im in the middle of writing my first novel aswell and here is my advice.
Spend a lot. And i mean A LOT of time into your beginning episodes, i found that an issue in my novel as most people gloss through the first episode and it doesnt get them hooked so they dont read onwards.
make sure you keep to a schedule that is suitable for you and you only.
only accept constructive critism. dont take hate at face value.
there are good things to come out of inspirations but be sure to add your own twists/ give the novel a theme that is new and not overused.
make sure you give attention to all of your characters, sometimes its even better to add the thoughts or POV's of your side characters to enhance the scenery for a fight, touching moment or even something entirely depressing.
and most of all. Make sure to stick to a schedule that is healthy for you, dont go overboard.