Written August 7, 2024
Hello Dear Readers,
Today, my wife received a book she had eagerly ordered, and the excitement on her face was unmistakable as soon as I handed it to her. The book in question is Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder, a highly regarded guide in storytelling. She’s been diligently studying how to craft a compelling narrative, dreaming of publishing her own novel one day. This book is another step in her journey toward that goal.
Save The Cat! isn’t just any book on writing; it’s known for offering a structured approach to storytelling that has proven successful across different media. While it doesn’t provide a cookie-cutter formula that fits every novel, it does offer a framework that can be adapted to various genres. We discovered that some Japanese manga companies encourage their authors to adopt a similar structured style. This approach makes it easier to adapt their stories into other formats, like dramas, movies, or anime. The idea of writing with such flexibility in mind is something my wife finds particularly fascinating as she considers how her future work could transcend traditional formats.
In addition to exploring Save The Cat!, my wife and I often find ourselves engrossed in the ‘Writing Excuses’ podcast hosted by Brandon Sanderson and a group of other talented authors. The podcast is a treasure trove of insights into the craft of writing, and it’s where we first started deepening our understanding of storytelling. We’re both huge fans of Brandon Sanderson’s books, which is what initially drew us to the podcast. The episodes are rich with practical advice, lively discussions, and expert opinions on various aspects of writing—from character development to world-building.
For my wife, the podcast has become more than just a source of inspiration. She sees it as a vital tool for learning not just how to write but also how to read critically. Although her primary focus is on nonfiction, the podcast has helped her analyze the books she reads with a more discerning eye. This analytical approach is something she applies to her own writing, using the lessons learned from fiction to enhance her nonfiction work.
I’m particularly intrigued by Save The Cat! because it presents a clear and practical structure for creating engaging stories. The method Snyder outlines has been used successfully by countless writers, not just in novels but in screenplays and other forms of storytelling. As someone who also aspires to write a book one day, I believe this resource could be instrumental in helping us both achieve our writing goals.
In our shared journey toward becoming published authors, every tool and piece of advice we gather brings us closer to realizing our dreams. Save The Cat! feels like a significant addition to our writer’s toolkit, and I’m excited to see how it will influence our work in the future.