Book Review: Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody

The magic of storytelling has existed since time immemorial. What makes it magic is the universality of it all. Storytelling can teach, entertain, or even act as a record of events, and indeed has for millennia.

Another interesting thing about all the best stories is how they share certain characteristics that we all look for, or expect, even if we aren’t aware of it. Jessica Brody has spent an enormous amount of time analyzing some of the best and most popular movies and books in an attempt to isolate those characteristics, explain them and provide a nearly foolproof framework for aspiring authors to use when creating their own unique stories.

If you’re like me, you may wonder, “What does saving a cat have to do with storytelling?” If you read Brody’s book, as I have, you will answer that question, but more importantly, you will have a blueprint for writing a great story.

This book contains detailed, easy-to-understand steps (which she calls ‘beats’) for creating any story. Brody doesn’t just give the reader the steps, but also demonstrates them using well-known films or books, breaking a familiar story into beats so you can see this framework in action. Brody does this with multiple story types, highlighting the slight differences that occasionally come up.

What I love about this book, especially as a writer who has read MANY books about improving my craft, is how easily the concepts can be put into practice. You don’t need a Master of Fine Arts degree to understand and apply these “15-beats.” You just need to love telling stories.

So, if you are a new writer, an experienced writer, or even someone who likes to know how things work or what makes a great story, reading this book is a must. Even if you have an already established writing routine, read this book. You won’t regret it.