Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: A Comprehensive Guide to Novel Writing
Writing a novel can be a daunting task, but the Save the Cat Writes a Novel guide by Jessica Brody provides a structured approach that helps writers craft compelling stories. Based on the famous screenwriting formula by Blake Snyder, this guide is adapted for novelists to plan, plot, and bring their characters to life. For aspiring novelists and seasoned writers alike, the journey from a blank page to a finished novel can be daunting. Thankfully, “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You’ll Ever Need“ by Jessica Brody offers a fresh, structured approach to tackling this monumental task. Based on the well-known screenwriting methodology by Blake Snyder, Brody adapts the “Save the Cat” formula for novelists, giving writers practical tools to structure their stories and create compelling narratives.
In this article, we’ll dive into the key takeaways from this essential book on novel writing, explore how it benefits writers, and provide insights on how you can apply these techniques to your own writing projects.
What Is “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel”?
Jessica Brody’s “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” is a comprehensive guide that adapts Blake Snyder’s famous “Save the Cat!” screenwriting method for the world of novels. Snyder’s original book was primarily geared towards screenwriters, offering a beat sheet that laid out a successful screenplay’s essential plot points. Brody has reworked this system to fit novel structures, making it accessible and applicable to fiction writers of all genres.
Key Takeaways from the Book
1. The Beat Sheet for Novelists
At the heart of “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” is the beat sheet—a blueprint for structuring a novel. The beat sheet breaks down a novel into key moments, or “beats,” which help ensure that the story is paced effectively and keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The 15 beats include:
- Opening Image: The initial impression that sets the tone for your story.
- Theme Stated: Where the central theme or moral of your story is subtly introduced.
- Set-Up: Establishes the main characters and setting.
- Catalyst: The moment that sparks the story’s conflict.
- Break into Two: The protagonist moves into a new world or begins a new journey.
These beats, alongside others, offer novelists a clear structure that helps avoid common issues like pacing problems or plot holes. For writers who struggle with novel planning, the beat sheet serves as a powerful tool to organize their story ideas into a cohesive and engaging narrative.
2. Focusing on Genre Conventions
One of the highlights of Jessica Brody’s adaptation is her focus on genre conventions. She categorizes novels into different genres based on the “Save the Cat!” storytelling model, such as:
- Monster in the House: Think horror stories or thrillers with an external danger, like Jaws or Dracula.
- Golden Fleece: A journey or quest, like The Odyssey or The Hobbit.
By understanding what works best for each genre, writers can tailor their novels to meet audience expectations while also keeping their stories unique. Brody dives into successful examples, helping writers see how to apply the beats within their genre of choice.
3. Creating Compelling Characters
One of the strongest aspects of Brody’s novel-writing guide is her focus on character development. A well-structured novel can still fall flat without characters that readers care about. The book emphasizes the importance of character arcs, using the beat sheet to highlight how characters change throughout the novel. Each beat not only advances the plot but also deepens the protagonist’s journey.
For instance, the Midpoint is not just a critical plot moment but also a turning point for character development. By following this structure, writers can ensure that their characters are fully fleshed out and undergo meaningful growth.
How “Save the Cat!” Benefits Writers
1. Provides Structure Without Limiting Creativity
Many writers shy away from using formulas, fearing that they will stifle creativity. However, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel proves that structure can enhance creativity rather than limit it. By following a well-established framework, writers can organize their thoughts, avoiding the common pitfall of aimless storytelling.
The beat sheet serves as a flexible outline that writers can adjust to suit their unique stories. Rather than dictating every detail, it offers guidelines for where key moments should fall in the narrative. This balance between structure and freedom makes it an ideal tool for writers who feel lost during the drafting process.
2. Helps Writers Avoid Common Pitfalls
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its focus on avoiding common pitfalls that plague many first-time novelists. Writers often struggle with issues like pacing problems, plot holes, or lackluster endings. The beat sheet helps prevent these problems by ensuring that the story progresses logically and keeps readers engaged.
Additionally, Brody’s insight into how different genres work provides valuable knowledge for writers trying to navigate their chosen genres. This understanding of what readers expect from a certain type of story is critical for creating satisfying, well-received novels.
3. Increases Readability and Engagement
By ensuring that the key beats of the story fall into place, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel helps writers create narratives that resonate with readers. The result is a story that keeps readers hooked from the opening scene to the closing image. This increased engagement makes the book’s method useful for writers who are hoping to not only finish a novel but also create something marketable.
Also Read: Dr. Seuss Beginner Book Boxed Set for Early Readers
Applying the Save the Cat Method to Your Writing
If you’re an aspiring novelist looking for a reliable guide to help you through the process, “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel” offers a clear path forward. Here’s how you can apply the method to your own writing:
- Use the Beat Sheet to Plan Your Novel Start by laying out your novel using the 15 beats. Even if you’re a pantser (a writer who writes by the seat of their pants), the beat sheet can help you stay on track during revisions. Having a clear structure to follow will ensure that your story progresses logically.
- Focus on Character Arcs Use the beats to think about how your character grows throughout the story. Ask yourself: What does my protagonist want? How do they change as the plot progresses? By focusing on these questions, you can create a more engaging and dynamic character.
- Tailor the Beats to Your Genre Identify which genre your novel fits into and study the examples Brody provides. This will help you understand what readers expect and how you can subvert or meet those expectations. By doing so, you’ll not only write a well-structured story but also one that stands out in a crowded market.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Aspiring Novelists
“Save the Cat! Writes a Novel“ is more than just a guide—it’s a blueprint for writing successful novels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned writer, this book provides practical tools to help you navigate the challenges of novel writing. From plotting your story to developing compelling characters, Jessica Brody’s adaptation of the Save the Cat! method gives writers a framework that simplifies the writing process without sacrificing creativity.
If you’re struggling to structure your novel or looking for a way to deepen your storytelling, this book offers the tools you need. “Save the Cat! Writes a Novel“ is not just another writing book—it’s a comprehensive guide that can help you take your novel from concept to completion.
There are 6 comments