Bestselling author Andy Weir, known for his science-packed novels like "The Martian," shares his intriguing perspective on writing: he doesn't particularly enjoy it. He reveals his creative process, emphasizing the importance of research and the joy of worldbuilding. Andy also discusses character morality and his thoughts on space and extraterrestrial life, peppering the conversation with humor. He offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to focus on dedicated writing rather than getting lost in conceptual ideas.
41:16
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Writing as Gardening
Andy Weir views writing as hard, unpleasant work.
He compares it to gardening; enjoyable result, tedious process.
insights INSIGHT
Originality in Sci-fi
Andy Weir believes his stories aren't truly original.
He focuses on well-trodden sci-fi plots with meticulous scientific detail.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Self-Discipline for Writing
Set daily writing goals, like 1000 words.
Restrict leisure activities until you meet the goal.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
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].
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.
Andy Weir is the bestselling author of The Martian and Project Hail Mary. He’s known for weaving deep, carefully researched science into his novels, building intricate sci-fi worlds that have captivated millions of readers. But here’s a plot twist: Andy doesn’t actually love the act of writing itself – so how does he motivate himself to do it anyway? Adam talks with Andy about the creative process, the skills involved in discarding bad ideas, finding joy in worldbuilding and research, and why you should never be writing with a sequel in mind. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
Worklife with Adam Grant 
