Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel summary
Jessica Brody
Brief summary
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody is a guide that applies Blake Snyder's screenwriting principles to novel writing. It offers practical tips and strategies to help authors craft compelling stories that resonate with readers.
Table of Contents
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
Summary of key ideas
Understanding the Basics of Novel Writing
In Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody offers a comprehensive guide for novel writing, based on the principles of the Save the Cat! series by Blake Snyder. The book begins by introducing the concept of the beat sheet, a tool for outlining a novel's structure. Brody breaks down the fifteen beats, or plot points, that form the foundation of a compelling story.
She explains that the first five beats, the Opening Image, Theme Stated, Set-Up, Catalyst, and Debate, establish the protagonist's world, their internal and external conflicts, and the journey they are about to embark on. The following five beats, Break into Two, B Story, Fun and Games, Midpoint, and Bad Guys Close In, illustrate the protagonist's initial attempts to overcome their obstacles, the introduction of secondary characters, and the escalation of the conflict.
Developing the Plot and Characters
Brody emphasizes the importance of creating compelling characters and a well-structured plot. She discusses the tools of character development, such as character arcs, character flaws, and character desires, and how they interplay with the beats to drive the story forward. She also explains the concept of the 'Save the Cat' moment, a scene where the protagonist does something that makes them likeable, a key element in engaging the reader.
She then delves into the second half of the beat sheet, which includes the Break into Three, Finale, and the Final Image. These beats represent the protagonist's final push to resolve their conflicts, the climax of the story, and the resolution that follows. Brody stresses that the successful execution of these beats is crucial for a satisfying conclusion.
Exploring Different Story Genres
After establishing the basics of the beat sheet, Save the Cat! Writes a Novel explores the concept of story genres. Brody introduces ten different genres, each with its unique characteristics, expectations, and emotional experiences. She explains how understanding the conventions of these genres can help writers craft stories that resonate with their intended audience.
The ten story genres she covers include the Monster in the House, Golden Fleece, Out of the Bottle, Institutionalized, Superhero, Dude with a Problem, Rites of Passage, Buddy Love, Whydunit, and the Fool Triumphant. Brody illustrates each genre with examples from popular novels and movies, demonstrating how the beat sheet can be adapted to fit different types of stories.
Applying the Beat Sheet to Your Novel
In the final section of the book, Brody provides practical advice on how to apply the beat sheet to a novel. She offers tips on outlining, structuring scenes, and revising the manuscript. She also addresses common pitfalls and mistakes that writers should avoid when using the beat sheet, such as forcing the story to fit the beats or neglecting character development in favor of plot.
She encourages writers to view the beat sheet as a flexible tool rather than a rigid formula, and to adapt it to their specific story and writing style. Brody concludes by emphasizing the importance of practice, patience, and perseverance in mastering the art of novel writing.
Final Thoughts
In Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, Jessica Brody offers a detailed and practical guide to novel writing, based on the principles of the Save the Cat! storytelling methodology. By breaking down the storytelling process into a series of beats and genres, she provides writers with a structured approach to crafting compelling and successful novels. Whether you're a new writer looking for a starting point or a seasoned author seeking to refine your storytelling techniques, this book offers valuable insights and tools to enhance your craft.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Save the Cat! Writes a Novel about?
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody is a comprehensive guide that applies Blake Snyder's screenwriting principles to the world of novel writing. It offers practical tips and strategies for crafting compelling stories, developing memorable characters, and structuring your novel effectively. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, this book provides valuable insights to help you enhance your storytelling skills.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel Review
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel (2018) is a valuable resource for aspiring novelists seeking to enhance their storytelling skills. Here's why this book stands out:
- It breaks down storytelling principles with clear explanations and practical tips, helping writers construct engaging narratives effortlessly.
- The book offers insightful analyses of popular novels, providing concrete examples that inspire writers to elevate their own craft.
- Interactive exercises encourage hands-on application of the concepts learned, ensuring an interactive and enriching reading experience.
Who should read Save the Cat! Writes a Novel?
Aspiring novelists who want to learn about story structure and plot development
Experienced writers looking to enhance their storytelling skills and create compelling narratives
Anyone interested in understanding the principles of successful storytelling and how to apply them to their own writing
Categories with Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
Book summaries like Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel FAQs
What is the main message of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel?
The main message of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel emphasizes the importance of structuring engaging stories effectively.
How long does it take to read Save the Cat! Writes a Novel?
Reading Save the Cat! Writes a Novel takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Save the Cat! Writes a Novel a good book? Is it worth reading?
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is a must-read for aspiring writers, offering insightful guidance on storytelling in a concise format.
Who is the author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel?
Jessica Brody is the author of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel.
What to read after Save the Cat! Writes a Novel?
If you're wondering what to read next after Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Making It All Work by David Allen
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
- Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
- The Da Vinci Curse by Leonardo Lospennato
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau