Beginning a novel

Writing a novel is a formidable task. The average 300-page novel must contain a beginning, middle and end and is comparable to the structure of the movie screenplay. The latter comprises a first act in which characters and their situation are "set up;" a second act, which reveals the conflicts of the characters; and a third act, in which the situation and conflicts are resolved. The author, a community college writing teacher, recommends that his students create vivid characters and then write an outline. The outline will serve as a roadmap, guiding the students from the beginning of their novels (the set up) to the end. Several famous authors, including Stephen King and Elmore Leonard, insist they do not use outlines. Rather, they create their characters and project the novel to its logical conclusion, according to the parameters of character. However, screenwriting guru Syd Field disagrees. Field believes an outline, written on a paradigm diagram, will keep the storyline on course and result in a more satisfying ending. The author agrees with Field.