How to start a book?

First off, let me start off by saying I also would like to write, but as of yet, haven't written anything. I tell you this because, I have a couple of links you can check out but I can't personally vouch for them because I haven't personally used them and have only checked them out. First, here's a great site with lots of articles and resources that might help you out to get started: http://menwithpens.ca/ Here's another site you may find helpful: http://www.spacejock.com.au/WriteANovel.html And lastly, here's some free software to help you keep your writing organized where you can store your characters, chapters, etc: http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5_Screens.html There's other software that helps writers too and I thought I had the site where I found them bookmarked, but I can't find it now.......just search for free writing software. Anyways, hope that helps a little and good luck to you.

Come up with an idea and start writing. If you find yourself stuck then force yourself to keep writing until you have a finished draft. First write a complete draft, and then edit. If you decide you want to change something in the middle, go ahead and change it. Don't be afraid to re-write parts over and over again, but realize that it's never going to be perfect. If you're looking to self-publish online, then I would recommend lulu.com. There are a few other sites like it but that's the only one I know by name.