Writer says that forthcoming show will feature 'key divergences' for longtime fans

Neil Gaiman has teased his plans for the planned HBO series of his novel American Gods.

The acclaimed fantasy writer confirmed earlier this year that he was working with the premium US broadcaster on a TV version of his hit novel. HBO looks to be expanding its fantasy output after the recent smash hit Game Of Thrones.

Now, Gaiman has revealed more about his plans for the drama, saying that it will not be completely faithful to the book. He told MTV News: "I'm worrying about it one episode at a time [and] one season at a time. The overall plan right now is that the first season would essentially be… the first book, with a few interesting divergences. You don't want the people who've read the book to be able to go, 'I know everything that's going to be happening.' Well, no. You know a lot more than anybody who is starting from here, but we will do things that will surprise you, too."

He added that the scope of a long-running TV series would allow him to explore the world created in his original 2001 novel. "There was always so much more plot for American Gods and… what happens in the fall-out, so we're just going to follow it along."

American Gods portrays a group of ancient Gods trying to compete with the secular values of modern-day America.