More Trouble for Screenwriters to Get into and Out of

Where the book scores: It teaches tried and true methods for organizing screenwriting. It teaches ways of creating empathetic heroes and hated antagonists. It teaches basic screenwriting formula in a fairly interesting way.

Where it falls short: It teaches formula. To some degree formula is what Hollywood is looking for--so great. But it's a little sad to see these same tired ideas trotted out in yet another book for another generation of writers to punch out the next sequels, prequels and remakes of every film ever made 20 times already.

BUT That's what Hollywood does. And that's what this book teaches. It's as good as most others at teaching that. Overall, I think Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting teaches a better screenwriting concept--not the formula, but the art. As well, The Art of Dramatic Writing touches on how the classics do it. But this book speaks directly to getting the thought on the page as a script. In that sense, it's good and worth a read.

Regardless of what writing ilk you follow, you can't help but benefit by embracing Blake's instructions, advice, and wisdom. He left this life all too soon, but he left us writer's one heck of a legacy. Go on, Save The Cat in your life and become the writer you always knew you were.

Although it is indiscriminately up to the screenwriter to forge his own way into a career, this book has innumerable areas to mark and come back later to dissect again. Just remember this book contains the paints, but you are still the artist.

I devoured this book. Couldn't read it fast enough. And I know I will be reading it, and the other Cat books, again and again and again throughout my career. "Save The Cat" saved my dream of becoming a screenwriter. Blake has left a legacy: a three-part bible to take any screenwriter from idea to sale. Blake's passion and love of movies, writing, and writers is inspiring, contagious, and motivating. This book develops and expands on the ideas and advice given in the first two books, and then delves into the nitty-gritty of the business and the writing life, from Blake's perspective and experiences. Now I'm armed with every tool I need to succeed in this vastly competitive, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding career. "Stories are about transformation", says Blake. Prepare to be transformed.

A fitting finale to the trilogy, Save the Cat Strikes Back is a collection of Blake Snyder's most personal insights into merging proven fundamentals and work ethic with tapping into positive energy to find your niche in the industry.

I just received this book directly from the publisher by ordering from their website. And it is indeed brilliant. Along with SAVE THE CAT GOES TO THE MOVIES and ANATOMY OF STORYTELLING, this ranks up there as one of the three essential screenwriting books. Throw away all the rest. This is the real deal. Read it cover to cover. Truly, one of the only screenwriting books you will ever need. What's great is that Blake Snyder gives you a simple way of 'thinking' about storytelling - it's not a formula but a well-analyzed breakdown of how to 'frame' your story to yourself and to others. It offers a simple structural guide to help you along the way when you're writing - and in this new book, Snyder offers an even more detailed breakdown of that beat-by-beat structure including a brilliant analysis of Act 3 you won't find anywhere else. FULL DISCLOSURE: My bombastic praise is real. I am in no way affiliated with the publisher or Mr. Snyder - I'm just someone who has received ridiculous acclaim for my writing in Hollywood and I felt like it was time to share THE SECRET. Along with the other two books I mentioned, here it is.

I just received this book directly from the publisher by ordering from their website. And it is indeed brilliant. Along with SAVE THE CAT GOES TO THE MOVIES and ANATOMY OF STORYTELLING, this ranks up there as one of the three essential screenwriting books. Throw away all the rest. This is the real deal. Read it cover to cover. Truly, one of the only screenwriting books you will ever need. What's great is that Blake Snyder gives you a simple way of 'thinking' about storytelling - it's not a formula but a well-analyzed breakdown of how to 'frame' your story to yourself and to others. It offers a simple structural guide to help you along the way when you're writing - and in this new book, Snyder offers an even more detailed breakdown of that beat-by-beat structure including a brilliant analysis of Act 3 you won't find anywhere else. FULL DISCLOSURE: My bombastic praise is real. I am in no way affiliated with the publisher or Mr. Snyder - I'm just someone who has received ridiculous acclaim for my writing in Hollywood and I felt like it was time to share THE SECRET. Along with the other two books I mentioned, here it is.