The “Save the Cat!” method

The “Save the Cat!” method, originally created by screenwriter Blake Snyder, is a popular storytelling structure that can be adapted for novel writing. It breaks down the narrative into 15 “beats,” each serving a specific function in the story. Here’s how you can outline your novel using this method:

1. Opening Image

Purpose: Set the tone and present the protagonist’s starting point.

• Example: Introduce the protagonist, James, on his family farm in Western Pennsylvania, highlighting his hardworking but complex family dynamics.

2. Theme Stated

Purpose: Present the central theme or moral of the story.

• Example: A conversation between James and his father where the father mentions, “True strength lies in unity and understanding.”

3. Set-Up

Purpose: Establish the world, introduce key characters, and hint at the protagonist’s internal conflict.

• Example: James’s life on the farm, his relationship with his family, and his ambitions. Introduce supporting characters like his mother, Venus, and his siblings.

4. Catalyst

Purpose: Inciting incident that disrupts the protagonist’s ordinary world.

• Example: James receives a letter of acceptance to a prestigious college in New York, prompting a major life change.

5. Debate

Purpose: Protagonist grapples with the decision to embrace the change.

• Example: James struggles with the decision to leave his family and their expectations behind to pursue his own dreams.

6. Break into Two

Purpose: The protagonist makes a decisive choice that propels them into a new world or situation.

• Example: James decides to move to New York, leaving the farm behind.

7. B Story

Purpose: Secondary plotline that supports the main story, often involving a subplot.

• Example: James’s involvement with the Panthers and meeting Maria, who later becomes his wife.

8. Fun and Games

Purpose: The protagonist experiences the promise of the premise; the “heart” of the story.

• Example: James’s adventures and challenges in New York, balancing college life with activism.

9. Midpoint

Purpose: Major turning point that raises the stakes and often includes a “false victory” or “false defeat.”

• Example: James achieves a significant milestone in his activism but faces severe consequences from the government.

10. Bad Guys Close In

Purpose: External and internal pressures intensify, causing the protagonist to struggle.

• Example: The government targets James, leading to increased tension and danger for him and his group.

11. All Is Lost

Purpose: The protagonist hits rock bottom; often marked by a “whiff of death.”

• Example: James is betrayed by a close ally and arrested, feeling utterly defeated.

12. Dark Night of the Soul

Purpose: Moment of reflection and despair where the protagonist contemplates giving up.

• Example: In prison, James contemplates whether his fight is worth the personal cost.

13. Break into Three

Purpose: Protagonist discovers a solution or gains new resolve to tackle the final challenge.

• Example: Inspired by a memory of his father’s teachings, James decides to escape and continue his mission.

14. Finale

Purpose: The climax where the protagonist faces the final challenge and the story’s conflicts are resolved.

• Example: James escapes from prison, leads a successful action against the oppressive forces, and solidifies his role as a leader.

15. Final Image

Purpose: A mirror of the opening image, showing the protagonist’s transformation.

• Example: James stands united with his community, embodying the strength and unity his father once spoke of, signifying his growth and the resolution of his internal conflict.

Applying the Beat Sheet to Your Novel

1. Create a Detailed Outline: Expand each beat into a paragraph or a few bullet points to cover the key scenes and character development.
2. Write Scene by Scene: Break down your outline into individual scenes, focusing on how each scene advances the plot or develops the characters.
3. Ensure Consistent Pacing: Use the beats to maintain a balanced and engaging narrative flow.
4. Revise and Refine: After completing the first draft, revisit the beat sheet to ensure each beat effectively serves its purpose and enhances the overall story.

Using the “Save the Cat!” beat sheet can provide a solid structural foundation for your novel, helping you craft a compelling and well-paced narrative.

Certainly! Let’s apply the “Save the Cat!” beat sheet to your novel step-by-step.

Step 1: Create a Detailed Outline

Opening Image

• Scene: Early morning on James’s family farm.
• Key Points: James, aged 12, working on the farm, showcasing his strong work ethic. Introduce the family: his father Jean Pierre Blake, mother Venus, and older siblings. The farm symbolizes the stability and expectations weighing on James.

Theme Stated

• Scene: Conversation with James’s father.
• Key Points: Jean Pierre tells James, “True strength lies in unity and understanding,” hinting at the novel’s central theme of finding inner strength through relationships and understanding.

Set-Up

• Scenes: Several scenes establishing James’s life on the farm.
• Key Points: James’s routine, interactions with family, and hints at his ambitions. Show the complexities within the family dynamics, including the tension with his older siblings and the burden of family legacy.

Catalyst

• Scene: James receives a letter of acceptance to a prestigious college in New York.
• Key Points: This moment disrupts James’s life and sets the story in motion. Highlight his excitement and fear about the new opportunity.

Debate

• Scene: James discusses the college offer with his family.
• Key Points: Internal and external conflicts arise as James weighs his decision. His father encourages him, while his siblings express skepticism.

Break into Two

• Scene: James decides to accept the college offer and move to New York.
• Key Points: Symbolic moment as James packs his bags and says goodbye to the farm, marking his entry into a new world.

B Story

• Scenes: James’s experiences in New York, meeting Maria and joining the Panthers.
• Key Points: Develop the subplot of James’s activism and his relationship with Maria. Show how these elements support the main story.

Fun and Games

• Scenes: James’s adventures in New York.
• Key Points: James thrives in the city, balancing college and activism. Show his growth, challenges, and successes during this phase.

Midpoint

• Scene: James achieves a significant milestone in his activism.
• Key Points: This victory feels like a high point but also brings unforeseen consequences, such as increased scrutiny from the government.

Bad Guys Close In

• Scenes: Mounting pressure from the government and internal conflicts within the Panther group.
• Key Points: James faces external threats and internal doubts. Tension builds as the stakes rise.

All Is Lost

• Scene: James is betrayed by a close ally and arrested.
• Key Points: This moment represents rock bottom for James. Highlight his feelings of despair and defeat.

Dark Night of the Soul

• Scene: James in prison, reflecting on his situation.
• Key Points: Deep introspection and despair. James contemplates giving up, questioning the value of his sacrifices.

Break into Three

• Scene: James finds new resolve.
• Key Points: Inspired by a memory of his father’s teachings, James decides to fight back and escape.

Finale

• Scenes: James escapes from prison and leads a successful action against the oppressive forces.
• Key Points: Climactic showdown where James’s leadership and unity with his community lead to victory.

Final Image

• Scene: James united with his community.
• Key Points: A mirror of the opening image but with James now embodying the strength and unity his father spoke of, showcasing his transformation.

Step 2: Write Scene by Scene

1. Opening Scene: Describe the morning chores on the farm, the serene yet demanding environment, and James’s interactions with his family.
2. Theme Conversation: Detail the conversation with his father, capturing the essence of the theme.
3. Farm Life: Create scenes showing James’s daily routine, his dreams, and the family’s expectations.
4. Acceptance Letter: Show the moment James receives the letter and his mixed emotions.
5. Family Debate: Illustrate the dinner table debate, highlighting different perspectives.
6. Decision: Portray James’s internal struggle and final decision to leave.
7. New York Arrival: Describe James’s arrival in the bustling city, meeting Maria, and joining the Panthers.
8. City Adventures: Craft scenes of James navigating college, activism, and his growing relationship with Maria.
9. Milestone: Show the pivotal moment in James’s activism and the immediate fallout.
10. Mounting Pressure: Develop scenes of increasing tension from the government and within the group.
11. Betrayal: Detail the betrayal and James’s arrest, capturing the emotional impact.
12. Prison Reflection: Write James’s introspective moments in prison, exploring his doubts and fears.
13. Resolve: Show the turning point where James regains his resolve.
14. Climactic Action: Detail the escape and final showdown, ensuring a thrilling resolution.
15. Final Unity: Conclude with James’s triumphant return to his community, highlighting his growth.

Step 3: Ensure Consistent Pacing

• Check each beat: Make sure each scene advances the plot or deepens character development.
• Balance action and reflection: Mix high-stakes action with quieter, introspective moments to keep readers engaged.
• Maintain tension: Ensure rising tension and stakes throughout the narrative, leading to a satisfying climax.

Step 4: Revise and Refine

• First Draft Review: After completing the first draft, revisit the beat sheet to ensure each beat is effectively integrated.
• Edit for Clarity and Impact: Refine scenes to enhance clarity, emotional impact, and pacing.
• Seek Feedback: Share your draft with beta readers or a writing group to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.

By following these steps, you can use the “Save the Cat!” beat sheet to structure your novel, ensuring a well-paced and compelling narrative.