How to use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet
Do you know how to use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet? It’s a novel-writing template popularized by Blake Snyder in his book “Save the Cat!” I use it for every book I write and want to show you how to utilize it!
STC uses 15 plot points to structure your story. It also provides percentages – what should happen at that point. When I started writing, I found the download and a great explanation of each part on Savannah Gilbo’s website. I recommend you visit that link and download the beat sheet from there. Since she has a copyright, I don’t want to offer it!
How I use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet
But I can explain how I use it! Over the last two years, I’ve attended writers conferences, and I’ve added some of that information on the Beat Sheet. Here’s an example:
You can see in the image that I’ve customized this first page for a 65K book – my cozy mystery! The percentages are guesstimates. They help me stay on track. So if I get to 13k words, I should be showing or have shown the protag debating what she’ll do next.
From listening to Patricia Bradley’s workshops, I’ve also added what she calls pinch points. They come in on other beats than what’s shown on my example.
What are the 15 beats?
The Save the Cat Beat Sheet is like map. It helps you make sure your story has all of what it needs to keep your readers reading.
ACT 1:
1. Opening Image: This is where you HOOK your reader. Grab their attention.
2. State your Theme: What is the big message or idea you want to share with your readers? Often it’s another character besides the main character that hints at what the theme is.
3. Setup: What is everyday life like for your main character – include flaws.
4. Catalyst: Something unexpected happens that sets the adventure, and the protag, in motion. In my cozies, it’s usually a dead body. 😉
5. Debate: The main character has to made a decision and she is reluctant.
6. Break into Two: Your protag or MC decides to go a new way. This beat is a bridge between Act 1 & Act 2.
ACT 2A:
7. B Story: Introduce a new character to help your protag learn her theme. 1st plot point is here.
8. Fun and Games: Have your protag facing challenges and either winning or losing. 1st pinch point is here. This beat sets up the midpoint.
9. Midpoint: You’re 1/2way there! This is where there is a false win or loss. Your protag shifts from reacting to situations to being proactive.
ACT 2B:
10. Bad Guys Close In: More obstacles, and your antagonist is closing in. 2nd pinch point is in this beat. Sets up the 2nd plot point.
11. All is Lost: Your protag is at her lowest point. At this point, she might fail. 2nd plot point is here.
12. Dark Night of the Soul: This is your protag’s darkest hour. She processes what has happened.
13. Break Into Three: Protag rallies, finds her inner strength, and figures out how to handle the bad guys.
ACT 3:
14. Finale: It’s time for the final showdown or epic battle between the hero and the bad guys. Your protag shows she’s learned the theme. This beat includes the crisis and climax.
15. Final Image: This beat shows how the protagonist’s life is now and how she has grown and changed.
Why I use the Save the Cat Beat Sheet
The beat sheets aren’t something that are set in stone. There is wiggle room. But it helps me stay on track. If you’ve ever read a book or watched a movie that made you think – where are they going with this? It’s because it’s not hitting those normal beats that we as readers and viewers are not only used to – we like them! They make sense.
So, remember to use the STC as a guideline for crafting a great story. Have fun and be creative!
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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 2 adorable grandkids and one on the way. I homeschooled our three youngest children. I used to blog about homeschooling and taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.
Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)
