It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Hallmark! Writing a Made-for-TV Christmas Movie: The Unofficial Guide Paperback – October 6, 2020

Heather and Kate's book is a delightful and informative guide to writing the now ubiquitous (and popular) Christmas Romantic Comedy. It's perfect for both a first-time writer as well as an experienced writer looking to switch genres. The book takes the reader through the entire process of writing from initial concept development stage through fleshing out the idea and getting to the fearsome blank page and typing "FADE IN." Hughes and Warton also provide guidance on selling your script (as well as some reality based information on what to really expect as far as $$$ are concerned. I would highly recommend this book to writers of any genre since it includes a thoughtful (and repeatable) writing process and sample interim writing materials, including beat sheets and outlines that can be adapted to other types of stories.

If you’re looking to try your hand at writing a Cozy Christmas Romance script, this is the book you want! Heather Hughes and Kate Wharton lay it all out in a clear, organized way. They take you from blank screen all the way to how to sell your script once it’s finished. I refer to this book frequently, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this type of writing!

This is the only book I know of that analyzes the Hallmark movie format and does it well. I was hoping they could give more information on whom to approach to get through the gates, especially which companies and producers are the best bet but maybe that changes too quickly?. Also, Hallmark appears to be loosening up as they recently had their first gay couple, a Jewish-themed story, and even let a woman sock one of the bad guys. This might be because Netflix is whittling into Hallmark's audience base. Writing a Hallmark that isn't bland or a plot re-run is challenging and I don't think the true work involved is emphasized enough but the writers do an excellent job in sharing the requirements and script outline necessary to qualify.

FADE IN:INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAYBetween sips of spiced cider and snippets of Santa cookies, KATE (30s) scours over a copy of It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Hallmark! Writing a Made-for-TV Christmas Movie: An Unofficial Guide.The cider streams across the pages. Kate looks at her knocked-over cup. A DASHING MAN (30s) sets it upright and uses his handkerchief to soak up the spill.DASHING MANLet me make this up to you.He smiles, showing off his dimples.DASHING MAN (CONT’D)How about I take you out to a nice dinner?KATEI still have one chapter left. And with all I have learned already, I can create my own romance.FADE OUT.While the previous scene isn’t based on a true story, I did in fact read It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Hallmark! Writing a Made-for-TV Christmas Movie: An Unofficial Guide. Whether you are a new or established writer, this quintessential guide will help you structure and write your Cozy Christmas Romance (CCR). It is chock-full of information on subgenres, loglines, beat sheets, rewrites, and more.And, last but not least, it costs about the same as a cup of spiced cider and a pack of Santa cookies (or free for Kindle Unlimited!).So, what are you waiting for? Buy the book today and fall in love with writing your CCR!

I smiled the whole time reading this book! Heather & Kate have written a straightforward how to, cleverly mixing Christmas screenwriting tactics & finding production connections, with a little sprinkle of “Christmas magic” in their writing style! If you are interested in writing a Christmas movie this book really feels like you are getting tons of great advice from an insider!!! (Two insiders)! I feel like I have more solid story structure now & back to feeling inspired & excited about writing Christmas movies!PS the book is currently open on my desk and filled with yellow highlighter throughout…always a good sign that it is valuable & striking the cords!

I've read several screenwriting books, and I appreciate this one for being a clear and straightforward guide to writing Hallmark Christmas movies. I'm one of many who have always had a cute story idea and this book is helpful at putting that idea into a plotline and structure that works. It's an easy, pleasant read that I continue to refer back to as I write. My favorite parts include Heather and Kate's Beat Sheet to help you pace your screenplay, the outline of commercial breaks, how to write a logline that sells, and the chapters that explain how to sell that finished script! If you've ever had the inkling to write your own cozy Christmas story, this book is the place to start.

If so, this book is for you. The book takes you from concept to finished script in a fun, easy to read way. It's a quick read that you will pour through in no time and then dig deeper as you go back through it again and again. There are specific beats in writing for Hallmark and Heather and Kate guide you through each one. You feel as if you're in the room with them, by their conversational writing style, as they take you through each step in getting your amazing script written. You will love it!

This book contains lots of guidance to help you write your own Hallmark style Christmas movie. Well researched and with lots of great tips to help you on your way.An excellent read, written to be helpful and informative by writers with experience who want you to succeed.Highly recommended!

An absolutely,,must have,, if you would like to become a screenplay writer for Hallmark ®It is written in a relaxed and nice way.Understandable for everyone!!For me it has become my support, my ,,Bible,,Marianne.

As a self-proclaimed addict of Christmas movies I was over the moon when my husband brought me this book for Christmas. I've always been a writer but never a screenwriter. This book made the impossible so clearly possible. It is simple, straightforward and wonderfully written. Perfect for novices or those seasoned screenwriters looking at this genre for the first time. It's like the authors are giving you a warm hug or a reassuring pat on the back. The best gift I've ever received.

If you are serious about writing cozy holiday romances then this book is simply a must. Invest in what the authors say, take the time to really read the book. On this book alone I would sign up to any courses they teach. It’s explained in great detail, from idea to submission. Recommend for writers of any genre, not just holiday movies.

This book provides a very good start to those interested in writing a Hallmark Christmas type movie. I liked it al lot.