Characters:
     There's no reason to provide in-depth descriptions of each character as they're introduced in the story. Physical descriptions can be provided as needed such as when a witness describes a criminal or a small child demonstrates super-human strength. Habitual behaviors, a sense of humor, and other such characteristics can be explained as the appropriate situations arise. The writer should keep notes on every description provided so they don't change from one chapter to the next. Unless a man has some supernatural power to change his physical appearance, it makes no sense for him to be 6'4" in chapter one, then 5'6" at the end of the story.

Plots/subplots:
     Even real life has a plot, although unexpected situations and events would make it seem otherwise. In a novel, the main plot begins with a goal in mind and, by the end, that goal is obtained. Through the course of the story, the unexpected might temporarily sidetrack the hero, but even while involved in those situations, the main characters are still progressing toward the ultimate goal. The only exception to the rule of reaching the goal set in the plot or subplots by the end of the novel is if the novel is part of a series. In that case, plots and subplots may continue into the next book; however, there should be goals set forth and reached in each book.

Setting:
     As with the characters, settings don't have to be fully described until necessary. Even when being described in more detail, only the parts important to the situation are important. Always remember the setting and keep it real. An oak tree won't grow in the Arctic and polar bears normally don't roam the streets of Miami.

Historical accuracy:
     Unless the novel is a fantasy or alternate history, attention to history is important. Vikings didn't wear blue jeans, early colonists didn't have gas heat, and so on. In order for the plot and characters to be as believable as possible, the technology and other elements should be historically accurate.