The Who guitarist Pete Townshend says that, following the completion of the band's 50th anniversary tour, he'll be working on his "magnum opus," which will include the publication of a "short novel."

"Celebrating 50 years of the Who also allows me to celebrate 52 years of life as a commercial songwriter my first song, 'It Was You,' was published in early 1963," he told Barnes & Noble.

"I am reviving my solo archive work, and continuing to commission folios of all my 'operas.'

I am writing new songs all the time. I have worked with Nate Barr on The Americans, and done a number of other collaborations.

I am working on a magnum opus that will begin with the publication of a short novel in 2016."

Townshend will be at B&N's NYC Union Square location signing copies of Pete Townshend's Classic Quadrophenia on May 29.