Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
There’s something buried deep within our DNA as humans that makes us respond to certain storytelling elements told in a certain order.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need
all main characters should have compelling and complete character arcs, but whose is the biggest? Who has the furthest to go? Who has the most to gain from being the hero of this novel? And who is the most resistant to the change?
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need
what does your hero think will fix those problems, or what does your hero think will better their life?
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need
The word “plot” on its own is pretty useless. It’s just a series of events that happen in a story. But structure is the order in which those events happen and, maybe even more importantly, the timing of when they happen. Then you add in a character who needs to change and does change by the end, and presto! You’ve got a story worth telling.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need
The key is all in the pacing. A well-paced novel with visual elements, compelling character growth, and an airtight structure can step into the ring with any blockbuster film—and win.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need
also referred to as the premise.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need
Writing about a hero who transforms—who comes out of the story a different person than who they started as—is the secret sauce of best-selling novels.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need
The life lesson is the inner journey that your hero didn’t even know they were on, that will eventually lead them to the answer they never expected.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book On Novel Writing You'll Ever Need
The most effective character goals or wants are concrete and tangible. The reader should be able to know if and when your hero gets what they want.