Sci-fi writer Andy Weir doesn't love writing
ReThinking
TED
4.7 • 626 Ratings
🗓️ 4 April 2023
⏱️ 47 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Andy Weir is the bestselling author of The Martian and Project Hail Mary. He’s known for weaving deep, carefully researched science into his novels, building intricate sci-fi worlds that have captivated millions of readers. But here’s a plot twist: Andy doesn’t actually love the act of writing itself – so how does he motivate himself to do it anyway? Adam talks with Andy about the creative process, the skills involved in discarding bad ideas, finding joy in worldbuilding and research, and why you should never be writing with a sequel in mind. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts
ReThinking is produced by Cosmic Standard. Our Senior Producer is Jessica Glazer, our Engineer is Aja Simpson, our Technical Director is Jacob Winik, and our Executive Producer is Eliza Smith.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Hello, we're Sam and Pete from Staying Relevant. |
| 0:02.9 | Our podcast is currently being brought to you by Costa Coffee. |
| 0:06.4 | Breakout of autopilot this autumn with the maple hazel rain. |
| 0:10.2 | Now change is in the air. |
| 0:12.4 | I feel like it's time for something different. |
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| 0:23.2 | maple hazel, available as a latte, |
| 0:26.1 | iced latte or hot chocolate. |
| 0:31.3 | We just want you to break out of autopilot and enjoy Costa Coffee's maple hazel range. |
| 0:36.9 | Head to your nearest Costa Coffee store or Costa Express Machine to pick up a maple hazel drink while stocks last, |
| 0:38.6 | made with heart. |
| 0:40.9 | Debbie was in a bit of a pickle. |
| 0:43.8 | A crisp and gurkin sandwiches just weren't selling. |
| 0:47.3 | Until she had the good idea to use Canva to design her logo, |
| 0:51.6 | menus and social posts. |
| 1:00.0 | They looked good, Really, really good. Turns out Crisp and Girkin sandwiches are right up everyone's street. Even if that street now smells of pickles. |
| 1:06.8 | Thanks, Canber. This is an ad by Better Help |
| 1:12.2 | Did I talk too much? |
| 1:13.4 | I should have handled that better |
| 1:14.5 | Why can't I just let it go? |
| 1:16.0 | Why did I do that? |
| 1:17.1 | I wish I would stop overthinking so much |
... |
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