Save the Cat! Save your sanity!

You’ve probably heard about Save the Cat!, Blake Snyder’s method for mapping out your novel (or screenplay or possibly even your poem or eulogy). What began as a simple system to help novelists has grown to include books for writing novels and screenplays, classes, coaching software, and now cards.

Snyder’s system is built around “beats,” or plot points essential to a good story. Does this mean that it’s a formula? Well, yes. Or call it a story structure, if that sits better with you. The...