"There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are." - W. Somerset Maugham
Boy, ain't that the truth? Something that worked for one person might not work for you, and something that didn't work for someone else, might be your key to success. The important thing when you're writing a novel is to just write it. Try not to get too bogged down with thinking about everything that needs to be done, whether or not the story is good enough, keeping up with the Jones', or whatever else might be blocking you. Just write. You can always go back and edit. I think that's the only rule everyone can relate to. Write!