How to Survive on Mars

When starting to write a story, give yourself a problem to solve that will inspire you. In your scene, create a situation where the characters on a ship realize they are lost at sea with no engines and no direction. Pose questions about how the characters will react, who will keep their head, and what actions they will take. Drawing inspiration from 'The Martian', focus on the theme of coping with impossible situations and figuring out how to survive against all odds.