Awful news. His book was sitting on my desk as I read that.
Today marks 5 years for me since I was diagnosed with cancer, so I was celebrating that. And then this happens, re-forcing why I'm celebrating in the first place as it could end anytime.
He was always helpful via email and I loved his books.
His last email to me was:
Great! Really pleased for you Matthew! Good luck!
He was just full of life. I hope one day I can help as many writers as he did.
He was an amazing guy -- always ready to share his knowledge and experience. I had a question after reading "Save the Cat" the first time through and e-mailed him. He responded and I had the opportunity to correspond with him several times. Not a trace of "Hollywood", no ego....just a writer with a sincere desire to help other writers.
In 2005, Stephanie Palmer/Good In A Room suggested I buy Blake's book and contact him. I did. And my writing life would never be the same.
Personally, I was fortunate to meet Blake a handful of times, heard him speak on various topics and traded a couple hundred emails with him over the years -- as he did with many writers.
This is a loss, not only for the screenwriting community and film industry, but for all the lives Blake would touch with never-ending positive energy, patience and enthusiasm.
Blake was a true conduit for passionate pursuit of screenwriting, movies and story.
If we can all bring just a fraction of his patience, energy and hope - we can make this world a better place.
Rest in peace, buddy.
a touch is a blow, a sound is a noise, a misfortune is a tragedy, a joy is an ecstasy, a friend is a lover, a lover is a god, and failure is death. Pearl Buck
I'm so shocked to hear this... what a loss to our world. He was way too young, i don't understand how he could have passed so unexpected like this. His analysis on writing screenplays will certainly live forever. He's one of a kind.
I met him almost one year ago to the date at the UFVA Conference. A very nice guy. Shortly thereafter I started using Save the Cat in my screenwriting class at BU. I will continue to do so in memoriam. This is surprising and sad.
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