BG Josh asked Andy Weir:

I was wondering about your writing process. Did you come up with cool problems (and solutions) and then write the story to include these situations? Or did you write the story and figured solutions to match the problems that arose?

Andy Weir I came up with the problems first, then worked out the solutions. I tried to make each new problem come about as a result of Mark's solution to the previous problem.

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Did you do any research into solitary confinement and other instances of isolation for this book? It felt to me as though the main character should have been more depressed by the end from lack of human contact

J. Arthur Archer asked Andy Weir:

How much outlining did you do for The Martian? Any chance we could get a peek at your notes?

Nick Flack asked Andy Weir:

What inspired the character and personality of Mark, and will there ever be a sequel?

All answers from Andy Weir…

Andy Weir

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I was wondering about your writing process. Did you come up with cool problems (and solutions) and then write the story to include these situations? Or did you write the story and figured solutions to match the problems that arose?

More Answered Questions

Did you do any research into solitary confinement and other instances of isolation for this book? It felt to me as though the main character should have been more depressed by the end from lack of human contact

How much outlining did you do for The Martian? Any chance we could get a peek at your notes?

What inspired the character and personality of Mark, and will there ever be a sequel?

About Goodreads Q&A