Avatar Novel Is In the Works

Those who thought that digital media might kill the written word can take heart from James Cameron's plan to write a novel based on his hit movie Avatar. Movie producer Jon Landau announced the plans in an interview with MTV news. Landau says it will be a first novel for Cameron, who has extensive experience as a screenwriter, notably the first two installments of the Terminator series. The book will be more than just a "novelization" or retelling of the movie, and will feature interior monologues that reveal more about the characters, he said.

The interview occurred last week, but is coming to attention now, thanks to a reception in his honor Tuesday night in NewYork at the Four Seasons restaurant. “There are things you can do in books that you can’t do with films,” Cameron told the Wall Street Journal.

Cameron already is credited with changing the movie business with Avatar's sophisticated use of 3-D imaging. Now we get to see what he will do for the written word, especially if he developers digital versions of the novel for devices such as the Kindle and the iPad.

As a business proposition, it's really the same thing as the Harry Potter series, which started as a book and became a movie. He is just reversing the process. Having created a loyal and enthusiastic fan base, he is developing the commercial and artistic potential from every angle.