The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Young Adult Bestseller
Jessica Brody’s Save the Cat Writes a Young Adult Novel is a comprehensive guide for aspiring YA writers looking to structure and write engaging, bestselling fiction.” For those aspiring to break into the Young Adult (YA) novel market, “Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel” by Jessica Brody is a must-read. Brody, a successful YA author herself, adapts Blake Snyder’s “Save the Cat!” method to the YA genre, offering a step-by-step guide for writing a bestselling YA novel. This book goes beyond traditional writing advice, providing insights tailored to the unique needs of young adult fiction.
In this article, we’ll explore the key takeaways from Brody’s guide, focusing on how to use it to craft a successful YA novel. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a newcomer to the genre, this guide provides everything you need to navigate the YA market.
Key Concepts from “Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel”
1. The Beat Sheet: A Blueprint for Success
At the core of Brody’s method is the beat sheet. This is a template used to outline your story in 15 essential beats, ensuring your novel has a solid structure that will keep readers engaged. Each beat represents a crucial moment in the story, from the opening image to the final resolution.
Some of the most important beats include:
- The Opening Image: This sets the tone for the novel and introduces the main character.
- The Catalyst: This is the event that sets the story in motion, pushing the protagonist out of their comfort zone.
- The Midpoint: Often referred to as the “point of no return,” this moment drives the story forward by raising the stakes.
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2. Crafting Relatable Characters
One of the main reasons YA novels resonate with readers is the relatable characters. Jessica Brody emphasizes that successful YA protagonists must reflect the hopes, fears, and challenges of the young adult audience. They are often dealing with universal themes like identity, belonging, love, and independence, but they must do so in a way that feels authentic to their age and experience.
For example, in bestsellers like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or Divergent by Veronica Roth, the protagonists are thrust into extraordinary circumstances, but their core struggles are deeply relatable. They grapple with personal identity, fear of failure, and questions about morality—issues that resonate deeply with YA readers.
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If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to writing a bestselling YA novel, Jessica Brody’s “Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel” is an essential resource for understanding how to create relatable characters and master the unique structure of YA fiction.
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Why Jessica Brody’s Method Works for YA Writers
1. Tapping Into Universal Themes
Young adult novels often revolve around universal themes like growing up, finding yourself, and battling societal pressures. Brody advises writers to build their stories around these core themes while infusing them with original elements that make the narrative stand out. YA novels that balance universal themes with unique premises are more likely to resonate with readers.
For example, John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars touches on love and mortality, while Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give tackles racism and identity. Both novels are rooted in universally understood emotions, but they are told through unique lenses.
2. Emphasizing Pacing and Plot
One of the key reasons the Save the Cat! method works so well for YA is its focus on pacing. YA readers are known for wanting fast-paced, engaging stories, and the 15-beat structure ensures that the novel moves forward at a compelling speed.
Brody’s breakdown of the Midpoint is particularly important. In many YA novels, the midpoint is where the protagonist begins to understand the true stakes of their journey. It’s also the moment when internal conflict intensifies. Ensuring this beat is impactful can prevent your story from stalling in the middle, a common problem for many novels.
Example: In Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows, the midpoint is where Kaz Brekker’s heist plan begins to unravel, forcing him and his crew to adapt quickly. This shift raises the stakes for the characters, pushing the story into a faster pace as they face new dangers.
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Also Read: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: A Guide to Novel Writing
How to Use “Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel” for Your Own Writing
1. Start with the Beat Sheet
The beat sheet is the foundation of your novel. Begin by plotting out your story’s key beats using Brody’s method. This ensures that your story is well-paced and hits all the major emotional and plot-driven moments that YA readers expect.
Take your time to flesh out the Opening Image and Catalyst. These are critical for hooking YA readers, as they need to quickly connect with the protagonist and feel invested in their journey.
2. Character First, Plot Second
While plotting is important, Brody emphasizes that character comes first. If your readers don’t care about your protagonist, the most perfectly plotted novel won’t hold their attention. Spend time developing your protagonist’s backstory, motivations, and internal struggles. This will make their transformation throughout the story feel more authentic.
Hint: If you’re looking for more exercises on how to develop strong characters, check out our article on How to Develop a Strong Character Arc in Your Novel. We break down the key elements of creating relatable, dynamic characters that readers won’t forget.
3. Write with Themes in Mind
As you plan your novel, keep in mind the universal themes that your story will explore. Whether it’s identity, belonging, or independence, make sure these themes are woven throughout the character’s journey. YA novels that address themes in a meaningful way tend to have more impact and longevity.
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Also Read: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: A Guide to Novel Writing
Final Thoughts: Is “Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel” Right for You?
For anyone serious about writing a YA novel that resonates with readers and has the potential to become a bestseller, “Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel“ by Jessica Brody is an invaluable resource. It combines structure, pacing, and character development in a way that feels intuitive and manageable for both new and experienced writers.
If you’re serious about writing a YA bestseller, following the methods in Save the Cat Writes a Young Adult Novel will provide a clear roadmap for success.
Whether you’re writing a contemporary YA romance or a dystopian fantasy, Brody’s book provides the blueprint for success. By following her beat sheet and focusing on character-driven storytelling, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a novel that not only captivates readers but also stands out in a competitive market.
If you’re ready to dive into the YA world, Jessica Brody’s guide will be your go-to resource for structuring your novel and creating compelling, relatable characters.
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