To create a novel we need to study the craft of storytelling. Craft is the method of dealing with art. The novel type. It can be science fiction, mystery, romance, western, true crime, thriller, historical. Your novel can be mainstream or literary fiction.
Literary fiction is more character based than mainstream, which is plot based.
Know where your novel will fit among the multitude. An author, first and foremost, should read. All these things the author should know and can learn by reading. The approach to novel writing taken in this class will be general and apply to all genres. Special requirements of each can only be determined by reading that type of novel.