Blake Snyder 1957-2009
The writing world is shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of well-known script writer and writing coach Blake Snyder yesterday. A guru of story structure, Mr. Snyder gave workshops to both the Greater Seattle RWA and at the Romance Writers of America National conference last year in San Francisco. His book, Save the Cat!, is one of those writing craft books that is never far from my side. I remember sitting in the workshop thinking, “Break through!!!,” and I know many of my fellow writers agreed with me. Mr. Snyder broke the Hero’s Journey down into fifteen easy to use, recognizable steps. He could explain how almost anything fit his 15 Beats, even a Tide commercial. I won an autographed copy of his book at the workshop and spoke with him briefly. He was incredibly personable and seemed to truly be interested in each writer’s development.
Mr. Snyder, you will be missed. Thank you for the workshop and book that have allowed my own writing to progress in leaps and bounds.
To see notes on Blake Snyder’s 15 Beats from the GSRWA workshop: click here.
To visit his website, buy his book and read more information about his life and passing: click here.
Tags: 15 Beats, Blake Snyder, Save the Cat, story structure, writing
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August 5, 2009 at 8:54 am
Glad to know he served as a mentor for others, and shared his talents.
August 5, 2009 at 11:35 am
holy cow, this is the first I heard of it! I love Save the Cat, it makes everything so clear and easy… Sail on Mr Snyder.