Jessica Brody

The first novel-writing guide from the best-selling Save the Cat! story-structure series, which reveals the 15 essential plot points needed to make any novel a success. Novelist Jessica Brody presents a comprehensive story-structure guide for novelists that applies the famed Save the Cat! screenwriting methodology to the world of novel writing. Revealing the 15 "beats" (plot points) that comprise a successful story--from the opening image to the finale--this book lays out the Ten Story Genres (Monster in the House; Whydunit; Dude with a Problem) alongside quirky, original insights (Save the Cat; Shard of Glass) to help novelists craft a plot that will captivate--and a novel that will sell.

The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel

This book is so great at deconstructing the puzzle of a story. For example, here — I love haunted house stories as a reader, but understanding the necessity of the “sin” plot element really makes the craft accessible.

Love this resource; I’ll be studying novels differently from now on with this book in mind. 

Caroline Clutterbuck Kapulkin

[On writing “Monster In The House” stories.] The sin is really what makes this genre work. It's what makes these stories resonate with readers. Because the sin almost always ties into the deeper theme, that universal lesson that we can all relate to.

… Even if it’s not the hero of themselves who is responsible, someone, somewhere along the way, decided to open Pandora’s box and peek inside, and THIS story is the result.

Selected prompts for Brody’s “Five Foundation Beats” that I found particularly helpful!

I’m a sucker for all the helpful lists in this book. 😂

• How would my flawed hero change the WRONG way, based on what they want, not what they need? This continues to shape my Break Into 2 beat.

• Does my hero generally flounder or excel in this new world? Ths determines the Midpoint and whether it's a false victory (the hero excels in the new world) or a false defeat (the hero flounders in the new world).

• How does my hero, then, change the right way, based on what they need? This helps me start to discern my Break Into 3.

• Finally, what kind of rock-bottom life-changing event would be enough to eventually convince my hero to change the right way? This informs my All Is Lost beat — which you may recall is usually another Catalyst.

Don’t mind me, just gonna highlight all the encouraging plotting block tips at the end here 😂 

And when you get lost, remember to come back to your wants and needs. They are your sign posts on this journey. As you drive toward the Midpoint, keep your sights on what your hero wants. And then, as you drive toward the Final Image, keep your sights on what the hero needs. These two things will help guide you through the dark spots on the road.

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel quotes

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