The Shocking Truth About Writing A Holiday Rom-Com That Sells

Have you ever watched a holiday rom-com on Hallmark Channel or Lifetime — or any of the other many networks and streaming services that now air them — and thought, “I could write that”? It’s harder than you may think. With their predictable plots, cheesy dialogue, and feel-good endings, it’s easy to assume that anyone can whip up a successful holiday rom-com with ease. However, the reality is far from it.

Industry experts agree that writing a holiday rom-com that sells is no easy feat. It requires a deep understanding of the genre, its conventions, and what audiences are really looking for. According to veteran screenwriter, Dan Watanabe, who has worked on numerous holiday rom-coms for TV, the key to a successful holiday film is finding the right balance between romance, comedy, and heart. “You need to make your audience laugh, cry, and feel all the feels,” he says. “It’s not an easy task, but when done right, it can be incredibly rewarding.”

To write a holiday rom-com that resonates with audiences, you need to start with a strong premise. This typically involves a female lead who finds herself in a difficult situation, only to be saved by a handsome and charming love interest. The story needs to be grounded in reality, yet still have that magical, holiday feel to it. “Your story needs to be authentic and relatable,” says author, Jenny Holliday, who has written several holiday rom-com novels. “But at the same time, it needs to have that extra sparkle that makes it special.”

Once you have your premise, it’s time to develop your characters. Your female lead needs to be likable, yet flawed. She should have a clear goal and motivation that drives the story forward. Your male lead, on the other hand, needs to be charming and endearing, yet still have his own set of flaws. “Your characters need to be multi-dimensional,” says screenwriter, Emily Chen. “They need to have their own backstories, motivations, and conflicts that drive the story forward.”

Another crucial element of a successful holiday rom-com is the setting. The story needs to take place during the holiday season, typically around Christmas or New Year’s. The setting should be festive and atmospheric, with plenty of holiday decorations, traditions, and rituals. “The setting is what makes your story feel like a holiday rom-com,” says Watanabe. “You need to transport your audience to a magical world that feels like a winter wonderland.”

When it comes to the plot, it’s all about the romance. The story needs to be centered around the developing relationship between the two leads. There needs to be a clear romantic arc that takes the audience on a journey of ups and downs. “The romance needs to be the focus of the story,” says Holliday. “It’s what makes the story feel like a holiday rom-com.”

Finally, the ending needs to be satisfying and feel-good. The story needs to wrap up in a way that feels authentic and true to the characters. The final scene should leave the audience feeling uplifted and inspired. “The ending is what makes the story feel complete,” says Chen. “It’s what leaves the audience with a lasting impression.”