It's my first time writing a novel, but I've been recommending myself all this time?

First of all, congratulations on getting some recommendation votes. This means that your novel may have aroused the interest of readers. But if you keep voting for yourself, it might make readers feel confused and dissatisfied. In a novel, the characters shouldn't have the power to decide the direction of the story. Instead, they should let the readers push the story forward through the plot and dialogue. Therefore, I suggest that you seriously consider the feelings of your readers before you consider continuing to write. Review the story, think about the actions and decisions of the characters, and try to change the plot to make the story more interesting and fascinating. You can also consider seeking advice and feedback from other readers. You can join some novel communities or forums to ask other authors for advice on writing skills and experience, or to post your progress and updates to readers. The most important thing was not to give up and continue to work hard to improve your writing skills. You will be able to write an excellent novel through continuous writing and improvement.