Two years. We miss you, Blake. Your words — and your life — remain an inspiration.
From Blake’s first blog – December 9, 2005:
By helping you win, I win too. We all do. And that is the only way to become not only a better writer, but to make the world a better place.
From his blog of August 2, 2007:
We transform every day, re-awaken to new concepts about the world around us, overcome conflict, and triumph over death… only to start again each morning. It’s why stories that follow this pattern resonate. Because each day is a transformation machine, and so are our lives.
From his blog of December 3, 2007:
We aren’t about “formula,” we are about essence! And the search for the subterranean meaning of why stories work never ends.
From his blog of April 24, 2008:
As we look out on the landscape, the more specific we can be, the better. When we target our careers and our scripts, we see a vision that becomes the truth, so it’s important to pick well. And dream big.
From his blog of June 19, 2008:
Failure is not an option for us. We are here to succeed. We are here to get closer to our goals by becoming better in the face of a “no.” And that alone is a “yes” I can proudly claim every hour of every day!
From his blog of June 23, 2008:
Story is a puzzle. And getting all the pieces to fit just right… is the point of the job.
From his blog of February 9, 2009:
The discipline of clearly stating what your movie is about will make the writing of that story that much better.
From his blog of May 7, 2009:
Words have power. We know better than anyone. Let’s make sure our words are well chosen.
From his blog of July 13, 2009:
And I am reminded again of some other very important qualities: how ego must be checked at the door, how positivity must be embraced, and how “never give up” must be our motto and the life blood coursing through our veins.
From Blake’s last blog – August 3, 2009:
The most important thing to do is to love what you’re doing. That way, getting better at it isn’t a struggle, it’s a pleasure.
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I was sitting in the Bob’s Big Boy in Burbank with the safety manager from NBC-U and got the news via text message from a friend who worked on Prison Break. I called BJ immediately to verify the news. I cried right there. Always one to point out the silver lining, I think Blake would have told me, “Well, at least you didn’t have to pay for dinner!”
Thanks for reminding us of so many encouraging words from Blake’s blog posts.
Dear Blake,
Can it really be two years? I think about you every time I write, which is every day. Whenever things go wrong, as we know they will, thanks to you I think, “The glass is half full.” And get back to work. This past week I reread Cat 3. Helpful as ever. I miss being able to Email you to ask a quick question. Or tell you some great news. Or looking forward to seeing you in NYC at a workshop. Being Jewish I believe in some way you are still alive as long as people remember you. And find myself yelling things in the middle of a movie or play like, “All is lost.” Last night I was reading “The Odd Couple” and got to the “Break into two” and said it out loud. My wife next to me smiled. I remember you daily for some helpful reason or another and I’m sad for a second. Then think “The glass is half full”. Miss you. -Martin
Whenever my screenwriting optimism retreats into isolation, all I have to do is open one of Blake’s SAVE THE CAT books. Instantly I’m with a bright friend who’s collaborative nature, creativity and comical irreverence immediately inspires me back to my keyboard.
As someone who loves the power of story, I cannot express how much Blake enriched my life. As a writer, one of the best lessons I learned from his generous example is to get over yourself, stop worrying about how the work reflects on you, and just craft the story with all the professional skill you can muster. As others have mentioned, I can’t help watching movies now and saying the beats as they go by: “Theme stated!” “Storming the castle!” Each time I refer back to a Save the Cat book and see the autographs he signed when I attended his workshops, I sigh, miss him again, and marvel at what a positive force he was in an industry known for its sharks and narcissists. I’m SO proud of the Save the Cat team for continuing to bring Blake’s insights to the world. Two years and going strong — wow. Keep up the good work.
Two years ago I was shocked to hear of Blake’s departure. I felt lost and alone.
I had the pleasure and ‘dark night of the soul’ attending BS2 and 2 Master’s Beat seminars. To say they changed the way I write is an understatement.
Blake was the most humble, understanding, loving mentor I could have ever met. His love and commitment to life, love and writing touched so many. He continues, though his word and Save the Cat seminars.
Thank you all for carrying the torch in his name.
Namaste Speedo
What a beautiful tribute. Blake’s words will always be there, to support and inspire the scribe.
Thank you for the reminder of his encouraging and supportive words. Blake changed my life, and his books are a constant source of inspiration not only in writing but life in general. Transformation IS what it’s all about, and as I’ve recently been trying to UN-transform – go back to what was safe and familiar – his words continue to give me courage to move on with what I started and resist that path. Thinking about you all at STC this week. Love, Jaci
He was the most amazing guy!! His was so inspirational. Those blog bits are a great reminder. I miss his influence.
I especially love the last remark. He had a way of saying what we all need to hear, regardless of where we are in our careers and lives. He is missed by many.
I still remember where I was two years ago when I got the news. It still amazes me how shaken I was, as if I had lost a member of my family, even though I only took a couple of workshops with Blake.
I also remember coming here and reading the tributes from all of his friends, fans and disciples.
Thanks for posting some of his most wise and wonderful sayings today.
Lisa
I just recently re-watched the video memorial that was shown at Blake’s memorial service. Cried all over again. I remember that morning – Blake and I had been texting back and forth about beta-testing his iPhone app, and I didn’t get a reply from him for a couple of hours. Next thing was an email from Rich with the news. I was devastated. I had finally found my mentor, my zen master, my yoda – the voice that spoke clearly and sensibly to me, the voice that could take the tangled yarn of my thoughts and show me how to weave a proper story – and he was gone. I’ve never been so mad at G_d before or since. I know Blake would point to that moment and say “What a great midpoint! Now take it and run!”. Ever positive, ever confident, ever caring and supportive. Damn it! I’m still angry that he was taken from us, especially since it didn’t have to happen. I’m mad at his doctors for not testing him properly. Embols can be treated if found in time. Sorry for spewing vitriol, but he was a treasure, and I miss him, and I’m angry that I have to.
All the best to the team for keeping the fire bright. He will never be forgotten, and so, will live forever. :)
jw
Still miss his smile–the shining eyes. And his voice on the phone, always so happy and full of news and energy and ideas–always ideas! And of course, I miss his guidance. I still have moments when I see, read or write something and want to call and see what he thinks. Have him “break it down” for me, into beats. Into truths beyond the beats.
And I can’t. How ironic that his story ended too soon. But that story taught me to remember to tell my friends and family, often, how much they mean to me. I’d been planning to get out to LA for a workshop but I had to cancel, and only a week or so later…I got The Call from one of his best friends and former writing partner. So I will mentally “kick” myself for that, for the rest of my life. I know he knew he was my idol, but…still.
Miss ya’, Blake.
What an inspiring salutation to the spirit of Blake. I only met him through his books, but on page one of the first book it was clear that a rare and truly beautiful soul was in my midst, someone who knows that true power lies in LOVE. And, for me, Blake’s profound legacy of love –- love of wisdom, joy, humor and the amazing story of life –- is a constant reminder of why one can find the real magic in writing. And, in that magic, the unlimited love that serves the soul of the scribe. Thank you all for remembering his inspiration and influence. Hug.
Blake will live forever in his books, in his teachings, and in the work of his students. Every time I sell a screenplay it’ll be, “there’s another one for Blake.” He was a class act, and a bright light.
I attended what turned out to be Blake’s very last weekend seminar. I was so inspired by his enthusiasm! Later I emailed him and received an answer within a few minutes. I was so thrilled that he cared to answer. That is the way he was with all of his students.
I was badly injured on the same day that Blake died. It has taken me a while to recover however I am determined to honor his memory by continuing my creative work. His enthusiasm will continue to live on is those of us who had the pleasure of being his students.
Blake changed my life too, and I feel guilty that I can’t give back to him directly. At least I can help keep his insights alive, which is something I work at every day.
And yeah, I too can’t watch anything anymore without thinking of the beats.
I think of and miss Blake every day. I took his workshops and he opened a whole new world for me…in writing as well as in being a positive person. He was a treasure! His picture is next to my log lines above my computer…my inspiration and my goals. I’m so thankful for the time I had with him in class, and that I have his books, his blog, and workshops that are carried on by others. He was and still is my mentor. What an ispiration and influence! I am often saying to someone, “Well, Blake would say this…”
Blake told me that I will get better if I keep writing. I am certain he is right about that. Several years ago Blake and I started talking. He on the West coast and me on the East. Only now do I truely grasp how big it is for a professional at the top of his game, to take the time to coach and spend time with an absolute beginner. I didn’t even type or own a computer. What a Champion!
We had another interest in common. Roosterfish! It’s probably the only fish that swims that I have not caught. Blake also said that I will never sell a screenplay until I catch a Roosterfish. I know for a fact that they aren’t on the East coast or in the Gulf. Must be like movies, and all on the West coast, you think? Captain
Thanks again for everything, Blake!
The man was an angel sent down from Heaven to guide us, and he has simply gone back to where he came from.
I met Blake for the first time at the Pacific Northwest Literary Conference three years ago. He was an amazing support to me over the few years I called him friend and mentor. I’m a finalist in the contest this year with his support and immediate one liner responses. Tonight is for you, Blake.
Yay, Good to see Blake, I was there at that signing, still in my thoughts. Two years WOW. Hope it’s peaceful out there.
Thanks for posting this!!
Thanks to the GREAT folks at blakesnyder.com for keeping this blog going. Several new and hopeful writers are still finding him in his books. With dedication and a little luck/timing, audiences will continue to benefit from Blake’s contributions to the entertainment industry. MEOW
Big hugs and love for Blake and all who keep his work and his message alive every day! It makes me feel so good to be a writer whenever I think of Blake, read his books, use his STC beats and interact with all the amazing Cats here!
Thanks Blake and awesome Cats all!
I only met Blake once when he came to speak at the Orange County Romance Writers meeting — he was charming, funny, had great stories. And his beat sheet is brilliant. It’s good to see that his influence and work continue — it’s a fitting legacy.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Blake in person but I’m so grateful for his books and his friends who carry on his legacy.
What a beautiful soul. I will forever miss Blake
I think of Blake often as I’m writing. It’s like he’s a powerful voice for the writing I’m doing now… and I’m a better writer now because of things he told me. I will miss him and his loving and caring spirit always.