I saw the movie Avatar on Christmas day. I don't watch tv and I haven't seen any movie in the theatre but New Moon since the summer so I haven't seen any previews. I knew nothing about it. Which made it better I think, and fun to have it unfold not knowing the premise at all.


The concept of the new planet and developing avatars for humans to walk around in, cool. The plot--not so much. It was an action movie with a love story. Rather predictable. And at times really slow. My brother said it reminded him a lot of Dances with Wolves. I concur.


What I loved so much about this movie was the world of Pandora. It was awesome. The people of the planet were intriguing: their beliefs, the literal connection they had with their world, the way they looked. The animals and colors, trees and plants. It was really neat. I loved it. I keep thinking about it for days after seeing it.

And I'm jealous.

That is the kind of world building I want to do in my writing. I want to create a world that is original, new, exciting. I read Kristen Cashore's book Fire a few months ago. The world of Pandora reminded me of the world she created in her books. Not that they were similar, but the opposite. That they are so original and fresh. That is what I want to do. Create something memorable.