For any fictional genre, what is the best approach to writing a really good novel?

So far, the only books I've ever read on my spare timewere the Twilight series (before twilight, I was barely much of a reader) and The Count of Monte Cristo. Will it make a big impact for reading more novels out there? How so? Also how wud I craft good, catchy dialogue? I'd like to sorta put in some humor just for the sake comical relief, but me as a person, I don't really know exactly how to be funny and such (not that I'm trying to be a comedian writer) I wud like to know how to also create really good and original characters; do I have to honestly meet alot of ppl out there in order to craft original characters, what are the best inspirations to creating good character, good plot, good theme, etc. I would love to make my novels enjoyable, but at the same time I would love to make it something my audience could learn something from and such. I also wonder if these days, ppl really care much about a book containing alot of literary elements like personification, metaphor, etc., I mean I don't wanna make my stories too wordy but I would like to know just how this all goes. Cuz right now I'm reading "For Whom the Bell Tolls" (on the 2nd chapter) and I'm just wondering how/whats gonna help me in becoming a better writer in approach of trying to create originality (something thats not there) and fun and something to learn from too.