Save the Cat! - Detailed Review
Writing Tools
Save the Cat! - Detailed Review Contents
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
Save the Cat! - Product Overview
Introduction to Save the Cat!
Primary Function
Save the Cat is a screenwriting and storytelling framework developed by Blake Snyder, a successful Hollywood screenwriter. The primary function of this method is to provide a structured approach to writing stories, particularly films and novels, using a specific 15-beat plot structure. This framework aims to help writers create engaging, well-structured narratives that resonate with audiences.Target Audience
The target audience for Save the Cat includes screenwriters, novelists, and any writers looking to improve their storytelling skills. It is particularly useful for those who want to write mainstream, commercially viable scripts or novels, as it is based on the analysis of successful Hollywood films.Key Features
The Beat Sheet
The core of Save the Cat is the 15-beat plot structure, which is divided into three acts. Here are some key beats:- Opening Image: Sets the tone and introduces the protagonist’s starting point.
- Set-Up: Establishes the protagonist’s ordinary world and introduces key characters (pages 1-10).
- Catalyst: The inciting incident that sets the story in motion (page 12).
- Debate: The protagonist’s initial reaction and hesitation to the catalyst (pages 12-25).
- Break into Two: The point where the protagonist commits to the new path (page 25).
- B Story: Introduces the subplot(s) (page 30).
- Fun and Games: The protagonist explores their new world or power (pages 30-55).
Save the Cat Scene
This method also includes the concept of a “save the cat” scene, where the protagonist does something admirable early in the story to gain audience empathy and likability. This can be a literal or figurative act.Loglines and Structure Analysis
Save the Cat provides tools for writing effective loglines and analyzing the structure of successful films. It includes formulas for creating original loglines and detailed breakdowns of how to apply the beat sheet to various stories.Software and Tools
There is also software associated with Save the Cat!, which offers features like a customizable corkboard for organizing scenes, drag-and-drop functionality, and the ability to view scenes as a list. This software helps writers visualize and manage their story structure effectively.Reception and Impact
Save the Cat has been commercially successful and widely adopted in the film industry. While it has received praise for its practicality and effectiveness, some critics argue that it can lead to formulaic storytelling and lacks originality. Despite these criticisms, it remains a popular and influential guide for many writers. Save the Cat! - User Interface and Experience
The Save the Cat Story Structure Software
The Save the Cat story structure software is designed to be user-friendly and organized, making it accessible for writers of various experience levels.
User Interface
The interface of Save the Cat is laid out in a clear and focused manner. Here are some key features:
- The software uses a simplified user interface with a focused layout, allowing users to concentrate on one aspect of their story at a time. This starts with the title and log line, which are crucial elements as outlined in the book “Save the Cat!” by Blake Snyder.
- The story structure is broken down into a 15-beat blueprint, which is visually represented as cards within each act. Users can review instructional descriptions for each beat and input their own content directly without needing to open a detailed view.
- The dashboard resembles a cork board with sticky notes, where users can drag and drop notes, add new ones, and organize them as needed. This includes sections for characters, locations, and other story elements.
Ease of Use
- Installation and Learning: The software is extremely easy to install, and learning its features does not require a significant amount of time. Even beginners can quickly familiarize themselves with the tool, especially if they are already familiar with the Save the Cat plotting formula.
- Character and Story Development: When adding characters or other entities, the detail view opens with fields that prompt users to think deeply about their characters, including their wants, needs, and the six things that need fixing. There is also a new field called “The Shard of Glass” to further develop character details.
Overall User Experience
- Organization: The software is particularly useful for writers who struggle with organization. It helps keep all story elements, including characters, plot beats, and other details, neatly organized and easily accessible.
- Customization: Users can customize character categories and add as many other categories as they like through the preferences lists under the Save the Cat menu. This flexibility allows writers to adapt the software to their specific needs.
- User Feedback: One minor caution is that users need to remember to save their work, as the software does not autosave or provide warnings if changes are not saved before closing.
Overall, the Save the Cat software is designed to be intuitive and helpful for writers looking to structure their stories effectively, making it a valuable tool for those who prefer a planned approach to writing.
Save the Cat! - Key Features and Functionality
Save the Cat Software
Customizable Workspace
The Save the Cat software allows users to customize their workspace with various themes and color options, making it more intuitive and comfortable to use. The screen is also customizable, so you can see as little or as much information as you like.Corkboard and Scene Management
The software features a corkboard-style interface where you can add labels, images, and notes. Scenes or beats are customizable, and you can drag and drop them to rearrange your story structure. This interface also includes a “litter box” to remove scenes without deleting them, allowing you to retrieve them later if needed.Character and Setting Tracking
You can track character arcs and settings throughout your story. This includes the ability to monitor items or clues in your narrative, which is particularly useful for genres like mystery.Beat Sheet and Loglines
The software incorporates the Save the Cat beat sheet, a three-act structure with 15 plot beats. This structure is based on Blake Snyder’s analysis of successful films and helps in creating a well-structured narrative. You can also work on loglines and get guidance on writing original loglines.Page Number Tracking
Scene cards include page numbers, which adjust automatically when you move scenes around. This helps you stay on track with your story’s length and pacing.Save the Cat GPT
AI-Driven Story Development
Save the Cat GPT is an AI tool that operates within the Save the Cat framework. It can generate unique story ideas either randomly or based on user-provided parameters. This AI helps in developing screenplay ideas, outlines, and refinements.Outline Expansion and Refinement
The GPT tool allows you to expand brief story ideas into comprehensive Save the Cat outlines. It also helps in filling gaps within existing story outlines, enhancing both narrative flow and structure.Guidance and Motivation
The tool provides a ready-to-start approach, motivating users to establish clear logs and detailed outlines. It guides users through the process of creating a structured narrative, making it useful for both novice and seasoned writers.Integration of AI
Automated Structure Guidance
The AI in Save the Cat GPT integrates the Save the Cat beat sheet into its functionality, automatically guiding users through the 15 plot beats. This ensures that the story follows a proven and effective structure, helping writers to create engaging narratives.Idea Generation
The AI can generate story ideas based on user input, which can be particularly helpful for writers looking for inspiration or struggling to develop their concepts.Gap Filling and Enhancement
The AI assists in identifying and filling gaps in the story outline, ensuring that the narrative is cohesive and well-structured. This feature helps in enhancing the overall flow and structure of the story.Benefits for Writers
Structured Storytelling
Both the software and the GPT tool provide a structured approach to storytelling, using the Save the Cat beat sheet. This helps writers in creating narratives that are engaging and follow a proven structure.Increased Productivity
The customizable workspace, drag-and-drop scene management, and automated guidance features make the writing process more efficient and less overwhelming.Versatility
The tools can be used for various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, adventure, romance, and more. They are also useful for plotting out memoirs and other forms of creative nonfiction. In summary, the Save the Cat writing tools offer a comprehensive set of features that help writers structure their stories effectively, using a combination of traditional beat sheet analysis and AI-driven guidance. These tools are designed to make the writing process more organized, efficient, and engaging. Save the Cat! - Performance and Accuracy
Methodology and Accuracy
The Save the Cat method, developed by Blake Snyder, is a storytelling framework that outlines 15 key beats in a narrative. This method is highly regarded for its ability to help writers structure their stories effectively. The accuracy of the beats is based on Snyder’s analysis of successful films and stories, providing a clear, predictable structure that many writers find helpful. The Save the Cat Novel Calculator, for instance, helps writers determine where each beat should fall in their manuscript based on the total page count or word count. This tool calculates the positions of the beats using percentages (e.g., the Catalyst at 10%, the Break into 2 at 20%, and the Midpoint at 50%), providing a guideline for pacing and story structure.Limitations
While the Save the Cat method is valuable for structuring stories, it has some limitations:- Flexibility: The method is based on averages and may not fit every story perfectly. Writers need to adapt the beats to their unique narrative, as all stories vary.
- Creativity: The Save the Cat method is a framework, not a creative generator. It helps with structure but does not replace the writer’s creative input and original ideas.
Engagement
The Save the Cat method is highly engaging for writers because it provides a clear and actionable roadmap for storytelling. Many writers appreciate the clarity and structure it offers, which can help overcome writer’s block and ensure that the story stays on track.AI Integration
Currently, there is no significant AI-driven component to the Save the Cat method itself. The tools and resources available are more about applying a structured approach to storytelling rather than relying on AI to generate content. If AI were to be integrated into Save the Cat!, it would likely face similar limitations as other AI writing tools, such as struggles with creativity, context, and cultural nuances.Areas for Improvement
While the Save the Cat method is well-regarded, areas for improvement could include:- Customization: Providing more flexibility in the calculator to accommodate different genres or story types.
- Interactive Tools: Developing more interactive tools that can help writers brainstorm and adjust their beats in real-time.
- User Feedback: Incorporating user feedback to refine the calculator and make it more adaptable to various writing styles.
Save the Cat! - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Plans Overview
The Save the Cat software, based on Blake Snyder’s story structure methodology, offers several pricing plans to cater to different needs and budgets of writers. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans and their features:
Essentials Plan
- This plan is priced at $99 per year.
- It is suitable for most authors and provides the core features necessary for plotting and organizing your story using the Save the Cat beat sheet.
- This plan includes the basic tools for creating and managing your story structure, which is often sufficient for many writers.
Premium Plan
- Upgrading to the Premium plan adds more advanced features.
- This plan includes additional tools such as collaboration options, allowing multiple authors to work on a single project.
- It also features relationship or object tracking for characters, which can be particularly useful for genres like mystery.
Pro Plan
- The Pro plan is the highest tier and includes all the features from the Premium plan.
- It offers even more advanced tools and functionalities, making it ideal for professional writers who need extensive organizational and collaborative capabilities.
Upgrades and Discounts
- If you were already using Save the Cat 3, you can upgrade to the newest version at a discounted price.
- This is a good option for existing users who want to take advantage of the new features without paying the full price.
Free Options
- While there is no free version of the Save the Cat software, you can access some free resources to get started.
- For example, Jessica Brody offers a free Save the Cat Starter Kit, which includes a printable list of the 15 beats and three full-length beat sheets of popular novels. This can help you understand and implement the Save the Cat method without committing to the software immediately.
Conclusion
In summary, the Save the Cat software is structured to meet the needs of writers at various levels, from beginners to professionals, with different tiers offering increasing levels of functionality and support.
Save the Cat! - Integration and Compatibility
Cross-Platform Compatibility
The Save the Cat app is available on both iOS and macOS, ensuring that users can work on their projects seamlessly across different Apple devices. It requires iOS 12.0 or later and macOS 11.0 or later, along with a Mac with an Apple M1 chip or later, making it compatible with a range of modern Apple devices.
Syncing Capabilities
Users can sync their files across devices manually, giving them full control over when changes are posted and downloaded. This feature allows for consistent access to your project from any device, as long as you have created an account and logged in on all your devices.
Collaboration Features
The Premium and Pro versions of the Save the Cat software enable collaboration with other writers. You can add one or more writing partners to your project and sync changes with them, facilitating collaborative writing efforts.
Integration with Writing Tools
While the Save the Cat software is a standalone tool, it can be used in conjunction with other writing tools and platforms. For example, it can be part of a broader writing workflow that includes AI writing assistants. These assistants can help with tasks such as generating ideas, organizing thoughts, and editing, which can be integrated into the Save the Cat framework to enhance productivity and streamline the writing process.
Compatibility with Different Writing Formats
The Save the Cat software is versatile and can be used for various types of writing projects, including screenplays, novels, teleplays, and stageplays. It allows users to complete a Blake Snyder Beat Sheet (BS2) with variations for different formats, making it a comprehensive tool for writers across multiple mediums.
Additional Features
The app and software include features like the ability to develop a powerful logline and title, choose from 10 unique genres, and create cards for each scene to arrange them in the perfect order. These features, along with the ability to track character arcs, set-ups, and payoffs, ensure that the tool is highly compatible with the needs of writers working on different types of projects.
Conclusion
In summary, Save the Cat integrates well across various Apple devices, allows for collaboration, and is compatible with different writing formats, making it a versatile and useful tool for writers.
Save the Cat! - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
For any issues or questions, users can reach out to the Save the Cat technical support team. Here are some ways to get help:
- Users can email the technical support at tech@blakesnyder.com for assistance with activation, software issues, or any other technical problems.
- The website and support resources often include step-by-step guides and demo videos to help users get started and troubleshoot common issues.
Additional Resources
Save the Cat provides a variety of resources to support writers in their storytelling process:
- Demo Videos and Tutorials: The website offers several demo videos that guide users through the process of setting up and using the software effectively.
- Books and Guides: Users can benefit from Blake Snyder’s books, such as “Save the Cat Writes a Novel,” “Save the Cat Goes to the Movies,” and “Save the Cat Goes to the Indies,” which provide detailed examples and insights into the Save the Cat methodology.
- AI-Integrated Tools: For those using AI-driven tools, resources like the Save the Cat GPT can help generate story ideas, expand outlines, and refine narrative structures. This tool operates within the Save the Cat framework and is useful for both novice and seasoned writers.
- Community and Forums: While not explicitly mentioned, engaging with other writers through the Save the Cat community or forums can be a valuable resource for sharing tips, getting feedback, and learning from others who use the software.
- Subscription Plans and Features: The software offers different subscription plans (Essentials, Premium, Pro) that include various features such as project types (movie, TV episodes, novel), collaboration tools, and character tracking, which are explained in detail on the website.
These resources are aimed at helping writers structure their stories effectively, overcome creative blocks, and streamline their writing process.
Save the Cat! - Pros and Cons
When considering the “Save the Cat!” story structure and its associated tools, here are the main advantages and disadvantages that writers should be aware of:
Advantages
- Structured Planning: “Save the Cat!” provides a clear, 15-beat structure that helps writers plan their stories in a systematic and compelling way. This can save time on revisions and fixes by ensuring a well-thought-out plot from the outset.
- Character Development: The structure helps in creating dynamic characters by guiding writers through the character’s transformation from the beginning to the end of the story. It encourages writers to think about what motivates their characters, how they face challenges, and what lessons they learn.
- Engaging Storytelling: The method ensures that the story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with an opening and closing image that mirrors or contrasts each other, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the protagonist’s journey.
- Ease of Use: For writers who prefer planning, “Save the Cat!” is relatively easy to follow, especially with the help of software tools that guide you through the beat sheet and help organize your writing.
Disadvantages
- Rigidity: One of the main drawbacks is that “Save the Cat!” can feel too rigid and restrictive, particularly for writers who prefer a more spontaneous or organic approach to their writing (often referred to as “pantsers”). Following a predefined structure can hinder creativity and the natural flow of the story.
- Genre Limitations: The “Save the Cat!” structure is not suitable for all genres. It works best for stories with high-stakes challenges and a clear hero’s journey, but may not be effective for more experimental or poetic writing styles.
- Over-reliance on Formula: Some critics argue that relying too heavily on the “Save the Cat!” formula can make the story feel formulaic and less authentic. It may lead writers to manipulate characters in ways that feel unnatural or forced.
- Cost and Utility: While the software can be very useful for frequent writers, it may not be worth the cost for those who write infrequently. The tool is most beneficial for writers who produce multiple books and need to streamline their writing process.
Conclusion
Overall, “Save the Cat!” is a valuable tool for writers who prefer structured planning and are looking to create engaging, well-structured stories, but it may not be the best fit for those who value spontaneity and flexibility in their writing process.
Save the Cat! - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Save the Cat!
- Save the Cat is based on the popular story structure methodology outlined in Blake Snyder’s book of the same name. It focuses on a beat sheet approach, which helps writers structure their stories into 15 key beats.
- The software offers a customizable corkboard where you can add labels, images, and notes. It also includes a “litter box” to store removed scenes without deleting them.
- It allows tracking of character arcs, settings, and items throughout the story, which is particularly useful for maintaining consistency and detail.
- The interface is user-friendly and intuitive, with drag-and-drop functionality for scene cards and customizable themes and color options.
Alternatives and Comparisons
AI-Driven Writing Tools
While Save the Cat is not an AI-driven tool, it can be compared to AI writing tools that assist with story structure and content generation.
Sudowrite
- Sudowrite is an AI tool specifically designed for fiction writers, offering features for writing, revision, and brainstorming. Unlike Save the Cat, Sudowrite generates actual prose and does not impose content restrictions. However, it lacks the structured beat sheet approach of Save the Cat.
Jasper
- Jasper is a powerful AI tool that integrates multiple AI models to generate high-quality content. It offers templates for various types of writing, including marketing copy and blog posts. While Jasper can help with content generation, it does not provide the same structured storytelling approach as Save the Cat. Jasper is also more expensive and can be overwhelming to learn.
ChatGPT/OpenAI Playground
- ChatGPT and OpenAI Playground are versatile AI tools that can be used for both fiction and nonfiction. They are excellent for idea generation and outlining but require effective prompting to get the desired results. Unlike Save the Cat, these tools do not offer a pre-defined story structure framework.
Non-AI Story Structure Tools
If you are looking for tools that focus more on story structure without AI, here are some considerations:
Scrivener
- Although not mentioned directly in the context of AI tools, Scrivener is a popular writing software that offers a corkboard view similar to Save the Cat. However, Save the Cat is often found to be more intuitive and specifically tailored to the beat sheet method.
Conclusion
Save the Cat stands out for its unique focus on the beat sheet method and its user-friendly interface tailored to story structure. While AI tools like Sudowrite, Jasper, and ChatGPT/OpenAI Playground offer powerful content generation capabilities, they do not replace the structured storytelling approach provided by Save the Cat. If you are looking for a tool to help you organize and structure your story in a traditional, non-AI manner, Save the Cat is a strong choice. However, if you need AI-driven content generation or additional writing assistance, the other tools mentioned might be more suitable.
Save the Cat! - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Save the Cat story structure software?
The Save the Cat story structure software is a writing tool based on the storytelling principles outlined in Blake Snyder’s book “Save the Cat!” It provides a structured approach to plotting and writing stories, using a beat sheet that guides authors through key story milestones.How does the Save the Cat software work?
The software uses a corkboard-style interface where you can add scenes, beats, labels, images, and notes. It is customizable, allowing you to see as little or as much information as you like. You can drag and drop scenes to rearrange them, and the software adjusts page numbers accordingly. It also includes features for tracking character arcs, settings, and items throughout your story.What are the key features of the Save the Cat software?
Key features include a drag-and-drop corkboard for organizing scenes, customizable scene cards, the ability to track character arcs and settings, and a “litter box” for temporarily removing scenes without deleting them. The software also allows for theme and color customization and includes a help menu with how-to videos.Can I use the Save the Cat software for any genre?
Yes, the Save the Cat software can be used for various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, adventure, romance, paranormal, historical fiction, and even creative nonfiction. It is also useful for plotting memoirs and other types of narrative writing.How does the Save the Cat beat sheet apply to novels?
The Save the Cat beat sheet, originally designed for screenplays, is adaptable for novels. It provides a framework that includes 15 beats, such as the “Opening Image,” “Theme Stated,” “Catalyst,” and “Dark Night of the Soul.” These beats help structure the story while allowing for deeper character development and world-building that novels can accommodate.What are some common pitfalls to avoid when using the Save the Cat beats in novel writing?
Common pitfalls include rushing the setup, overlooking internal beats, and missing genre expectations. It’s important to build your foundation with purpose, ensure every detail serves the story, and adapt the beats to match your genre’s rhythm.How much does the Save the Cat software cost?
The software offers several pricing options. The Essentials plan costs $99 per year, which is sufficient for most authors. Premium and Pro plans offer additional features such as collaboration tools and advanced tracking options.Is the Save the Cat software beginner-friendly?
Yes, the software is designed to be user-friendly. It includes how-to videos and an intuitive interface that makes it easy to get started. Even if you’re not familiar with other writing software like Scrivener, you can quickly learn to use Save the Cat!.Can I use AI in conjunction with the Save the Cat software?
Yes, you can combine the Save the Cat structure with AI tools to enhance your writing. AI can help generate prompts, develop beats, and maintain your unique voice while using the Save the Cat framework.How does the software handle character and setting tracking?
The software allows you to track character arcs and settings throughout your story. You can add detailed information about characters, including their personality, appearance, and other relevant facts. This information can be saved in either Master Preferences or Project Preferences for easy access.Are there any specific tools or features for collaborating with other authors?
Yes, the Premium and Pro plans of the Save the Cat software include features for collaborating with other authors on a single project. This allows multiple writers to work together seamlessly on the same story. Save the Cat! - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Save the Cat Software
Overview and Purpose
Save the Cat software is based on the story-structure method developed by Blake Snyder, which breaks down stories into a 15-beat blueprint. This method is designed to help writers craft engaging, well-paced stories with a satisfying character arc, applicable to various genres including screenplays, novels, novellas, memoirs, stage plays, and short stories.Key Features
- Corkboard Interface: The software features a corkboard-style interface where you can add labels, images, and notes. This drag-and-drop system allows easy reorganization of scenes and beats.
- Customization: Users can customize the workspace with different themes and color options, making it intuitive and comfortable to use. The software also allows for tracking character arcs, settings, and specific items or clues throughout the story.
- Beat Sheets and Loglines: The software guides users through creating structured beat sheets and loglines, helping to ensure a compelling narrative from the outset.
- Character Development: It assists in developing dynamic characters by considering their transformation throughout the story. This includes identifying key moments that spur the protagonist to action and how they learn and grow.
Who Would Benefit Most
- Plotters: Writers who prefer a structured approach to their storytelling will find Save the Cat highly beneficial. It helps in planning and organizing the narrative, avoiding plot holes and ensuring a well-paced story.
- New Writers: Beginners can greatly benefit from the structured approach and the how-to videos provided, which make it easier to learn and use the software.
- Multi-Genre Writers: The software is versatile and can be used for various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, adventure, romance, and more. It is also useful for plotting out memoirs and other non-fiction works.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: It helps in creating a structured, compelling plan before starting to write, which can save time on revisions. It also aids in establishing a strong character arc and engaging protagonist.
- Cons: For writers who prefer a more organic or spontaneous approach (known as “pantsers”), the structured nature of Save the Cat might feel too rigid and restrictive.