The Writer’s Guide to Book Genres – Part 4: Save the Cat! Genres
Aspiring authors and experienced writers alike often find themselves in need of a guide to book genres. With so many options available, it can be difficult to decide which genre to write in. Fortunately, there is a helpful tool that can make the process of choosing a genre easier: the Save the Cat! genre system. Developed by screenwriter Blake Snyder, the Save the Cat! system offers writers a straightforward way to identify the genre of their book and ensure that it fits into the appropriate category.
The Save the Cat! system is based on the concept of “beats”, which are the main plot points of a story. By breaking down the beats of a story, writers can identify the genre of their book and ensure that it fits into the appropriate category. Each of the Save the Cat! genres is based on a different set of beats, and each genre has a specific set of expectations that must be met in order for the book to fit into that category.
The Save the Cat! system consists of 15 genres, each of which is designed to appeal to a different type of reader. In this guide, we’ll explore each of the Save the Cat! genres and provide tips for writers who are looking to write a book in any of these genres.
The 15 Save the Cat! Genres
The 15 Save the Cat! genres are as follows:
- Monster in the House
- Golden Fleece
- Out of the Bottle
- Buddy Love
- Whydunit
- Rites of Passage
- Institutionalized
- Superhero
- The Fool Triumphant
- Dude with a Problem
- The Best Friend
- The Mentor
- The Big Gamble
- The Cataclysm
- Redemption
Monster in the House
The Monster in the House genre is one of the most popular Save the Cat! genres. In this genre, the protagonist is faced with a dangerous monster or force that threatens to destroy the world. The protagonist must then find a way to defeat the monster and save the world. This genre is often used for horror and fantasy stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as science fiction and adventure.
Golden Fleece
The Golden Fleece genre is based on the classic Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, in which the heroes must embark on a quest to find a magical item or object. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist must go on a quest to find a magical item or object that will save the world. This genre is often used for fantasy stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as science fiction and adventure.
Out of the Bottle
The Out of the Bottle genre is based on the classic fairy tale of Aladdin, in which the protagonist finds a magical item or object that grants him wishes. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist finds a magical item or object that grants him wishes and helps him save the world. This genre is often used for fantasy stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as science fiction and adventure.
Buddy Love
The Buddy Love genre is based on the classic buddy movie, in which two unlikely friends team up to save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which two unlikely friends team up to save the world. This genre is often used for action and adventure stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as comedy and romance.
Whydunit
The Whydunit genre is based on the classic mystery, in which the protagonist must uncover the truth behind a crime or mystery. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist must uncover the truth behind a crime or mystery. This genre is often used for mystery and suspense stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as thriller and horror.
Rites of Passage
The Rites of Passage genre is based on the classic coming-of-age story, in which the protagonist must undergo a transformation in order to save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist must undergo a transformation in order to save the world. This genre is often used for drama and romance stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as comedy and adventure.
Institutionalized
The Institutionalized genre is based on the classic prison movie, in which the protagonist must escape from a prison or other institution in order to save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist must escape from a prison or other institution in order to save the world. This genre is often used for action and adventure stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as thriller and drama.
Superhero
The Superhero genre is based on the classic superhero story, in which the protagonist has special powers and must use them to save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist has special powers and must use them to save the world. This genre is often used for action and adventure stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as fantasy and science fiction.
The Fool Triumphant
The Fool Triumphant genre is based on the classic comedy, in which the protagonist is a fool who must use his wit and ingenuity to save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist is a fool who must use his wit and ingenuity to save the world. This genre is often used for comedy stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as romance and adventure.
Dude with a Problem
The Dude with a Problem genre is based on the classic action movie, in which the protagonist is faced with a difficult problem and must find a way to solve it in order to save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist is faced with a difficult problem and must find a way to solve it in order to save the world. This genre is often used for action and adventure stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as thriller and science fiction.
The Best Friend
The Best Friend genre is based on the classic buddy movie, in which the protagonist is helped by a loyal friend who helps him save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist is helped by a loyal friend who helps him save the world. This genre is often used for action and adventure stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as comedy and romance.
The Mentor
The Mentor genre is based on the classic coming-of-age story, in which the protagonist is aided by a wise mentor who helps him save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist is aided by a wise mentor who helps him save the world. This genre is often used for drama and romance stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as fantasy and science fiction.
The Big Gamble
The Big Gamble genre is based on the classic heist movie, in which the protagonist must take a big risk in order to save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist must take a big risk in order to save the world. This genre is often used for action and adventure stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as thriller and drama.
The Cataclysm
The Cataclysm genre is based on the classic disaster movie, in which the protagonist must survive a catastrophic event in order to save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist must survive a catastrophic event in order to save the world. This genre is often used for action and adventure stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as thriller and science fiction.
Redemption
The Redemption genre is based on the classic redemption story, in which the protagonist must overcome his past mistakes in order to save the world. In the Save the Cat! system, this genre is used for stories in which the protagonist must overcome his past mistakes in order to save the world. This genre is often used for drama and romance stories, but it can also be used for other genres such as comedy and adventure.
Conclusion
The Save the Cat! system is a helpful tool for writers who are looking to identify the genre of their book and ensure that it fits into the appropriate category. By breaking down the beats of a story, writers can easily identify the genre of their book and ensure that it meets the expectations of that genre. With this guide, we’ve explored each of the 15 Save the Cat! genres and provided tips for writers who are looking to write a book in any of these genres.
Guide to Writing in Save the Cat! Genres
Writing in a Save the Cat! genre is a great way to ensure that your book fits into the appropriate category and appeals to the right type of reader. Here are some tips for writing in a Save the Cat! genre:
- Understand the genre: Make sure you understand the genre you’re writing in and the expectations that come with it. Read books in the genre and research the genre to make sure you know what’s expected.
- Develop the plot: Develop a plot based on the beats of the genre. Make sure the plot follows the genre’s conventions and meets the expectations of the genre.
- Create a compelling protagonist: Create a compelling protagonist who is relatable and likable. Make sure the protagonist is strong enough to overcome the obstacles and save the world.
- Create interesting characters: Create interesting characters who are unique and have their own motivations. Make sure the characters are memorable and have an impact on the story.
- Write an exciting climax: Write an exciting climax that ties up all the loose ends and leaves the reader satisfied. Make sure the climax is satisfying and memorable.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your book fits into the appropriate category and appeals to the right type of reader. With the Save the Cat! system, you can easily identify the genre of your book and make sure it meets the expectations of that genre.
For more information on the Save the Cat! system, check out The Writer’s Guide to Book Genres – Part 4: Save the Cat! Genres.