-Photo via thaindian.com

Resident Columbia film star James Franco has reportedly signed a book deal to publish a collection of short stories. The newly minted bard, who already carries some weight in the publishing world, is also set to act in a film about ex-Columbia literary luminary Allen Ginsberg.

The writerly impulse apparently runs in the family since Franco’s mom is an author too, and he has read some of her audio books. No word yet if this literary turn will bring Franco to Wien.