Blake Snyder: October 3, 1957 – August 4, 2009
If we’re lucky, at least once in our lifetime we meet a teacher who explains something in way that no one else could so that we finally “get it”. Blake Snyder was one of those teachers for me. His Save the Cat! books and Beat Sheet Workshops changed my writing career. And I know for a fact that he changed the lives of hundreds of other writers in the same way.
So that’s why I’m Celebrating Blake with a FREE GIVEAWAY of his book “Save the Cat!” Blake was all about sharing his knowledge and enriching the writing community. Now it’s my turn to pass on these essential tools that apply to fiction as well as screenplays. It’s just good storytelling.
To enter the FREE GIVEAWAY, leave a comment on this post before Midnight on Wednesday, August 8th. I’ll draw a name at random and announce the winner next Friday, August 10th.
Blake lived in the positive, always focused on moving a story forward. Jose Siliero’s spot on post encapsulates Blake’s attitude and outlook:
But don’t use Blake as a flashback. We all know Blake hated flashbacks. He thought they were a cheat. An easy way out. But more so, a flashback moves the story backwards, not forwards. When you think of Blake … make sure you’re moving your story forward. Make sure you are moving your life forward. Because that’s the only way Blake would have wanted it.
In true Blake style, the Save the Cat! Beat Sheet Workshops continue to move forward under the expert guidance of two talented Cats!
- Jose Siliero, Blake’s right-hand man, carries on the stellar Beat Sheet Workshops for screenwriters.
- Jessica Brody, author of The Karma Club, My Life Undecided, and 52 Reasons to Hate My Father, teaches awesome Novel-Writing Beat Sheet Workshops, specially tailored for fiction writers.
If you aren’t familiar with Blake Snyder and his approach to storytelling, check out the following interview.
Blake’s Cameo in “Bolt”
Blake Snyder and Master Cat Jose Silerio worked as a team, consulting on a number of Hollywood A-List movies. BOLT, the feature animation by Walt Disney Pictures, was one such film. It’s a testament to their contributions to the film that the following scene was included in the final release: Blake, a screenwriting pigeon, and his writing partner pitching their movie idea to Bolt. When I saw this movie in the theaters, I almost jumped out of my seat and yelled, “I know Blake!”
Simply priceless!
What a timely post for me – I just bought Save the Cat last night and have been pouring over it. Kicking myself for not buying it sooner. How lucky for you to have taken classes with him! I’ll bet his classes were amazing.
Glad his book is resonating with you too. I’ll let the winner(s) choose which of his books they want.
Blake’s classes were life transforming! Jose Siliero, who worked with Blake for 2 years (as his right-hand man), still gives the Beat Sheet Workshops. He’s insightful and knowledgeable about story, just like Blake. Jessica Brody, a very well published author in the young adult genre, now gives Novel-Writing Beat Sheet Workshops that are especially tailored for fiction writers. Both workshops apply the same principles, it just depends which approach you feel comfortable with. The workshops are held over a weekend, so they’re easy to fit into your schedule.
Any book about cats belongs on my shelf. And now a book about cats and writing…wow! Gotta read this.
Funny you should say that. Amazon “recommended” this book to me because it had “cat” in the title. I’d just been to a conference too, where I talked with a screenwriter who seemed to understand story structure in a way that I didn’t (and desperately needed to). So it was total serendipity! Just what I needed for my writing, just when I needed it.
I’ve heard so many great things about this book, I may have to get a copy. Even though I don’t write a lot of fiction, my NF WIP is being structured like a novel, so this would probably be a huge help.
Lately, my WIP is the poor, neglected part of my soul that sits in the corner and whimpers.
Blake told us at one Beat Sheet Workshop that a Realtor used his 15 beats to pitch and close clients! I think it’s just good storytelling, no matter what the topic or genre.
Love your blog Elizabeth, as you know I am also blessed to have known Blake, and totally agree with you about how Blake’s vision of teaching screenwriting (and storytelling for that matter) has opened up the world of screenwriting that I could finally understand! I will always be in debited to Blake Snyder. Best Regards gal! Jeri Cain Rossi
Yes, you and I met at Blake’s Beat Sheet Workshop in San Francisco, and then went on to take his Master Board Class down in LA. And the fact that you and I and other members of those workshops are still in contact with one another and still friends is a testament to Blake’s ability to forge a writing community of trust and support. Happy writing Jeri! Stay in touch!
Don’t include this comment in competition for the book; I just wanted to post. Blake was one of my most cherished friends for two and a half years. He’s one of the most truly joyful and generous people I’ve ever known. He reminded me of Santa Claus– how did he respond to all those emails in a single day and still have time to work and sleep and meet me for coffee? He was one of a kind and we are still only beginning to comprehend the legacy that he has left behind. Not merely a legacy of great movies or better understanding story or inspiring screenwriters, but a legacy of lives changed through his friendship. Thank you for remembering him today.
Thank you for your comment Mike. It’s such a warm reminder of the spirit Blake brought to everything he did, and to everyone he interacted with. You didn’t have to be a Hollywood hotshot for Blake to respond to your emails. He was interested in improving our stories. I only knew Blake through attending several of his Beat Sheet and Master Board classes, and exchanging the occasional email. What I loved about him though, was even at that, he cared about my stories and honestly wanted me to succeed. And he was like that with everyone in his classes. He inspired a community of support and trust. You put it so aptly, “a legacy of lives changed through his friendship.” Maybe next year we she all try to gather in one place and throw a heck-of-a celebration in his honor. Something to think about.