Best way to start a novel

[Tubemole1]

I have an idea to write my first book having had no practical writing experience before. I was very good at writing in my youth (now nearly 36) but gave it up when being young was important . Now daughter is at school and shiftwork offers some chance to do some scribbling with a view to turning it into something worthwhile.

I was hoping to find out if there are any fiction writers out there who could advise me on how to turn a germ of an idea into a promising first novel?

Write. I know that makes me sound like a cock but you'll never do it otherwise. Just sit down and get the bones of the story out. Don't stew over it too much - you just want to see where it takes you initially.
Might be worth looking at the Creative Writing threads on here and also Google NaNoWriMo which is an online support for novel writing in November. Under pressure your work will surprise you, I promise. Good luck!

Tubemole, come over to creative writing on 'In the club.' There are a few of us on here.

I found Stephen King's 'On Writing' a great kick up the backside to just get on and write. Would recommend even if you don't like his books / genre.

There are loads of writing clubs nationally and locally as well as things like the Faber& Faber courses.