Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
We turn to story to watch characters fix their problems, better their lives, improve upon their flaws. Great novels take deeply imperfect characters and make them a little less imperfect.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
This life lesson should be something universal. Something inherently human.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
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.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
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
you’ve got a hero who’s just putzing around, waiting for something to happen. (Very boring plot.)
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
Readers keep reading because they want to know if your hero is going to get what they want.
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
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
When someone starts reading your novel, they should be thinking something along the lines of, Whoa, what a mess this person’s life is!
Jessica Brody • Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
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.