Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition

The Art of Crafting Funny Love Stories for the Screen

By Billy Mernit | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

“Writing the Romantic Comedy is so much fun to read it could pop a champagne cork.”—Alexa Junge, writer and producer of Friends

Revised and expanded to celebrate a new generation of romantic comedies, Billy Mernit’s insightful look into the mechanics of writing Hollywood’s most enduring genre features case studies that reveal the screenwriting secrets behind classics new and old.

Whether you’re a first-time screenwriter, an intermediate marooned in the rewriting process, or a professional wanting to explore the latest genre trends, this thoroughly charming and insightful guide to the basics of crafting a winning and innovative script will take you step by step from “meet cute” all the way to “joyous defeat.” You’ll learn the screenwriting secrets behind some of the funniest scenes ever written; how to create characters and dialogue that getsparks flying; why some bedroom scenes sizzle and others fall flat; and much more. 

Written in a refreshingly accessible style and updated and expanded to recognize the contributions of a fresh generation of romantic comedies, this newly revised 20th Anniversary edition of Writing the Romantic Comedy features case studies drawn from beloved romantic classics such as When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall, Tootsie, and The Lady Eve to modern-day favorites including Hitch, (500) Days of Summer, Bridesmaids, and Silver Linings Playbook. Field-tested writing exercises are also included, guaranteed to short-circuit potential mistakes and ensure inspiration.

Editions of Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition

Paperback
ISBN 9780062950260
EBook
ISBN 9780062950277

Read an Excerpt

“Writing the Romantic Comedy is so much fun to read it could pop a champagne cork.”—Alexa Junge, writer and producer of Friends

Revised and expanded to celebrate a new generation of romantic comedies, Billy Mernit’s insightful look into the mechanics of writing Hollywood’s most enduring genre features case studies that reveal the screenwriting secrets behind classics new and old.

Whether you’re a first-time screenwriter, an intermediate marooned in the rewriting process, or a professional wanting to explore the latest genre trends, this thoroughly charming and insightful guide to the basics of crafting a winning and innovative script will take you step by step from “meet cute” all the way to “joyous defeat.” You’ll learn the screenwriting secrets behind some of the funniest scenes ever written; how to create characters and dialogue that getsparks flying; why some bedroom scenes sizzle and others fall flat; and much more. 

Written in a refreshingly accessible style and updated and expanded to recognize the contributions of a fresh generation of romantic comedies, this newly revised 20th Anniversary edition of Writing the Romantic Comedy features case studies drawn from beloved romantic classics such as When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall, Tootsie, and The Lady Eve to modern-day favorites including Hitch, (500) Days of Summer, Bridesmaids, and Silver Linings Playbook. Field-tested writing exercises are also included, guaranteed to short-circuit potential mistakes and ensure inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition about?

“Writing the Romantic Comedy is so much fun to read it could pop a champagne cork.”—Alexa Junge, writer and producer of Friends

Revised and expanded to celebrate a new generation of romantic comedies, Billy Mernit’s insightful look into the mechanics of writing Hollywood’s most enduring genre features case studies that reveal the screenwriting secrets behind classics new and old.

Whether you’re a first-time screenwriter, an intermediate marooned in the rewriting process, or a professional wanting to explore the latest genre trends, this thoroughly charming and insightful guide to the basics of crafting a winning and innovative script will take you step by step from “meet cute” all the way to “joyous defeat.” You’ll learn the screenwriting secrets behind some of the funniest scenes ever written; how to create characters and dialogue that getsparks flying; why some bedroom scenes sizzle and others fall flat; and much more. 

Written in a refreshingly accessible style and updated and expanded to recognize the contributions of a fresh generation of romantic comedies, this newly revised 20th Anniversary edition of Writing the Romantic Comedy features case studies drawn from beloved romantic classics such as When Harry Met Sally, Annie Hall, Tootsie, and The Lady Eve to modern-day favorites including Hitch, (500) Days of Summer, Bridesmaids, and Silver Linings Playbook. Field-tested writing exercises are also included, guaranteed to short-circuit potential mistakes and ensure inspiration.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition?

Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Plays, playscripts, drama

Where can I read a sample of Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062950260

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition?

Billy Mernit

Who is the Publisher of the book Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062950260) and ebook(ISBN 9780062950277)

Where can I buy Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition from below

Where can I buy Writing The Romantic Comedy, 20th Anniversary Expanded and Updated Edition?