How to Write a Novel with the Save the Cat Beat Sheet

Plotting a novel can be an overwhelming task. I've experimented with numerous outlining methods over the years, and the Save the Cat beat sheet is one of my favorites. Here, I'll take you through its 15 story beats and explain how they can be used in a story.

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MENTIONED

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CHAPTERS
0:00 - What is Save the Cat?
1:56 - 1. Opening Image
3:08 - 2. Theme Stated
3:45 - 3. Setup
4:22 - 4. Catalyst
5:02 - 5. Debate
5:37 - 6. Break Into Two
6:20 - 7. B Story
6:58 - 8. Fun and Games
7:38 - 9. Midpoint
8:39 - 10. Bad Guys Close In
9:06 - 11. All Is Lost
9:39 - 12. Dark Night of the Soul
10:14 - 13. Break Into Three
10:34 - 14. Finale
12:30 - 15. Final Image
13:27 - The Purpose of the Beat Sheet

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#writingtips #writing #savethecat

ABOUT
I'm Grayson Taylor, an author and filmmaker, here to help you on your creative journey by sharing what I've learned—and what I'm still learning—about storytelling. After writing my first full-length novel when I was seven, I've authored more than a dozen action-adventure, sci-fi, mystery, and dystopian books. I've also written and directed several short films, composed music, and acted onstage, on TV, and in films.
You'll find writing advice, publishing tips, and behind-the-scenes videos on my channel.

Current Subscribers: 6,752

[karlkeil]

For all struggling with this beat sheet: Do. Not. Follow. It. Exactly. It is just a guide, and it is meant to be flexible so that you can see a beat and understand the purpose of it, but do not be attached to the guide, so many times a story is less about the structure and more about how you tell it to be meaningful, if the beat sheet is hindering your ability to tell that story, it might be better to not use it. You might write a story and it'll naturally just fall within these beats because these beats are meant to be vague and interpretive and applicable to almost anything.

[DanielECulbertson]

"...spawned a LITTER of sequels..."

I saw what you did there, mister! A purr-fect turn of phrase. 🤣

[lagadema]

I have never seen better explanation for the Save the Cat Beas Sheets. THANK YOU.

[Izzy-Lopez]

so happy I've finally found a video that breaks this down quickly and precisely. thank you!

[keri___]

Thank you for making this video. As someone just getting started with writing, your concise explanations and supporting visuals really helped demystify some aspects of outlining. The quality of your content deserves way more subscribers and views—keep up the great work!

[Pancakerman]

My friends, your story is a metal wire. To have an interesting story, you bend your wire to make spikes. The Snyder beat sheet is a template on how and where to bend your wire. If the bend doesnt fit, then bend somewhere else, dont change the wire:)(:

[getmotivated]

I feel like this could be used as a deconstruction tool as well, working backwards and fitting a written novel into the beat sheet could help with analysis. I love looking at stuff from different angles, and this is probably a bit much tbh lol

[educatics]

Every scriptwriter, No matter YT Scriptwriter or copywriter, should watch this video 🎉

[AxleBoost]

Great to see you still going strong. I was there when your uploading first began!

[vivianlilah]

Thanks, this was very helpful. I took notes to turn into questions for myself and think it will help me create beats and think about my story.

[Nate-]

Suggestion: your favourite protagonist or characters in general and what makes them your favourite

[Author_SoftwareDesigner]

Your branding a visual design is unique, compelling, and cohesive. Do you design it yourself? If so, keep up the good work!

[nickjonesthenova]

Got a lot of good ideas from this video

[TimRG]

Save the Cat is a great story structure, but everyone discussing it leaves out important parts Synder covers in his book. There are three important questions you ask before you even get to the beats. Plus what comes while using the sheets. Just covering the beats doesn't help those seeking the method. It is far more than just the beats. It's a great video, covering one of the important parts of the method. I never read Jessica Brody's version, but I would recommend reading that book and even the original.

[vidyasagar]

Love the setup man! All blue lighting looks really cool!

[xscom]

Thank you for making a video with tight pacing and momentum. Valuable.

[Taylerwrites]

Thank you so much, this explains it so clearly

[SlipsunLightOfHeaven]

Taking this combined with Abbie Emmons' tips, my book will be perfected in no time!🥰 Yay!

[lightdede]

Great video! But it'll be nicer if u include example from famous movies or book in each section. I think that will help young writers a lot but it's good video please keep making one!

[chriswest]

Just in. Great idea. A step by step approach. True, it may be formalistic and somewhat predictable but it does give U a structure one can vamp off🙂