217. Save the Cat! Writes Horror: How to Write Truly Terrifying Stories With Jamie Nash

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217. Save the Cat! Writes Horror: How to Write Truly Terrifying Stories With Jamie Nash

2d ago 47:12

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Ever wonder why some horror stories linger in your mind long after the lights go out? Jamie Nash reveals how structure (not jump scares or gore) creates true terror.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Nash, screenwriter and author of Save the Cat! Writes Horror, the ultimate guide to creating “Monster in the House” stories that keep readers up at night.

With over 25 years of experience writing and teaching horror (including films like V/H/S/2 and Lovely Molly), Jamie shares how to craft terrifying tales using Blake Snyder’s iconic Save the Cat! framework. We talk about how structure, theme, and moral depth make stories truly scary and how to balance dread, scares, and gross-outs for maximum impact.

Whether you’re writing a slow-burn psychological thriller or a relentless survival horror, this episode will show you how to use the Save the Cat! framework to make every scream count.

[00:00] What makes a novel truly horror and how to tell if your story actually fits this genre (before you waste time writing the wrong one).

[00:00] The three ingredients every unforgettable horror story needs and why missing even one can ruin your scare factor.

[00:00] How to use Save the Cat! beats to build tension and fear so your story feels cohesive and terrifying, not random and rushed.

[00:00] The two main types of horror pacing, and which one to choose to keep your readers gripped.

[00:00] Why passive heroes kill good horror and how to turn your protagonist into the story’s fiercest weapon.

[00:00] The difference between dread, scares, and gross outs, and why dread flags (red flags that signal unease) are the true engine of horror.

If you’ve ever wondered how to write horror that lingers long after the last page, this conversation with Jamie Nash is your masterclass in scarecraft.

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Chapters

1. Defining Horror And Survival (00:00:00)

2. Welcome And Guest Introduction (00:01:00)

3. Jamie’s Horror Roots And Save The Cat (00:03:45)

4. Elevated Horror And Story Patterns (00:06:40)

5. Monster In The House: Monster, House, Sin (00:10:40)

6. Traps, Free Will, And Claustrophobia (00:15:20)

7. The Sin, Theme, And Moral Math (00:19:10)

8. Horror Beats: Opening Scare And Catalyst (00:24:20)

9. Slow Burn Vs Relentless Horror (00:30:00)

10. Keeping Protagonists Active With Subgoals (00:36:20)

11. Dread, Scares, Gross Outs And Dread Flags (00:40:30)

12. Showing The Monster: Lore Over Detail (00:46:10)

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217. Save the Cat! Writes Horror: How to Write Truly Terrifying Stories With Jamie Nash

Fiction Writing Made Easy | Top Creative Writing Podcast for Fiction Writers & Writing Tips

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published 2d ago