Save the Cat for Supernatural Writers: Crafting Unforgettable Story Arcs

Writing Methods

Save the Cat... or Save Your Story? A Supernatural Writer’s Secret Weapon

Hey spooky scribes and night scribblers! 👻

What if I said there’s a simple trick? It’s like magic! This helps you make clearer plots. It speeds up pacing and builds characters that readers will care about.

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Say hello to Save the Cat! 🐱🦇

💀 What is Save the Cat, anyway?

No, you're not saving a cat (although that would make a good opening scene). This is a story structure. Think of it as the spine of your novel. It helps you create exciting plots that end well.

✨ Here's the breakdown:

• Your story gets sliced into 15 beats (a.k.a. scenes or moments).

• These beats live within the classic three-act structure.

• Each beat shows what should happen and when. Like a creepy map through your haunted storyland.

• It's not only about the plot. It also lets you dive into your hero's feelings, the theme, and the type of story you're telling.

🧛‍♂️ Wait... Who started this?

Blake Snyder, a Hollywood screenwriter, realized that most great films follow a similar rhythm. So, he gave each beat a name (some are fun, like "Fun and Games" 🎮) and shared it with the world.

Years later, novelist Jessica Brody took her idea and used it to fix her messy manuscript. Boom! It worked. Now we have a book for novelists like you: 📘 Save the Cat! Write a Novel!

📖 What’s a Beat Sheet?

Think of it like your plot’s skeleton. Every story beat has its place, resembling a ritual that we must follow.

🧠 Pro Tip: You can describe each beat in one sentence. Short. Sweet. Spooky.

⚰️ Ten Story Types (Yes, One Has a Monster!)

Forget genre for a sec. Save the Cat asks: What kind of story are you telling?

Here are a few perfect options for you, paranormal lovers:

• Whydunit: Solve a dark, eerie mystery.

• Superhero: You’re powerful, but can you handle it?

• Fool Triumphant: The underdog beats the beast (or cult, or council).

• Out of the Bottle: Magic enters the chat... but only for a while.

• Monster in the House: Trap. Monster. Mayhem. 🔥

(Yes, vampires and cursed lovers fit here.)

Your Own Customized Save the Cat Beat Sheet

This wouldn’t be a Vault of the Supernatural post without a customized template. Yes, friends, I have you covered with a spooktacular Save the Cat Beat Sheet Template for your next supernatural novel. If you like access to this template and the other awesome ones here at Vault, become a paid subscriber and check out everything I have to offer. Remember, I am offering that 30-day free trial for the first 100 paid subscribers.