Claudia

Claudia asked Andy Weir:

In what part of the story - if any - were you tempted to "stretch the scientific truth" to make it more interesting but didn't?

Andy Weir I had a subplot idea where the RTG would crack open, causing a serious crisis. He'd have a radiation problem and would have to ditch the RTG. But RTGs are actually made of a bunch of individually coated pellets and it's practically impossible to make them leak radiation without deliberately trying to make it happen.

Also, without the RTG, I couldn't see any way for him to survive his long trip in the rover. So I ditched the whole idea because it was just breaking too many rules.

More Answered Questions

Riku Sayuj

Riku Sayuj asked Andy Weir:

Hi Andy, the only thing I was slightly uncomfortable was about the farming -- can gut bacteria so easily do the work expected of soil bacteria? Aren't gut bacteria mostly anaerobic? And what of nitrogen fixing? I am sure I am missing something, but it would be great if you could clear this up and make the whole thing seamless for this fan!

Otis Chandler

Otis Chandler asked Andy Weir:

I understand that you originally published The Martian serially on your blog, which was useful for getting feedback and refining the story and the math. Do you think that's something more fiction writers should employ? Or is it unique to The Martian in some way?

Don Mario

Don Mario asked Andy Weir:

One cannot read your novel without thinking of Bradbury's "The Martian Chronicles". What do you think of that book? Have you considered the idea of writing a "Bradburian" version of your story? (i.e. an extraterrestrial being observing Watney, or Watney telling the "true" version of his adventure he didn't dare to record on his log)

All answers from Andy Weir…

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