^^ OMG, my dream is to write a book and get it to be in the Oprah Book Club too! That's awesome!
I've wanted to become a novelist since I was probably 14 years old. I've written little stories here and there. I'm still working on my first novel, but it's put on hold because I just graduated from college, need to pay off my tuition, and am searching for a 9-5 job to pay off the bills.
I always write to vent my emotions, whether I'm happy or angry. I like to write about what I'm thinking, and then years later reread it again and laugh. I have journals from when I was in junior high, and it's funny to read how narrow-minded I was back then. But I definitely recommend to just write a little everyday, it'll help fine-tune your writing and you won't keep getting a writer's block. It's like learning to ride a bicycle, you have to keep practicing and trying. (I bring my laptop whenever I go to my BF's place. I keep all my writing on it, and I just write when I have time. I also keep a notebook in my purse, in case suddenly a thought or sentence will pop into my head. I'm always prepared.)
I'm a romantic at heart. My favorite authors are Julie Garwood, Julia Quinn, Judith McNaught, and Brenda Joyce. I've read almost every book of theirs and have reread my favorites over and over. I like to write romance/mystery stories, that'll probably be what my first novel is about.
I don't have any advise regarding how to get started or getting published. But I've heard it VERY difficult to get your big break and get published. Just keep writing and keep trying, you'll receive tons of rejection letters.
Good luck!