Andy Weir

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.

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.

Before writing a single word of his new book Artemis, Andy Weir worked out the economics of a lunar colony. Without the economics, how could the story hew to the hard sci-fi style Weir cornered the market on with The Martian? And, more importantly, how else can Tyler find out much a Cantonese meal would run him on the moon? In addition to these important questions of lunar economics, Andy and Tyler talk about the technophobic trend in science fiction, private space efforts, seasteading, cryptocurrencies, the value of a human life, the outdated Outer Space Treaty, stories based on rebellion vs. cooperation, Heinlein, Asimov, Weir’s favorite episode of Star Trek, and the formula for finding someone else when stranded on a lonely planet. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Recorded November 15th, 2017 Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter  Follow Andy on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox.