novelizing

Novelizing is the process of adapting a story originally created for another medium, such as a film, television show, or video game, into a novel. This typically involves expanding upon the existing narrative, developing characters more deeply, and creating internal thoughts and dialogue that were not explicitly present in the source material. The goal is to translate the essence of the original story into a literary format that stands on its own as a work of fiction.

Novelizations often begin with a screenplay or a detailed plot outline. Writers then work to flesh out scenes, describe settings, and add descriptive language to immerse the reader in the world of the story. Character motivations and backstories may be explored in greater detail, providing a more nuanced understanding of their actions and relationships. Dialogue can be expanded or altered to feel more natural in a written context.

The quality of a novelization can vary greatly. Some are celebrated for their faithfulness to the spirit of the original work and their own literary merit, while others are criticized for being mere transcriptions or lacking originality. Despite these variations, novelizations serve as a popular way to extend the life of beloved stories and offer fans a different way to experience them. They can also be a valuable tool for writers learning to adapt existing narratives.