Another suggestion for Cynthia -
Get the background of your story out of your head and on paper (or on screen.) Write out the overall plot you imagine, the characters involved, the setting. Maybe do an outline if you can imagine what happens in different chapters.
Then... In November, join NANOWRIMO - and challenge yourself to flesh out your novel in one month. It's a challenging month, but it's full of support from fellow writers.
If this process suits you, you can take your book idea at a leisurely pace over the summer, then decide to really tackle it in November, when many other creatives are pounding the keys right along with you!
Best wishes,
Meg Meyer