R.I.P. Blake Snyder

The movie world lost a great mentor on Tuesday, August 4, 2009. It is with great sadness that I write this, as I feel screenwriters lost someone who was truly on our side. My heart goes out to his family and friends. For someone to be so warm and caring to his fans and fellow screenwriters, I can only imagine the joy he was to those closest to him. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but I will forever be grateful for all he taught me.

I always said that one day I would email him a few loglines to get his opinion, but I never did. I also thought about emailing him to stir up a friendly conversation about why I think the movie "Signs" is in fact a good movie [Note: a reference to his first "Save the Cat!" book]. And I kept putting it off. And putting it off. And now I'll never get the chance to have that discussion. Nor will I ever get to say "Thank you" for all that his books and blogs have taught me. He was a huge mentor to me and he didn't even know it.

I've read numerous screenwriting books and without a doubt, I believe Blake's theories and ideas deserve to be at the top of the list. In fact, I refuse to write anything without his books by my side. He had a way of breaking down the elements of a movie, and therefore a screenplay, in simple terms that anyone could understand. Just studying his BS2 (Blake Snyder Beat Sheet) would open up any movie fan to a whole new world. I know it did for me. I can't watch a movie anymore without glancing at the clock and mentally noting the beats. And I smile big when they 'get it right'.

No one breaks screenwriting down more efficiently than Blake. His enthusiasm, passion, and wisdom for the craft as well as for helping other writers is untouched. I will miss his weekly teachings through his blog updates and I will mourn my never having the privilege to meet him. I learned a lesson today. Don't put off until tomorrow what I can do today. Or, as Blake liked to say, "seize the day". Blake's passing has made me even more determined to finish my first feature length script. When I do, I will dedicate it to his memory. And I will continue to spread the word about "Save the Cat!" until I, too, one day meet the King Cat in the sky.