Preparation Preparation Preparation :)

One thing that makes a LOT of authors NOT finish their books or creative work is lack of preparation. Believe it or not, you actually need a lot of preparation to write a book.  :)
With preparation, you actually can make writing your book a LOT easier.
How do you prepare?
I'm glad you asked.
Before we advance though, let me remind you that not everything is for you, the writer. Remember to take everything "with a grain of salt." However, these are general steps that is best taken, switched around, and experimented with, to see if it benefits your writing.  :)

1. Do your research. Put at least some effort into it.
2. Prepare your setting. 

Make sure what time period this story is in, whether in the 1950's, 2000's, the present, or in the future (I almost put the time period in another category, but it's rather small as a category. However, do NOT miss this). Another part of the setting is where geographically this is, whether in Germany, Africa, Mars, or farther away. In whatever you do, put in some effort for research, as it will pay off in huge sums at the end. I remember watching a movie with my father, and near the beginning, in a moment when the audience was supposed to be awe-struck, a moment of faulty researched showed through, and I was drawn out of the moment.  The reader's mind must be constantly meshed with your MC's mind and emotions.
Research is why I prefer science fiction, dated in the WAY future. That way, I feel that my creativity is almost fully unhampered.

      3. Prepare your characters.

As you prepare, think about the characters you want your MC to meet. This is critical, as you develop personalities, lessons you want your character to learn from these people your MC meets, etc. This step will lead to, and for some, become interchangeable with the next step.
Remember, your story will be carried by characters.  :)
What do you think? :)