How The Martian was written, with Andy Weir

Early Aspirations and Career Choices 00:00

"I always wanted to be a writer ever since I was a little kid when I read my dad's inexhaustible science fiction collection."

• Andy Weir shares his early passion for writing, which was sparked by reading his father's extensive collection of science fiction books.

• Despite his love for writing, he chose a more stable career path in computer programming, prioritizing financial security over his dream of being a writer.

The Journey to The Martian 00:33

"I took three years off... I can live several years off of the money I have in savings."

• After being laid off from AOL, Weir decided to invest his newfound financial resources into pursuing his writing dream for three years.

• During this period, he wrote a book that he initially believed was of good quality, but he later found it did not attract any publishing interest, leading him back towards programming.

Experimenting with Online Publishing 01:34

"I decided, alright, I still want to write... I'll start posting short fiction to my website."

• Rather than giving up on writing, Weir embraced the internet era by publishing his work online, which included web comics and short stories.

• At the time, he was concurrently working on three serials, one of which would become The Martian. He leveraged feedback from his modest mailing list of around 3,000 subscribers to improve his writing.

Focus on Scientific Accuracy 02:15

"I wanted to make sure that dorks like me could enjoy the book that I was writing."

• Understanding the audience's discerning nature regarding scientific accuracy, Weir committed extensive effort to ensure the science in The Martian was believable and accurate.

• His dedication to detail extended beyond writing, as he often found himself enjoying the research aspect more than the actual writing process itself.

Feedback and Self-Publishing 03:05

"Once I finished, I said, okay, I'm done with The Martian, on to working on other serials."

• Upon completing The Martian, Weir received numerous requests for an easier way to access the book, leading him to create an e-reader version for readers.

• Eventually, his readers encouraged him to publish on Amazon, leading to his experience with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which allowed him to self-publish without upfront costs.

Initial Success and Recognition 05:00

"More people paid the buck than got it for free, which shows you a couple of things."

• Weir was surprised to find that many readers preferred to pay a small fee to access the book through Amazon rather than download it for free from his website.

• The combination of positive reviews, reader interest, and sales momentum propelled The Martian into Amazon's top sellers, marking a significant turning point in his writing career.

The Turning Point: Film Rights and Publication Deal 06:07

"Once it got into the top 10 in science fiction, then it really started going."

• Following the book's rising popularity, Weir was approached by agents interested in both literary and film rights, a stark contrast to his earlier struggles to find agents.

• The successful negotiation of print and film rights within a week brought about surreal changes in his professional life, transitioning him from programmer to a recognized author.

Editing and Release 07:51

"It wasn't that invasive, actually; I'm told that it was a very mild editing process."

• Weir discussed the editing process after securing a print deal, noting it was mostly non-invasive, allowing the original voice of The Martian to shine through.

• Upon its release, the book quickly became a bestseller, solidifying Weir's shift from an aspiring writer to an accomplished literary figure.

The Involvement of Ridley Scott and Major Actors 08:09

"Ridley Scott might be interested, Ridley Scott is interested, Ridley Scott's in negotiations."

• Ridley Scott's interest in directing "The Martian" came very gradually, with the producers initially not realizing how serious the interest had become.

• After Matt Damon expressed interest in playing the lead role, the project gained momentum, but there was still the issue of not having a director lined up.

• Eventually, when Scott confirmed he would direct, the film was nearly greenlit, and other major actors began to express interest, including Jessica Chastain, which led the studio to be concerned about budget constraints due to the rising costs associated with having big-name actors.

Andy Weir's Role in the Screenplay Development 09:37

"My job on the film was to cash the check."

• Andy Weir primarily served as a consultant for the movie, having a limited formal role but still contributing valuable insights during the screenplay's development.

• The screenwriter, Drew Goddard, frequently contacted Weir for technical and storyline clarifications, ensuring the screenplay remained faithful to the novel.

• Weir provided detailed feedback on the screenplay draft, which Goddard used to refine certain elements while retaining his creative control over the final script.

Technical Accuracy and Creative Choices 10:40

"Mars's atmospheric pressure is really, really low."

• Weir emphasized technical accuracy in various aspects of the story, but he also made deliberate choices to prioritize narrative excitement over realism, particularly in scenes involving a sandstorm.

• He acknowledged that Mars experiences dust storms that are not as dangerous as depicted in the movie but chose to exaggerate for dramatic effect.

• Additionally, he simplified the radiation exposure issue by assuming future technology would render protective measures effective, which in reality poses a significant challenge for astronauts on long missions.

New Discoveries and Changes Since the Book's Release 12:37

"Mars does not have a single solitary climate, just like Earth doesn't."

• Weir discussed how new scientific discoveries, such as the identification of water in Martian soil by the Curiosity rover, could alter aspects of the story.

• He argued that different regions on Mars could have varying climates, allowing for his narrative setting in Acidalia Planitia to remain plausible despite new findings.

• Weir's mention of the evolving technology in life support systems shows how advancements have been made since the book's original publication, although this also added a layer of complexity and potential inaccuracies to the narrative.