Before Pirate Penguin came along, I was attempting to write my first middle-grade novel. Technically I still am, but it is very much on the back burner until we launch Hunter's book.
While in the throes of writing the 7th attempt at my first draft I came across the 'Save The Cat' model for novel writing. Originally created for screen writing and adapted for novels, this relatively small book opened my eyes to seeing plots, characters and genres in a different light.
So when Hunter showed me the story he was working on about a Penguin wanting to be something else, I put it to the test against my newfound cat-saving knowledge...
...and it passed!
Even though it's a picture book with only 32 pages and 550 words, Hunter's story has a compelling character arc, a dramatic crescendo and lessons learned at the end.
This is when I knew we had a great story on our hands. And for you, my lovely customers, here's the reasons why Pirate Penguin will be a success:
[Save the cat stages in brackets]
[Opening Image & Set up]
We see Flipper alone on an iceberg, wishing they were different. All the other penguins are happy being penguins, but Flipper feels left out and sad.
[Catalyst]
Flipper finds a message in a bottle asking for help!
[Debate / preparation]
Flipper gathers their friends and readies the ship to prepare for a dangerous mission
[Break into 2]
They set sail!
[Fun and Games]
This is where we see what being a Pirate Penguin is about. Facing obstacles and directing their crew to overcome them. No spoilers here! There may be a sea monster involved!
[Mid-Point / False Defeat]
During this excursion there are a few false defeats, where nothing they can do works!
[Bad guys close in]
The penguin crew are faced with an enormous ship full of hungry leopard seals!
[All is Lost]
The Leopard seal captain closes in, while declaring that there is nothing the penguins can do!
[Dark Night of the soul / Break into 3]
This is where we see Flipper gather their thoughts and inspire their crew. They realise what they need to do to defeat the leopard seals
[Finale]
You'll have to read the book to find out how the penguins face the leopard seals.
[Final Image]
We see Flipper again on an iceberg, but this time they are happy, surrounded by friends and content being a penguin again.
If this has gotten you excited, good! Not long to wait until we reveal the front cover and open our pre-orders for Pirate Penguin.
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If you're interested in the Save the Cat method, visit here: Beat Sheet Mapper | Save the Cat!®
