James Cameron's Planned Avatar Novel: A Movieline FAQ

What is Cameron's previous experience as a writer of prose?

None, apparently, besides those long-form script treatments. But if the Avatar screenplay's expurgated sex scene is any indication ("The tendrils INTERTWINE with gentle undulations. JAKE rocks with the direct contact between his nervous system and hers. The ultimate intimacy"), then the English language is in pretty fantastic hands.

What does Cameron mean when he says, "There are things you can do in books that you can't do with films"?

Well, for starters, he can really go to town with the Papyrus typeface. If you thought Papyrus looked sleek and elegant as subtitles, wait until you read 50,000 words composed of the stuff. Also, you can misuse six-legged horses in ways that just don't work when the American Humane Society is stalking the set. Whatever he plans, expect to be dazzled: Considering how Cameron just spent 12 years and $300 million proving there's nothing you "can't do with films," you can bet a book promising the same will blow your effing mind.

Is there a planned release date?

Landau vaguely pegged the end of this year, just in time for the holidays.

What's the working title?

I Gotta Pee Something Fierce. Naturally.

· James Cameron Confirms He's Writing Avatar Novel [WSJ]

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