
While Cameron has never written a novel before, I think it's a good format for him. For one thing, he'll be unfettered by budgetary restraints, and when it comes to film, the guy likes to spend money. In a novel, he can dream big, and not have to worry about who's going to foot the bill. Secondly, if you've ever read any interviews with Cameron, the man is a huge science and technology geek. A novel will give him the chance to discuss science and tech in a way that just can't be explored in a film, without the risk of it coming across as boring or seeming like obvious exposition.
Landau thinks Cameron could have the novel ready by the end of 2010.