I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Jamie Nash takes the mantle from Blake Snyder to show writers and authors how to create binge-worth content for television in the latest entry in the Save the Cat series, “Save the Cat! Writes For TV”.
The Synopsis
First, what is Save the Cat!®?
Save the Cat! provides writers the resources they need to develop their screenplays and novels based on a series of best-selling books, primarily written by Blake Snyder (1957- 2009). Blake’s method is based on 10 distinctive genres and his 15 story beats (the Blake Snyder Beat Sheet). Our books, workshops, story structure software, apps, and story coaching teach you everything you need to unlock the fundamentals and mechanics of plot and character transformation.
Find out more about Save the Cat! by visiting their webpage at https://savethecat.com/
About the Save the Cat! Writes for TV
Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat!, the world’s top-selling story method for filmmakers and novelists, introduces The Last Book on Creating Binge-Worthy Content You’ll Ever Need.
Screenwriter Jamie Nash takes up Snyder’s torch to lay out a step-by-step approach using Blake’s principles for both new and experienced writers, including:
- How to write and structure a compelling TV pilot that can launch both your series and your TV writing career
- All the nuances, tricks, and techniques of pilot-writing: the Opening Pitch, the Guided Tour, the Whiff of Change, and more
- The 8 Save the Cat! TV Franchise Types that will improve your story and your pitch
- The not-so-secret TV Pitch Template that turns your TV series into the necessary read-over-lunch industry document
- a how-to in creating layered characters who are driven by complex internal struggles
- Beat sheets of the pilots of Barry, Ozark, Grey’s Anatomy, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, What We Do in the Shadows, Black-ish, The Mandalorian, This Is Us, Law and Order: SVU and more to help you crack your story.
Create your binge-worthy TV series with Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
The Review
Such a truly valuable and informative read. The author does a great job of showcasing the skills and work that goes into television writing but incorporating his own unique voice and wit into the writing to make the reader feel connected to the information they are absorbing.
However, what really stands out is the information that the author bestows upon the readers, building upon the legacy of Blake Snyder’s work with an insight into modern-day television in the age of streaming services. The breakdown of the book into four sections of television writing, and focusing on building oneself up from a member of the writer’s room to a showrunner was a great foundation to lay for this book, and the educational yet relatable way the author writes to his audience really allowed this information to be absorbed greatly. I, as a writer, definitely felt the expertise that went into this book.
The Verdict
A memorable, thoughtful, and insightful book on television writing, author Jamie Nash’s “Save the Cat! Writes for TV” is a must-have book for any aspiring and established writers out there. While the book’s primary focus on television writing is truly amazing, I feel, as an author myself, that this book can easily translate and apply to all formats of writing, especially for those hoping to craft memorable, long-last series or arcs for multiple books, something I know I could use. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Purchase a copy of this book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Or save it to your GoodReads reading list.
About the Author
Jamie Nash has written and sold almost every type of story under the sun, including the horror films Exists, V/H/S/2, The Night Watchmen, Altered, and Lovely Molly, and the family films Santa Hunters and Tiny Christmas. He has written the Middle-Grade novels Bunk! and The 44 Rules of Amateur Sleuthing and the sci-fi novel Nomad. Jamie knows what it’s like to make a living as a writer. When he s not writing and selling work, he teaches screenwriting at Johns Hopkins University and MICA and co-hosts the podcast Writers/Blockbusters. Jamie lives in Maryland with his wife, son, and a talking dog.
More information about Save the Cat!:
Save the Cat! Website: https://savethecat.com/
Save the Cat! Best-Selling Books: https://savethecat.com/books
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savethecat/
— Blog Tour Schedule
August 9th @ The Muffin
Join us as we celebrate the launch of another Save the Cat tour! We are featuring the newest book Save the Cat! Writes for TV. Read an interview with the author and stop by and win a copy for yourself.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
August 12th @ Karen Brown Tyson
Visit Karen’s blog today and read her insights into Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/
August 15th @ Michelle Cornish
Come by Michelle’s blog where she reviews Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
https://www.michellecornish.com/blog
August 18th @ Author Anthony Avina
Stop by Anthony’s blog and read his insights into Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
August 20th @ Selling Books
Visit Cathy’s blog where you can read her review of Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
August 25th @ Lisa Ehrman
Lisa features the Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
August 27th @ Lori Duff Writes
Join Lori as she reviews Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
September 2nd @ Girl Zombie Authors
Visit Chris’ blog and read a review of Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
https://girlzombieauthors.blogspot.com/
September 5th @ Margay Leah Justice
Stop by Margay’s blog and read her review of Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
http://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/
September 7th @ Writer Writer Pants on Fire
Join Mindy and read her review of Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
https://writerwriterpantsonfire.com/
September 9th @ Deborah Adams’ Blog
Visit Deborah’s blog and read her review of Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
http://www.deborah-adams.com/blog/
September 12th @ Leslie’s Voice
Visit Leslie’s blog where you can read her review of Save the Cat! Writes for TV.
Thank you for the wonderful review!