Research

Doing research is an important part in writing any interesting novel, even if it is fiction. It is vital that the story be researched so that people reading the novel get a feeling of where they are and what the surroundings are like - setting.
Research is the careful search of information about a particular matter. It is necessary to take time to read about a subject you want to write about. It also involves interviewing people who may have a great knowledge or have studied in a certain field to help you get an expert opinion. When writing fiction we may argue that details and facts are not important; yet if we want the reader to feel like our story is believable, then getting our facts straight is important. Especially if we are writing about a specific period of time. It would be beneficial to research what people wore for clothing, what their transportation would have been or the housing types and amenities (ie: electricity, running water, etc).
If we consider what we want to achieve in our novel our research can help us to get to the conclusion with a nice flow. It may be necessary to explain further details to make a matter clear. Even if you think that the basic facts give sufficient explanation, expanding on certain details may be beneficial for convincing your readers. This is true if you are writing a science fiction novel for example. Some laws of science are better understood if given a little more explanation. The story may be fiction, but laws of gravity and matter normally have to be consistent.  And when we are creating names it is good to keep a record of what each item does, so that as you write you don't add or take away from your plot.
When our readers see that we have taken the time to write about clear details this will keep them invested and they will want to keep reading. To help us with keeping our details straight, it can be helpful to do drawings of what you think a room would look like. Then as you write you can look at your drawing and bring it life with your words. To make sure that the room is accurate to the time you are writing, do a little searching online or at your local library. Would they have had electricity? No, then dark shadows from candlelight can add a nice edge to your novel. Details about fabric can also help your readers to imagine the clothing people would wear, the linens on a bed or the heaviness of curtains. Read some romance fiction and focus on these details as you read - many writers of this genre are excellent descriptive writers.
The more details you find in your research the more prepared you will be. You do not need to add every detail to your novel yet doing this in depth research will make sure you have got it right. You will not be second guessing but can write with focus, and your novel should flow wonderfully.  Great literature is created every day, maybe you will create the next great novel.  Do your research and read other works.  Lots of free fiction is available online, pay attention to how other writers write.
Doing great research can make a huge difference.