1. Back to Front
I work backwards when creating a story. I decide the ending first, and then I go back and decide what needs to happen to get me there. It prevents the hole I used to fall into when I would get started, and then stop about the middle and go, "Ok, what now?" I had no idea where I was getting to or the point. By deciding the ending first, that problem is solved. The purpose of the story is already decided.

2. Write an Outline
Yes, yes. I know. Writing an outline doesn't seem to be the most exciting thing to do - but I love having my outlines. They keep me on track, and if I need to put the book down for some reason for any period of time, I can pick up right where I left off because I know where I was and where I am going. It also helps me hash out some of the little details. I make sure, in the outline, to place where the action, adventure, and conflict are. They don't need to be detailed, just more of a step-by-step guide to lead you through your own book.

3. Develop the Character Personalities
Have you ever been halfway through a story or book, and it seems like the main character has completely changed who they are? While in some cases this is appropriate, sometimes it is unintentional. If the character changes because the story guides them toward change, that is one thing. If the character changes because the author accidentally begins having them react differently to things, that is entirely another. Unless the change is intentional, it should be something to watch out carefully for. Describing your characters in detail before beginning can help a bit with that. Occasionally read over your character personalities to be sure you are appropriately following them while you are doing the writing, as well.

4. Map Out the Conflict/Fight Scenes
This is something I actually addressed in the last newsletter, so I'll link that here: "Action/Adventure Newsletter (November 27, 2012)" . Really planning these out helps a lot with that conflict, and helps you remain consistent with things like injuries, attitude changes, etc. that are the result of a fight scene.

5. Above All - remember that the first draft is a rough draft - Limit Editing
I have fallen into the rut, in the past, of editing, and editing, and editing, and editing again the first couple chapters, and therefore I can never get past them. Write them, put them aside, edit them once it is all done. There might just be multiple edits, even! Just get the words down on the page first, perfect them later.