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

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.

[03:45] 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).

[05:58] The three ingredients every unforgettable horror story needs and why missing even one can ruin your scare factor.

[18:24] How to use Save the Cat! beats to build tension and fear so your story feels cohesive and terrifying, not random and rushed.

[24:11] The two main types of horror pacing, and which one to choose to keep your readers gripped.

[32:53] Why passive heroes kill good horror and how to turn your protagonist into the story’s fiercest weapon.

[36:32] 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.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

⭐ Follow & Review

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to follow the show and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your review will help other writers find this podcast and get the insights they need to finish their books. Thanks for tuning in to The Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast! See you next week!

FREE QUIZ: Take this 30-second quiz to get a custom action plan that'll help you move from stuck writer to published author!

Support the show

👉 Looking for a transcript? If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, scroll down below the episode player until you see the transcript.