We discussed what makes for good novels and bad novels.
As early as possible in your novel, give your readers a reason to care about what happens to the main character. This connection--it's called "identifying with" the protagonist--is part of what will hook your reader into the story and make him/her want to keep going to the end.

Keep writing! Get your email address to Bowen AND send her a copy of your story so far. This is an assignment!