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It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Hallmark! Writing a Made-for-TV Christmas Movie: The Unofficial Guide
Have you ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie and thought, “I bet I could write one of those?” With this book, you can! We’ll show you how to write and market your own made-for-TV Cozy Christmas Romance, even if you’ve never written a script before! We’ve broken the process down into ten easy-to-follow steps, • The 10 subgenres of Cozy Christmas Romances (CCRs) and why they’re important to your script • The 4 things you need to do before writing your first draft • The tricks, tropes and requirements of the genre • How to check out your story idea with our CCR checklist • Tips for getting your script to producers and networks that make CCRs It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Hallmark gives you the secret sauce, the rules and special insider tips for writing your own Cozy Christmas Romance Movie!
- GenresWritingNonfiction
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2020
30 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Heather Hughes
23 books5 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 28, 2020
Whether you're an accomplished writer or a romance connoisseur who'd like to try your hand at crafting a script, this book gives you everything you need to to make it from outline to sale in the world of made-for-TV Christmas movies. This book isn't just informative; it's actually fun to read. Far from being a dry reference book on the subject of screenwriting, it's funny and lighthearted, providing everything you need to know to get you started writing and selling for this market.
Of course, it's not enough to write an exceptional script. If you want it to see the light of day as a film, you'll need to know what steps to take to try to sell it. This book gives you a realistic plan to set yourself up for success in this competitive market. This is priceless insider information that most screenwriting books and courses stop short of providing. This book is worth the price for these chapters alone!
Of course, it's not enough to write an exceptional script. If you want it to see the light of day as a film, you'll need to know what steps to take to try to sell it. This book gives you a realistic plan to set yourself up for success in this competitive market. This is priceless insider information that most screenwriting books and courses stop short of providing. This book is worth the price for these chapters alone!
October 29, 2020
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Hallmark! is a fun guide to the rarely talked about world of writing made-for-TV Christmas movies. It's fun from the cover illustration to the beat sheet template, yet packed with insight about what producers want and audiences crave. Couldn't stop reading it until I got to the end. A good read for beginners sticking their toes in the dance with romance.
October 19, 2020
Great ideas for beginners. Also, great idea to keep busy during the quarantine.
Author is a screenwriter and instructor as well. Highly qualified on the topic.
Author is a screenwriter and instructor as well. Highly qualified on the topic.
November 3, 2020
Tis the season! I must confess that I have never, ever, thought about writing a made-for-TV Christmas movie.
But, while looking for something light and different, to read on my Kindle, and seeing Christmas movies already popping up on my Netflix, both this title and the cover caught my eye.
I ended up being thoroughly entertained - and I learned something too!
The authors offer a unique and informative perspective to a genre I knew nothing about, without taking themselves too seriously.
Will I ever write a screenplay? Doubtful... but I now find myself sharing my new found insight into this fascinating process with friends and family and am eagerly looking forward to the holiday movie season. So, who knows… maybe this year I’ll find inspiration under the mistletoe!
But, while looking for something light and different, to read on my Kindle, and seeing Christmas movies already popping up on my Netflix, both this title and the cover caught my eye.
I ended up being thoroughly entertained - and I learned something too!
The authors offer a unique and informative perspective to a genre I knew nothing about, without taking themselves too seriously.
Will I ever write a screenplay? Doubtful... but I now find myself sharing my new found insight into this fascinating process with friends and family and am eagerly looking forward to the holiday movie season. So, who knows… maybe this year I’ll find inspiration under the mistletoe!
December 30, 2020
If you've ever wondered what it would take to write a TV Christmas movie, this is the book for you. It's a quick read, but it's still full of a lot of good info. The authors break down the genre easily with a beat sheet to help you plot your own. They break down three popular Hallmark movies using the beat sheet which I found invaluable. They also include a list of Hallmark movies that were on for the couple of years.
October 10, 2020
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.
January 21, 2021
FADE IN:
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Between 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 MAN
Let 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?
KATE
I 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!
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Between 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 MAN
Let 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?
KATE
I 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!
January 16, 2021
The Perfect Mix of Informative and Entertaining
This book is a quick, incredibly enjoyable read. Whether you’re new to screenwriting or looking for tips directed specifically towards holiday movies, the authors get quickly to the point, and provide so many practical tips, resources, and recommendations. I love the way in which they cover idea inception through script sale, provide numerous examples, and don’t gloss over the business aspects (including financial issues). I laughed way more than I expected to. I’ll be coming back to this book often in my writing journey.
This book is a quick, incredibly enjoyable read. Whether you’re new to screenwriting or looking for tips directed specifically towards holiday movies, the authors get quickly to the point, and provide so many practical tips, resources, and recommendations. I love the way in which they cover idea inception through script sale, provide numerous examples, and don’t gloss over the business aspects (including financial issues). I laughed way more than I expected to. I’ll be coming back to this book often in my writing journey.
November 19, 2020
If you've ever thought you might like to write a Hallmark type Christmas movie you need to read this book. It clearly lays out the necessary steps, making it it feel super simple. The information is invaluable!
January 30, 2022
A great, simple guide to writing a Hallmark movie.
December 30, 2020
This is a wonderfully helpful book that all new Christmas romance screenwriters should purchase. The beat sheet alone is worth it! I started my holiday movie writing journey before this book came out and actually watched movie after movie to learn the beats and create my own sheet. Oh, if I had just had this book prior! Also, incredibly useful for creating loglines for this genre! Additionally, I love the breakdowns of subgenres within the holiday movies. Honestly, if this type of screenwriting is your thing, you need this book on your shelf. :)
April 11, 2022
This book is one of the only things I could find on advice for writing a made-for-tv Christmas movie but it ended up being utterly perfect! The authors are so good at breaking down the whole process and making it feel possible and manageable! Highly recommend to anyone trying their hand at writing a Christmas movie.
December 30, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2020
I absolutely love this book! It has everything you need to guide you through writing a holiday Christmas movie. From writing your log line, to filling in your beat sheet, to marketing and selling your script. If you are serious about writing a made for tv holiday movie, this is a must for your library.
I absolutely love this book! It has everything you need to guide you through writing a holiday Christmas movie. From writing your log line, to filling in your beat sheet, to marketing and selling your script. If you are serious about writing a made for tv holiday movie, this is a must for your library.
December 31, 2020
Amazing book , not just to read but to go back, read, clarify doubts and understand the nitty-gritty of processes involved. The book to me is like a text book or Manual that interns carry in their coat pocket. Is it worth a read? The answer is it is a must have book.
March 30, 2022
Lots of practical information that is working for me.
January 5, 2021
This is one holly jolly how-to book! Have you ever thought about making a living out of cozying up with a pet or a loved one and escaping into the peaceful holiday set of a Hallmark movie? Well, Heather Hughes and Kate Wharton's book teaches you how to do just that!
I watched Hallmark films religiously, and I swear, my bad day turns from unfixable to just right when I turn on those cozy Christmas films. So, if you ever found solace in a comforting rom com, or have dreams of writing the next best wintery love story, you found the right book. They break it down for you so simply, you just might have struck gold in the Hallmark script department!
With eight sub-genres to choose from, tons of personal annotations and notes from actual screenwriters, and an in-depth breakdown of recurring cozy Christmas characters, this book creates the winning formula for writing a hit script. From royal princes sweeping you off your feet to the rugged, jaded hometown ex that stayed to give you a successful future, you have the key to the Hallmark world in your hands here.
Paging all future novelists and screenwriters, hop on this holiday train and get inspired-- oh, and bring the hot chocolate!
I watched Hallmark films religiously, and I swear, my bad day turns from unfixable to just right when I turn on those cozy Christmas films. So, if you ever found solace in a comforting rom com, or have dreams of writing the next best wintery love story, you found the right book. They break it down for you so simply, you just might have struck gold in the Hallmark script department!
With eight sub-genres to choose from, tons of personal annotations and notes from actual screenwriters, and an in-depth breakdown of recurring cozy Christmas characters, this book creates the winning formula for writing a hit script. From royal princes sweeping you off your feet to the rugged, jaded hometown ex that stayed to give you a successful future, you have the key to the Hallmark world in your hands here.
Paging all future novelists and screenwriters, hop on this holiday train and get inspired-- oh, and bring the hot chocolate!
January 28, 2021
If you've got an idea for a Hallmark Christmas romance movie, this book will have you writing the screenplay in no time flat, even if you've never attempted such a thing before. I know, because I'm doing it! Written in a fun, accessible style, the book outlines a step-by-step plan that takes you from idea to finished screenplay and then to polishing and pitching. The authors really know their stuff...they've written these movies and they know what the particular Do's and Don't's are for the Hallmark brand. They'll keep you from making the mistakes that would get your screenplay rejected, and they'll keep you on track.
I got the book in November and set my goal to read it and begin writing my screenplay in January. It's now the end of the month and I'm halfway finished with the screenplay, on track to finish by Valentine's Day. Then who knows?
In addition to a ton of helpful resources, the authors also have a website/blog with more material and they are incredibly kind and generous in helping folks who comment there.
I can't recommend this book enough. Without it I'd still be thinking about my idea, instead of doing something about it!
I got the book in November and set my goal to read it and begin writing my screenplay in January. It's now the end of the month and I'm halfway finished with the screenplay, on track to finish by Valentine's Day. Then who knows?
In addition to a ton of helpful resources, the authors also have a website/blog with more material and they are incredibly kind and generous in helping folks who comment there.
I can't recommend this book enough. Without it I'd still be thinking about my idea, instead of doing something about it!
June 19, 2021
This was a pretty fast read, though it certainly won't be my last. I'll be going through it more slowly this time. While I'm not a screenwriter, I certainly found this book helpful and a real timesaver.
While you won't learn the nuts and bolts of screenwriting or formatting, there's more than enough for you to learn and understand how the Hallmark Christmas movies are constructed. They present the elements and examples, as well as detailed information on three of their own scripts. I also liked the brief takes on all the Hallmark Christmas movies released over the last three years. Simply reading through the blurbs gives you a sense of the storylines they like.
All you need to create your own story is within these pages. Great for brainstorming, too.
While you won't learn the nuts and bolts of screenwriting or formatting, there's more than enough for you to learn and understand how the Hallmark Christmas movies are constructed. They present the elements and examples, as well as detailed information on three of their own scripts. I also liked the brief takes on all the Hallmark Christmas movies released over the last three years. Simply reading through the blurbs gives you a sense of the storylines they like.
All you need to create your own story is within these pages. Great for brainstorming, too.
January 2, 2021
I appreciate this screenwriting book 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 easy, pleasant to read book is helpful at putting that idea into a plotline and structure that works. 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.
May 16, 2022
I simply cannot praise this book enough. It is the perfect guide to writing a Cosy Christmas Romance (CCR). Everything is laid out in the simplest, most efficient way with clear instructions and wonderful tips. The authors of this book are kind, honest and supportive to the core.
It is a great introduction to screenwriting that I found incredibly useful.
It is a great introduction to screenwriting that I found incredibly useful.
May 30, 2021
This book is a GAME-CHANGER!
Actionable, applicable tips that outline the steps of writing a Made-For-TV movie.
Easy and fun to read. I read it twice and have referenced back many times.
Thank you!
Actionable, applicable tips that outline the steps of writing a Made-For-TV movie.
Easy and fun to read. I read it twice and have referenced back many times.
Thank you!
November 15, 2021
An excellent resource for anyone interested in writing Christmas movies!
Thoroughly researched with thoughtful guidance and tips. The authors are experienced screenwriters and it shows, wonderful book! Can’t wait to tell them personally that it works.
Highly recommended.
Thoroughly researched with thoughtful guidance and tips. The authors are experienced screenwriters and it shows, wonderful book! Can’t wait to tell them personally that it works.
Highly recommended.
April 10, 2021
Many fantastic tips for writing a Hallmark Christmas movie!
October 27, 2021
My Hallmark Writing Bible!
June 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this one
March 13, 2023
I highly recommend this book if you’re interested in writing a Cozy Christmas Romance (CCR) script. Even if you’re not interested in writing one yourself its insight into the making of CCRs will enhance your holiday viewing. And if insight isn’t your cup of hot cocoa then read it for the humor, or for a new holiday tradition where family gathers to create their own CCR story while sipping eggnog. Basically just read it already! Seriously, it’s a fun read on many levels and guided me to writing one in six weeks (your pace may vary).
July 6, 2022
Heather Hughes and Kate Wharton have written an excellent book on how to write a cozy Christmas romance (CCR) screenplay. I took every recommendation seriously and was able to complete a CCR in 4 months. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who is curious or serious about writing a CCR screenplay. These authors take the mystery out of writing, while also giving wonderful advice on what to do after it is completed. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I do. I only wish I could give it more than 5 stars!
December 9, 2023
A fantastic book! For anyone interesting in writing a 'Made-for-TV Christmas movie', this book is for you. Simply written and thoroughly entertaining, it will inspire the seasoned writing veteran and wanna-be writer alike to want to sit down at the computer and write the next great holiday movie script. A must read! I anxiously await Ms. Hughes and Ms. Wharton's next book!
February 20, 2024
This book is a must-have for anyone interested in writing a Cozy Christmas Romance. I read the entire thing as I worked through my first script in this genre, and I've been very impressed. The book is extremely informative and well-organized. I also used parts of this book when working on a non-Christmas rom-com! Trust me - get the book and you won't be disappointed.
November 17, 2021
Would recommend for any aspiring romance screenwriters out there! The authors deliver helpful, actionable advice covering all the ins and outs of writing and working in this genre.
Their in depth look at script structure and the how-tos of pitching your screenplay is such valuable information from insiders in the industry. I keep a copy of their “Cozy Christmas Romance Beat Sheet” posted beside my desk and refer to it all the time.
Can’t wait to see what the authors write next!
Their in depth look at script structure and the how-tos of pitching your screenplay is such valuable information from insiders in the industry. I keep a copy of their “Cozy Christmas Romance Beat Sheet” posted beside my desk and refer to it all the time.
Can’t wait to see what the authors write next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews