means. Anyway, I have a lot of stationery and I know once I pass on it will just be used for grocery lists and things, so I may as well use it up first.

I'm delighted that you and Clark will be spending the week-end with me in April. Mercy, I don't expect you to spend the whole week-end working. I just mentioned the storm windows in passing. And turning over the soil? I can do it at my leisure. I'll just pray the good Lord keeps my back from slipping out this time. We can probably wait another year to finish painting the fence. Let's see, we started it in the year of the century change, wasn't it? My mind forgets dates, but there's no rush.

How nice that you got a promotion. Now maybe you can afford to put some furniture in the other rooms in your house. It must be expensive to fill seven bedrooms as well as a forty-foot family room. You're managing well with the sofa I gave you, though, aren't you? Speaking of all those bedrooms, don't forget your next birthday - you'll be nearly forty. Certainly not over the hill, but if you ever want to fill up those bedrooms, you may want to think about having a baby. I remember you and Clark when you were first married - how much you wanted a family. Or was that your sister, Emmy?

Well, bring your work clothes - just in case - and yes, a loaf of bread from Panera's would be super. Have to run - my ceramic class starts in half an hour.

Love, Mom

                                                       _________________
"Dear Angie,

So you've just turned twelve. What a wonderful age, isn't it? Your mother told me about your party. Did you really hike up MountDreary? Amazing! She mentioned that a boy named Tommy tried to drown his sister. What a naughty thing to do. I'm glad the bucket had a hole.

Please write and tell me about the presents the kids gave you. Your mom said she got you an I-phone, (whatever that is,) a new flat screen TV for your room, and a Kindle. I remember turning twelve. My parents gave me the book Heidi and a new pair of pajamas.

Did you have a cake? Oh, wait, your mother did tell me. Apparently it was in the shape of a castle. I heard it took four people to carry it in. That's big! But I guess you needed it for two hundred kids. Wow! I didn't even know two hundred children at your age. I guess that face-book thing is really cool. Your mom said there were people you'd never met yet. Fun!

I didn't realize you were into Russian food. Your mom said you ran out of caviar the first half hour. That's a shame. I recall running out of M & M's at one of my birthday parties and it was very embarrassing.

How did you like riding camels before your hike? I've been on a pony - but that was many years ago.
I hope you like the pink sweater I sent you. You can take off the emblem of the mouse, if you want. Your mom mentioned you're going to a rock concert next week and I thought if it was chilly, the sweater would come in handy.
Call me when you have a chance, honey. I know you're busy between homework, cheer-leading, piano, ballet, soccer, gymnastics and guitar, but I'd love to hear from you.
Just don't text. I have no idea what those letters mean.
                                      Love, Gramma

                                                          _______________

            Representative Crawling
State Capitol

 Dear Representative Crawling,

Your presence at the bridge opening last week was certainly appreciated. We did need that bridge. Absolutely. You were right. But just because traffic was slower twice a day and people were sometimes delayed all of five minutes, do you think it needed to be added across the river when the bridge two miles south gets no one at those hours?

I guess eighteen million dollars doesn't sound like much in the scheme of things, but I just have to wonder if we might have been able to put it off a while and fix those crooked sidewalks and pot-holes first. I had to have my tires realigned twice last month, and my friends in wheelchairs have a difficult time maneuvering the sidewalks in town.

Maybe you can find some leftover money to help in these areas. Just a thought.

Wasn't it nice that your brother-in-law got the contract to build the bridge though. Quite a coincidence. Family first, I always say.

 Best wishes,

                        Mrs. Tardy

P.S. Hope your trip to Europe was enjoyable. Yes, it's important to check out bridges all across the world. Glad they had room for you at the Ritz-Carlton.

          

                                                       

Family Times

Just settling down with my second cup of java as the last of my family returned home after a fun-filled, food-filled, week-end.
Our grand-daughter, Krista arrived with her husband Joshua and her brother, our oldest grand-child, Paul after a grueling nearly non-stop drive from Missouri. Paul traveled from Colorado the day before to help them with the drive. That's devotion!
Then the rest of the family began to pour in -- from Philadelphia, Weatherly and Pottsville, PA, Virginia, and our son from Colorado. We had fifteen family members here, missing only four - but truly they were missed.
Laughter, multiple conversations at once, constant meals and snacks, tripping over toys, sorting towels and running the marvelous dish-washer -- what stands out?

Love. We are blessed. Christ is the head of our home.

Grace - a book about life

Finished the first draft of a new book called, Grace. It was a year in my mind - constantly altering, but when I put it into my computer, I found myself absolutely driven to write it. I believe the Holy Spirit gave me the determination to complete it, as well as the message. It took only three-plus weeks to write it. Of course, nothing else got done. My patient husband cooked and washed the clothes, (the dust waited) until I put the final words down.

Grace is about a young woman who finds herself pregnant. She expects to terminate the pregnancy until a friend from law school introduces her to his family and speaks to her of Christ. It's a difficult journey and the book is written in the first person. There's humor mixed with tears.

I want to see this in paper and I will personally give copies to Pregnancy Care Centers in our area - and beyond. If it saves one life...   Praise be to God!

Publication date for JoAnn Carter's new book is May 16th. PARADOX

Visit with JoAnn as she has a "blog party" on the 16th. A strong Christian gal with a strong message! Visit her at home.comcast.net/~jo.glenncarter/site/

Spring Thoughts

In less than a week we will leave our little home in Florida and head back to the real world. For most of the winter we have escaped the frigid temperatures and icy roads and exchanged them for sand and ocean. It is the best of two worlds, but we miss the first crocus as it rears its colorful head through the awakening soil and the smiling daffodils as they lift their faces to the sun. We're too late for the arrival of the first robin to our yard and the joy of that fresh smell of spring alludes us. It's a trade-off and we'll continue our annual escape, but sometimes I yearn to be snowed in, settled by a snapping fire with a freshly baked muffin and hot coffee waiting to be devoured.

With the Resurrection Sunday approaching, it is time to reflect on a more important decision. What an opportunity to give our lives over to Christ. Spring speaks of newness of life and when we turn our hearts to God, we become new - clean - acceptable to our Lord.

Life itself is a trade-off. When we depart this planet we will not share in the next generation's joys and achievements, but we will be with our maker, and that - dear friends is a far better deal. God's blessing on your life.

Writing a Short Story

Sometimes it's easier to start with a short story before attempting a full-length novel. First of all, they are fun to write. Limited characters, short plot, and no long-term commitment. And best of all, they are frequentlly diving off points to the future novel.

I started a short-short story (500 words) in a creative writing class here in Florida, and it was so much fun that I've written about ten more pages and it may end up in a book form. Who knows? In the meantime, I'm having a good time adding to it.

The thing about a short story is that it has to move quickly. No boring scenes. There simply isn't time. To read a somewhat humorous story I wrote, go to my other web-site, junesecondcup.blogspot.com. (And take that second cup with you!)

So what is POV??

In every occupation, sport, genre - the jargon, which seems so natural to the active participant, can be daunting to a newby. When I hear I-pad, I-pod, http, dos - etc, etc, I feel like a total stranger in this new world I live in. Slooowly, I'm learning, but it seems to come as second nature to my grandkids.

Writing has its own language too, and if you're new to this delightful world of words, you may not know what P.O.V. is really all about. Point-of-view is not as confusing as it sounds. As a well-known writer at a recent conference I attended suggested, "pretend you have a video camera on your protagonist's head. You will see the world as she or he sees it."

The point-of-view can be used in the 1st person. It would be similar to a diary - everything as you see it or process it. Most, if not all, memoirs use the first person.

"Head-hopping" is a no-no with most publishers. That would be when the writer writes from the perspective of one character and then in the same scene or paragraph have thoughts coming out of another person's mind. Example:  "I'm heading for the library, Joe," she said, hoping he would tag along.
                "That's funny, so am I," Joe remarked, wondering if she'd accept a date.

Don't be in two minds in the same paragraph. Most editors allow a change in the POV if it is done by chapter changes. Lynn Austen manages to place several characters in a book, each using their point of view. She handles it effectively, but she's an experienced writer.

Omniscient POV is from God's view. Everything can be seen at once. The writer has more freedom, but today readers seem to prefer the personal, human view. Inner thoughts are expressed to show emotional feeling. Italics are used for personal thoughts, prayers, epiphanies.

Most novels are written in the 3rd person and I find that the easiest format to use, but each writer has to discover what works best for their particular style.

Please feel free to add comments. I'm certainly no expert and can always use a fresh view.

Up-coming e-books

          Moving On - Publication date: September 15th, 2011

How does a young woman, faced with an unwanted divorce, continue to raise a teen-age daughter and adapt to her new life as a single woman?

LAURA BARRON must face her options concerning her future. When a fellow bank employee and friend introduces her to a young widower, LEN VICKERS, she feels hopeful that there can be a meaningful relationship that could develop into far more. What she doesn't anticipate is his inability to let go of his past.

Will Laura re-capture her ex-husband's love or find happiness awaiting her somewhere else? Perhaps with Len?  How does one compete with a deceased wife?



The Landlord  - Publication date: December 15th, 2011

After a broken relationship and loss of a job, KRISTEN COLLINS meets her landlord and confronts him on his rules (No PETS!) and rental rates. She finds herself constantly in his presence. In spite of her desire not to like him, things happen. This amusing tale is fast moving and has many surprising moments. A quick and fun read!

 A Special Blessing for Sara -  Publication date April 2012


A Long Way to Go -  Publication date Sept. 21, 2012

Writing for fun

After eleven years of being innkeepers, my family asked me to write down our collected memoirs. The inn was in the Pocono Mountains of PA. It was named Pine Knob Inn. We had 38 rooms, a pool, tennis court, the Brodhead Creek running through, and 15 wooded acres. It was hard work, but we met many wonderful people and between the guests and the employees, there were many great stories to tell. I took on the job as historian and lo and behold, I found out it was fun to write. When I completed that, I began writing a novel, which ended up being a trilogy. I have not sent it out for publication yet as I know it needs heavy editing, but someday I hope to see it in print.

Nine books later, I'm still coming up with some neat plots. Two of my books will be published this year as e-books. Desert Breeze Publishing House will publish Moving On in mid-September and The Landlord in mid-December. They are quick, easy-read romance novels that you can feel safe allowing your grandkids to read.

Desert Breeze is a great publishing house with a varied sellection of books to choose from. I highly recommend their books and you can select the temperature of the romance - from light and sweet to something more exotic! Mine will be sweet to warm.

In the past I have had devotionals published. My faith is important to me and I hope to always honor God in my writings.

Starting a novel

There are as many different ways to write a novel as there are weeds in your garden. Some people diagram and outline several pages before starting the first sentence and some just sit down at the computer and begin!
However you decide to proceed, I recommend you spend substantial time organizing in your mind first. Have a general plot, a beginning and an end - at least.

Your characters will become flesh as you picture them and hear them speak. Their trials will become yours. Expect to laugh with them - cry with them. I have one book I'm holding off on editing, as it is heart-breaking. And yet after much internal struggle, I knew it had to be written the way it was.

I have written eight novels (two will be published this year) and I have found it helpful to keep large index cards for each major character, which describes them and gives their background as well as character traits. I give them birthdays, sometimes birth defects, parents, anything that will help them be "real."

In my computer, I have ten pages of dialogue between a man and a woman. That's all - right now. But from that, I am contemplating my next novel.
You can start with a photo - a favorite scent - an ad in a magazine. Anywhere! But start. Write something everyday, if possible. It helps to keep the juices flowing.
Writer friends - please feel free to add your input. That's what it's all about. Sharing.