Save the Cat!® Writes Horror: The Ultimate Guide to Creating Monster in the House Stories

by Jamie Nash

“It’s he-e-e-re”… the most heart-pounding, jump-out-of-your-seat, scream-worthy book in the Save the Cat!® series.

Veteran horror screenwriter and novelist Jamie Nash leads us into the shadows of Blake Snyder’s legendary Monster in the House genre—and sheds light over the secrets to crafting truly terrifying tales.

Save the Cat! Writes Horror is your guide to writing and delivering blood-chilling films and novels using the world’s most successful storytelling method, deep dive into horror’s core ingredients—Monster, House, and Sin—with subtypes, examples, and tools to help you design your own diabolical taleThe mad science of turning Save the Cat!’s 15 beats into a horror story that builds tension, sharpens scares, and leaves your audience squirmingHow to balance Scares, Gross-outs, and Dread to torment your audience flawlesslyWhy knowing your horror’s heartbeat—Slow Burn vs. Relentless—changes everythingHow to use the Dread-O-Meter to engineer spine-tingling scenes with precisionHow to build memorable horror characters—from first-to-die victims to final girls and guys—while exploring how their flaws, choices, and arcs mirror deeper fears and social real case studies, scarecraft tools, career advice, and a comprehensive analysis of what makes the genre tick (and bleed)Whether you’re a screenwriter, novelist, or seasoned horrorhound, Save the Cat! Writes Horror will help you write the kind of story that lingers long after the lights go out.

Genres: Writing

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

.Jamie Nash is an author and screenwriter who writes fun and adventurous Middle Grade novels.

He's written kids movies like SANTA HUNTERS and TINY CHRISTMAS and scary movies NOT for kids like EXISTS and ALTERED.

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10 couldn’t have been more helpful, I will refer back to it time and time again.

[Rod · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this one. So many screenwriting (or writing how-tos in general) are written by non-experts. But this one I knew I could trust, because the author has made some really fun and memorable horror movies (Exists, Lovely Molly, VHS 2, etc.). I actually listened to the audiobook, which was read by the author, and nicely captures his helpful-but-playful tone. That said, there was so many helpful and insightful elements that now I need to buy the physical book, too! haha A good problem to have. Bottom line: this has immediately actionable techniques and tricks for writing better horror, whether it's film, TV, fiction or other media.

[Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read! Anyone interested in novel writing, any writer and any horror fan should add this book to their library. It is well worth the price and personal time. I thought I understood the novel form and the horror genre. This book showed me a different take or angle, and it was like my mind had an awakening. I saw so many ways to improve upon the novels I'm revising. Sure, it goes through basics anyone should know when writing, but in addition to that, this book really enhanced my knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. I have the "Save the Cat Writes A Novel." and most horror writing books, yet this book added much more depth to my novel and horror comprehension. Jamie Nash uses famous horror movies/books to illustrate various points of the material presented. I enjoyed the exercises at the end of the chapters which really get the creative juices flowing. I see how I can improve my manuscripts, but I can see how easily it would be to start plotting new novel concepts by answering the questions. I read the book nonstop and took notes. I cannot praise this book enough. I think everyone will gain by reading it. Don't hesitate. Buy it now. I applaud the author's efforts on creating an amazing book. Thank You!

[Dawn Kravagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pitch perfect book on adapting the STC! plot structure method to the horror genre.

Stephen King stated that horror is about morality. I agree.
I’m a Christian who wants to create horror stories that encourage people to stand up against evil. Anyone can benefit from reading this book, not just slash-and-gore fans, who is interested in this genre.

Amazing lists of the Tools of Terror, the Five Beats for the Third Act, and even advice on how to identify the story you’d like to create.

Also, advice on the necessary Four Scares every producer expects at a pitch session and other advice to make a script more salable.

Jamie Nash also has a chapter to encourage newbies in the genre.

Plenty of examples on how to plot the beats and exercises to apply the information in the chapters.

Short and to the point. No boring fluff.

This book is going to remain at my elbow for ready reference while I create my projects.

[Tara Garwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Jamie Nash, an accomplished horror screenwriter and novelist, delves into the horror genre, Save the Cat style! This book is a practical guide to creating horror stories that not only pack a punch in the scares department, but also resonate with their audiences. I found it very helpful while I was outlining my most recent horror comedy screenplay and am certain that I will be returning to it often as I continue my screenwriting career.

It looks like he's leading online workshops on writing horror for Save the Cat!, as well. If his book is any indication, I expect those would be well worth attending for any horror writer!

[Alice Fleury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am excited about this book. I use save the cat in my Works in Progress. I’ve finished reading the book and will now go back to do the exercises for my current draft. I know it needs to be torn apart and rewritten This book will be helpful so I can make it to 70 or 80,000 words for my finished novel.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid, and likely to be useful in the future.

I was already familiar with StC, and this follows nicely in that tradition. I highlighted slot and will use the book as reference going forward.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid addition to the series with a lot of insight into the genre and, more importantly, obviously written by someone who is a fan of scary films! Thanks, Jamie!

[Jesse Varas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great go-to guide for writing horror in a variety of formats.

[Gevera Piedmont · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent. Really lays out how to write a horror story and how. If you are interested in writing horror of any kind, read this.

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of great information.