Sci-fi writer Andy Weir doesn't love writing

26 snips

Apr 4, 2023

Andy Weir, bestselling author of "The Martian" and "Project Hail Mary," shares his unique perspective on creativity. Despite his success, he admits he doesn't love writing. He discusses the importance of worldbuilding and the discipline required to generate ideas. Andy also reflects on the difficulties of crafting sequels and his amusing preferences for earthly comforts over space travel. Dive into his thoughts on creativity, character development, and how to separate good ideas from bad ones—all while keeping humor at the forefront.

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ADVICE

Writing as Sculpting

View the first draft as preparatory work.
Focus on completing the entire book before true refinement begins.

ANECDOTE

The Gardening Analogy

Andy Weir likens writing to gardening, enjoying the final product more than the process.
He emphasizes the hard work involved but values the beautiful outcome.

ADVICE

Maintaining Motivation

Set daily word count goals (e.g., 1000 words).
Restrict leisure activities until reaching the target.

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I, Robot

Isaac Asimov

This book is a fixup collection of short stories that tell the history of robotics from its inception to a future where robots are integral to society. The stories are framed by Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist, recounting her experiences with various robots and the complexities that arise from their interactions with humans. The collection introduces Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics and delves into themes of morality, psychology, and the social implications of creating intelligent machines. The stories feature recurring characters such as Dr. Calvin, Powell, and Donovan, and explore how robots interpret and comply with the Three Laws, often leading to unexpected and thought-provoking outcomes.

Project Hail Mary

Andy Weir

In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission. He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age. As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets. The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships[1][3][5].

Artemis

Andy Weir

In 'Artemis', Andy Weir crafts a story set in the late 2080s in the lunar city of Artemis. The protagonist, Jasmine 'Jazz' Bashara, is a young woman who works as a porter and part-time smuggler. When Jazz is offered a lucrative opportunity to sabotage a rival business, she finds herself entangled in a complex conspiracy involving corporate and criminal interests. The novel explores themes of science, technology, and the socio-economic dynamics of a lunar society, characteristic of Weir's meticulous research and engaging storytelling style.

The Martian

Andy Weir

R.C. Bray

The Martian tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is presumed dead and left stranded on Mars after a fierce storm. With limited supplies, Watney must draw upon his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Meanwhile, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring 'the Martian' home, while Watney faces numerous challenges in his quest for survival. The novel is praised for its blend of science, humor, and suspense.