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Save the Cat! Writes a Novel

The Last Book on Novel Writing You'll Ever Need

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Save the Cat! Writes a Novel

Written by: Jessica Brody
Narrated by: Jessica Brody
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Summary

 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.

With a PDF that includes charts, lists, and exercises from the book. Writing, Research & Publishing Guides Creative Writing
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What the critics say

“Every novelist should own a copy of this book. It will change the way you think about stories—and your writing. Jessica Brody takes the mystery and frustration out of plotting a novel. I’ll never write another book without a copy of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel.”—Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times best-selling coauthor of Beautiful Creatures and author of Broken Beautiful Hearts

“Good plotters aren't born. They're formed by studying the twists and turns of others' stories. Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is a perfect plot study tool for all levels of writer. It will help you dissect any plot conundrum, conceive your story's blueprint, and give a beat to every pivot of your hero's journey.”—Grant Faulkner, executive director of National Novel Writing Month and author of Pep Talks for Writers: 52 Insights and Actions to Boost Your Creative Mojo

“Through its insightful use of beat sheets, genres, and trade secrets, this book is an invaluable guide through the daunting task of writing a novel.”—Jessica Khoury, author of The Forbidden Wish and Last of Her Name

“This playful, illuminating book is a godsend for anyone seeking to understand story structure for novels.”—Emmy Laybourne, author of the international bestselling Monument 14 trilogy, and the novels Sweet, Berserker and Ransacker
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I've read the book and listened to the audiobook (via audible). This book gives great advice on how to breakdown Blake Scheider's 15 beats for a novel. There's plenty of reference to other novels that you can review to see how they did it. This will be a reference I come back to time and again. I've marked up and tabbed my book and put bookmarks in audible. Audible book comes with a free pdf which was good reference.

excellent reference of the15 story beats

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Found Save the Cat then this one the most beneficial. Skip Goes to the Movies. I feel this can be used for script writing with more detailed breakdown that compliments Save the Cat.

More detailed explanations for all writing types!

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I have read all of the Save the Cat books and this audiobook may be the best version to understand structure and beats. I highly recommend it. The way she makes this blueprint along with her YA novel save the cat book has truly helped me become a better writer. Even better, I was able to breakthrough my writers block just by going through the blueprint/beats. I realized what I was missing and how adding some new sections/chapters/conflicts can really bring my novel home. I was completely inspired by Jessica’s blueprint. It’s nice having case studies and examples. There was one save the cat book I felt was not so helpful but this one is definitely one of the best. Not only of the save the cat series but for writing in general.

This might be the best way to understand structure and beats.

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This is a must read for all writers. The author clearly explains what makes a great book, breaks down the plot beats and provides examples from different genres. The resources with this book are phenomenal.

Great book with terrific resources

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Loved it! Opened my eyes on storytelling by today's standards. So grateful to Jessica and her work. This one is a keeper and I will and must go back to that book over and over again. Not to mention the valuable pdfs she shares. I recommend this book to anyone looking to publish a novel.

AMAZING!

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