Save The Cat Structure in a Nut Shell - How 4-Act Story Structure Works

Hi Writers! Todays video is a crash course on save the cat structure. I like to call it 4-Act Structure because it breaks structure into 4 equal parts that each have their own purpose and beats. I hope this helps as a template for your book’s structure. Happy writing :)
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[@starklingspars8956]

This is amazing. I haven't read Save The Cat, but I really appreciate how you explained it

[@createwithmer]

I’m happy to hear it was helpful for someone who hasn’t read Save the Cat! Glad everything was clear. (The book is still totally worth it!)

[@davedsilva]

Your enthusiasm is wonderful.

[@createwithmer]

Thanks!

[@wrestlingwithwords]

Story structure and plot structure are KEY! I too started to fall in love with studying story craft and storytelling after having the Plot revelation. Great video!

[@createwithmer]

Yes!! Figuring out how structure worked unlocked the entire world of writing craft for me. It was a huge puzzle piece clicking into place. I hope others find that to be true as well.

[@marcellarussell]

OMG!! So helpful! I am basically rewriting my book in the second draft, but Im stuck at the midpoint because I was using the 3 act structure. I was scared to read save the cat because I didn't want to change my entire structure lol but this actually fits perfectly with what I have already and now I have some idea of where to go next. Thanks!! :)

[@createwithmer]

That’s EXACTLY how I felt when I first read it. I didn’t want to change my mindset because it would mean even more edits, but it ended up basically enhancing the structure I already had. I’m so glad to hear that you had a similar experience with it and that it helped so much. I’m passionate about this subject, so it makes me so happy to hear it worked for you 😊😊

[@johnstjohn4705]

Larry Brooks called them Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 in his book Story Engineering. A 4-part structure and a 3-act play are essentially identical. The hook, inciting incident, plot points, etc. still happen in the same places. I do agree that it makes more sense to split Act 2 and think of it as Parts 2 and 3. Confrontation is better described as defense and attack separated by that all-important Midpoint where everything changes. The Midpoint happens in every structure I'm aware of all the way back to Aristotle.

[@createwithmer]

I’ll have to get a copy of Story Engineering! Thanks for the extra insight on confrontation. Yes, midpoints are essential and found in traditional story structure. The slightly extra distinction of the middle act being split into parts that accomplish separate tasks is a helpful compliment to 3-Act structure.

[@rickburke4]

Ok

[@arzabael]

Authortube. Is. The. BEST. Theres a huge difference between Authortube and book tube and there are a hundred book tubes for every one Authortube. You rock!

[@createwithmer]

Thanks for the encouragement!! It’s great to know that people are appreciating the content I’m putting out, even though it’s the less popular sort than the booktube side of things.

[@arzabael]

@@createwithmer no way booktube compared to authortube freaking suckkkkks. Today i unsubbed like 100 channels because the videos about what people are reading are clogging up the videos about what people are teaching about writing. Haha!

[@stellafranca191]

This was really helpful, thank you so much!

[@createwithmer]

You’re welcome!! Super glad to help 😊

[@jwstanley2645]

Thank you for the video. Sparking thoughts about structures.

[@createwithmer]

You’re very welcome!

[@ShingInAction]

I LOVE CATS

[@arzabael]

Yes yes yes! And stay away from lessons about three act story structure!!

[@createwithmer]

Haha! Four-Act structure really makes the most sense to me at least. Maybe other people will see it that way too!

[@MickeyGreenEyes213]

You look like Ava Phillipe

[@createwithmer]

Had to google her honestly, but I can see the resemblance. Long lost siblings perhaps?