The month of February has long been the customary season for chocolates, roses, and heart-shaped everything. Love is in the air, and no matter how unconventional, at this time of year, there’s almost no escaping it. Thus, it becomes the job of the screenwriter to transcribe these flowery, fuzzy emotions to the page for viewers to revel in for Galentine’s days to come. However, this daunting task could leave even the most seasoned pro with brows furrowed. What truly makes a romantic comedy?

Writer Billy Mernit spreads the secret sauce in our February book of the month, Writing the Romantic Comedy. Mernit provides readers with a comprehensive genre guide, complete with a history of the genre, case studies of major rom-com staples, and explanations of what makes these narratives tick. Wondering how to add a little romance to your screenplay? Grab your Cupid’s arrow and read on! 

What I Liked: 

For writers unfamiliar or unenthusiastic about the romantic comedy genre, this book is the ultimate clapback to haters past and present. Mernit acknowledges the traditional pitfalls of the rom-com and addresses the necessary changes writers should make to revitalize the classic boy-meets-gets-loses-girl narrative. I dipped a reluctant toe into this genre pool when I started reading, but the farther in I got, the more comfortable I became with the beats of the romantic comedy. 

The book is separated into sections that touch on the basics of screenwriting, the inner workings of solid storytelling, the defining elements of the romantic comedy, and getting to the finish line. My favorite chapter, “Being Sexy,” focuses on adding the physical aspect of romance into the script without making it predictable or uncomfortable for the audience. Mernit encourages writers to think outside of the physical realm when approaching sex scenes. He suggests showing everything but the sex to imply character development or plot progression, reminding writers that they’re writing a rom-com, not a porno. 

Constructive Criticism:

The first edition feels dated. The original release of this book was in 2000, and some of the “contemporary” films listed aren’t nearly as groundbreaking as they were when they first hit theaters. Some of the referenced material might even come across as problematic upon reflection with a modernized perspective. 

There is also some verbiage used to describe cross-genre hybrids that, in modern times, would be considered to adhere to traditional rom-com narrative structure, an example being “Ethnic” and “Gay” referenced as genres, as opposed to personal characteristics.

Representation of love in media has evolved dramatically since the year this edition was published, and because of that, it makes some of Mernit’s major points appear to miss the mark. However, Mernit did publish an expanded and updated 20th anniversary edition in February of this year that promotes a fresh take on a “new generation of romantic comedies.” I’d advise diving into that edition and skipping this one altogether.

Famous Last Words:

This was a fascinating look at a genre that often gets kicked to the curb. Mernit provides guidance that can easily be implemented across genres, including chemistry between characters and finding balance between genre hybrids. Overall, any writer in any genre can find genuine value between the pages of this book. Check your comfort zone at the door and dare to dip a toe into the rom-com genre pool, the water is fine. 

For more from this author: Billy Mernit

For more from this publisher: HarperCollins Publishers 

About the Writer

Mercedes K. Milner is a Co-Founder and Administrator of the Write or Die Chicks and the Writers Group Coordinator. She is a staff writer for the WODC Blog and she heads the Reading on Writing column.