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How Andy Weir Writes Bestselling Sci-Fi: The Martian, Project Hail Mary, and Plotting

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56,045 views vs a median of 168,870 across the channel's last 7 long-form uploads · as of Oct 29

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Bestselling science fiction novelist Andy Weir sits down with host David Perell to dissect his creative process, narrative architecture, and scientific world-building. He explains how he brainstormed Project Hail Mary, designed the biology of the alien Rocky, built credibility through accurate physics, and navigated his accidental transition from software engineer to literary sensation with The Martian. Weir also shares his philosophies on plot mechanics as cascading failures, why science fiction is a setting rather than a genre, and his realistic forecast for AI in storytelling.

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Source: Project Hail Mary Author Reveals His Writing Process (Andy Weir Interview) · David Perell
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    The explainer

    What the video says, with a link to every moment

    A 2-minute read. Each underlined phrase opens the video at that second.

    In this in-depth conversation on the How I Write podcast, author Andy Weir reveals the precise engineering mindset behind his bestselling novels. Rather than starting with grand themes or symbolic allegories, Weir begins with daydreaming about intriguing physics. For Project Hail Mary, his creative journey originated with wanting a mass conversion fuel1:25 for interstellar travel, which iteratively led him to invent Astrophage microbes2:45 that consume stellar light. To ground these speculative leaps, Weir builds reader trust through rigorous scientific accuracy; he demonstrates this by reading his microwave oven passage12:22, proving that if readers realize the everyday physics in the book are real, they will willingly suspend disbelief for the fictional elements.

    quote
    Light is a funny thing. Its wavelengthdefines what it can and can'tinteract with. Anything smaller thanthe wavelength is functionallynonexistent to that photon. That'swhy there's a mesh over the windowof a microwave. The holes in themesh are too small for microwavesto pass through. But visible light,with a much shorter wavelength,can go through freely, so you get towatch your food cook withoutmelting your face off.
    ▶ 12:23
    On screen at 12:23

    Weir candidly discusses the mechanics of narrative pacing and character design. While he acknowledges that opening with amnesia is often considered a cheesy trope8:10, it served the crucial function of aligning the reader's discovery curve exactly with the protagonist's. To manage extensive scientific details without boring the audience, Weir relies on direct exposition cloaked in a humorous first-person voice13:50. In contrast to Mark Watney in The Martian—who was an idealized version of Weir's own personality—protagonist Ryland Grace was deliberately engineered with the core flaw of pathological fear and cowardice20:10. Meanwhile, the alien companion Rocky was created through meticulous speculative astrophysics24:15, deriving biology, sensory organs, and anatomy from the extreme atmospheric pressure and high gravity of an exoplanet.

    Reflecting on his journey, Weir recounts how he wrote The Martian chapter-by-chapter as a serialized blog post35:35 while working as a computer programmer. When readers requested an e-reader version, he published it on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing for 99 cents38:30, triggering an algorithmic surge that led to a print contract and film deal within days of each other. Despite being an icon of digital indie success, Weir strongly defends traditional publishing machinery45:55 for its peerless global distribution and marketing muscle.

    Finally, Weir elaborates on what constitutes gripping storytelling: constructing plots as cascading chain-reaction failures50:35 where every event logically necessitates the next. He views science fiction not as a standalone genre, but rather as an expansive setting like a city56:25 that can house mysteries, thrillers, or romances. Looking forward, he predicts that while AI tailored fiction1:00:20 will inevitably emerge, skilled human authors will remain indispensable navigators who understand dramatic tension and the irreplaceable joy of discovery58:45.

    Highlights
    1. 1:12Developing the Astrophage premise for Project Hail Mary
    2. 12:12Building audience trust and reading the microwave excerpt
    3. 23:55Speculative biology of Rocky and the 40 Eridani system
    4. 34:50The unexpected viral success of self-publishing The Martian
    5. 50:30Plot structure as cascading failures and outsmarting readers
    6. 54:05Sci-fi titans: Asimov's rules, Clarke's hard science, Heinlein
    Chapters across the 1:10:06 runtime
    How it's told

    In-depth conversation unpacking craft, plotting, and publishing

    Format: Interview. Host David Perell interviews bestselling author Andy Weir about his writing process, plotting techniques, scientific research methods, and publishing journey. The discussion moves from initial premise development and story mechanics through to literary influences and thoughts on AI.

    Story arc

    1. 0:00IntroductionPerell introduces Andy Weir, highlighting his bestselling books and Hollywood adaptations.
    2. 1:02Premise and StakesWeir explains how Project Hail Mary grew from a mass-conversion propulsion concept into an extinction-level crisis.
    3. 6:17Plot Structure and FlashbacksWeir discusses building plots around major turning points and using amnesia to reveal backstory organically.
    4. 11:07Exposition and AccuracyWeir explains why hard science builds reader trust and demonstrates using humor and voice to convey technical facts.
    5. 15:36Mid-Roll BreakHost David Perell delivers a sponsor segment for Alpha School.
    6. 16:55Character DevelopmentWeir compares Mark Watney, Jazz Bashara, and Ryland Grace, and details the speculative biology of Rocky.
    7. 28:32Scientific CalculationWeir shares how he uses custom Excel spreadsheets to model orbital mechanics, relativistic rockets, and alien biology.
    8. 33:41Publication of The MartianWeir details his shift from software engineering to serialized web fiction, Kindle self-publishing, and Hollywood deals.
    9. 45:44Publishing Industry RealitiesWeir outlines why traditional publishers offer unmatched distribution and marketing value over self-publishing.
    10. 49:46Cascading Plot MechanicsWeir explains the rule of cascade failure and proactive characters, analyzing a pivotal scene from Breaking Bad.
    11. 53:53Sci-Fi Titans and PhilosophyWeir deconstructs Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics and argues that science fiction functions as a setting rather than a genre.
    12. 59:10AI and the Future of WritingWeir reflects on the potential rise of bespoke AI-generated entertainment and celebrates astronaut John Young's unflappable nature.
    13. 1:07:30Book Recommendations and Wrap-upWeir gives his top science fiction gateway reading recommendations and Perell closes the interview.

    Setups and payoffs

    1. 0:38Setup Weir introduces the notion that sci-fi is a setting rather than a genre.
      ↳
      56:18Payoff Weir elaborates on why science fiction functions as a setting for traditional genres like mystery or romance.
    2. 1:27Setup Astrophage is conceptualized as a mass-conversion biological fuel source.
      ↳
      6:51Payoff Weir shows how Grace unravels the nature of Astrophage and Tau Ceti in the early story structure.
    3. 8:06Setup The amnesia trope is introduced as a tool to align the protagonist's discovery with the reader's knowledge.
      ↳
      21:20Payoff Weir reveals that Grace's amnesia intentionally masked his cowardice until a dramatic late reveal.
    4. 20:09Setup Ryland Grace is deliberately designed around a core flaw of non-confrontational cowardice.
      ↳
      23:08Payoff Grace's ultimate heroic climax requires him to voluntarily turn back and risk his life to save Rocky.
    5. 24:51Setup Weir mentions calculating Eridian high-gravity atmospheric physics and biology.
      ↳
      30:28Payoff The custom Excel spreadsheet calculating alien physiological and physical parameters is displayed.
    6. 34:53Setup Weir builds a core base of 3,000 readers by posting free serialized chapters online.
      ↳
      39:50Payoff Those readers rush to buy the $0.99 Kindle version, triggering Amazon's bestseller algorithm.
    7. 41:05Setup Weir explains how Hollywood options buy studio rights without guaranteeing production.
      ↳
      44:34Payoff Weir explains that contracts fully lock in and obligate full talent pay once day one of filming begins.

    Devices

    • Kinetic On-Screen CaptionsDisplays core thematic questions and topic titles across conversational pivots.0:160:380:49
    • Film Adaptation CutawaysB-roll clips and film stills illustrate the literary work Weir is breaking down.0:077:3618:16
    • Primary Source Text DisplayExcerpts from Project Hail Mary are shown on screen while being analyzed for exposition style.12:23
    • Spreadsheet Artifact DisplaysActual Excel calculation tables used by Weir to verify physics and biology are displayed on screen.30:0530:1230:2030:28
    • Pop Culture Narrative BreakdownA detailed step-by-step breakdown of a pivotal Breaking Bad scene illustrates causality in plot design.51:51
    • Anecdotal ContrastWeir cites astronaut John Young's calm launch heart rate to showcase emotional composure.1:06:31

    From the video's own structure, matched to the transcript and on-screen text.

    Teardown

    A relaxed masterclass that earns views on guest star power but underperforms because its packaging frames it as routine podcast conversation rather than an urgent revelation.

    Below the channel's typical: 0.3× its typical views (56,045 vs a median of 168,870 across the channel's last 7 long-form uploads, as of Oct 29) · Long-form interview · 28 days old

    The promise

    Viewers expect to discover the unique writing methods and storytelling philosophy behind Andy Weir's hit sci-fi novel Project Hail Mary.

    Packaging

    How it looks in the feed

    Show the feed as
    1:10:06

    Project Hail Mary Author Reveals His Writing Process (Andy Weir Interview)

    David Perell56K views · 4w agoLearn more about Alpha School at ⁠https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite Andy Weir is on the show today, and he's famous for books like Project Hail Mary and The…

    Views and age as of the teardown, Oct 29, 2026. Other videos are blanked out.

    • 2/5Thumbnail imageClean podcast portrait lighting with a sharp subject, but it lacks narrative tension or visual props related to science fiction. Shrunk down on mobile, it looks like a generic talking-head interview.Andy Weir in a patterned button-down shirt and glasses smiles slightly against a soft, dark interior background.
    • 3/5Thumbnail text“"Writing Is Time Travel"”The four-word quote creates an intriguing conceptual hook, though it feels more abstract than practical. It stands out clearly in high-contrast white serif lettering.Large white text reading '"Writing Is Time Travel"' sits in quotation marks across the right half of the image.
    • 3/5TitleClear and keyword-heavy by naming the famous book and author, but the phrasing feels routine for an interview video. It relies entirely on existing brand recognition rather than active tension.The title specifies 'Project Hail Mary Author', 'Writing Process', and '(Andy Weir Interview)'.
    • 3/5Title + thumbnailThey divide duties reasonably well, with the title supplying context and the thumbnail supplying an evocative quote. However, neither component introduces strong narrative conflict or urgency.The title focuses on a practical writing process while the thumbnail introduces a poetic metaphor about time travel.

    Curiosity gap: How treating writing as time travel explains the mechanics behind Andy Weir's blockbuster sci-fi books.

    The three hooks

    The title, the thumbnail text and the first words spoken each make a promise, and each does a different job.

    • Title“Project Hail Mary Author Reveals His Writing Process (Andy Weir Interview)”Insider secretCuriosityOutcomeIt makes the viewer want to see the private system behind a massively successful author's books.
    • Thumbnail text“"Writing Is Time Travel"”Curiosity gapCuriosityNoveltyIt makes the viewer want to understand what Andy Weir means by comparing writing to time travel.
    • First words spoken“Andy Weir is on the show today, who's famous for books like Project Hail Mary and The Martian”AuthorityCuriosityProofNaming Andy Weir's blockbuster film adaptations immediately makes the viewer want to know how an everyday person engineered such massive creative and commercial success.
    • PairingDifferent jobsThe title establishes the guest's credentials and topic, while the thumbnail quote introduces a philosophical hook to pique interest.
    • StakesFitsThe interview delivers a detailed, granular look into hard sci-fi plotting and math modeling without pretending to offer a miraculous shortcut to fame.
    • UrgencyNoneThe discussion focuses entirely on evergreen storytelling craft, publishing history, and writing philosophy with no deadline attached.

    The first 20 seconds

    TimeWhat you seeWhat you hearWhat it does
    0:00Close-up of Andy Weir talking with his name in text overlay on screen.Host (voiceover): "Andy Weir's on the show today, who's..."Immediately confirms the subject of the video without delay.
    0:01Wide shot of host and Andy Weir seated in armchairs by a fireplace, laughing."...famous for books..."Shows the cozy, in-person studio setup and rapport.
    0:02Host and Andy continue bantering in the wide two-shot."...like Project Hail Mary..."Names the bestselling book mentioned in the title.
    0:03Full-screen graphic of the 'Project Hail Mary' book cover."...and The Martian..."Provides visual proof of his most recognizable sci-fi works.
    0:04Full-screen graphic of 'The Martian' book cover."...both of which turned into movies."Elevates the guest's authority by connecting books to blockbuster films.
    0:05Host seated directly facing the camera, speaking intently.Host: "Project Hail Mary with Ryan Gosling..."Brings the focus back to host narrating the stakes.
    0:06Host gesturing toward camera as he introduces the stars."...as the star..."Continues establishing cultural weight of the work.
    0:07Film still of Ryan Gosling in a spacecraft cockpit from 'Project Hail Mary'."...The Martian with..."Uses recognizable A-list imagery to hook cinema fans.
    0:08Film still continues with text label 'Project Hail Mary (2026)'."...Matt Damon."Pairs visual confirmation with star power.
    0:09Film clip of Matt Damon in a spacesuit walking on Mars from 'The Martian'.Cinematic ambient sound under narration.Visually triggers instant recognition of the hit movie.
    0:10Matt Damon scene continues, labeled 'The Martian (2015)'.Music transitions smoothly into the next beat.Solidifies the track record of the guest.
    0:11Warm color light wipe transition back to the host.Low synth tone swelling.Resets the scene back to the host.
    0:12Host talking directly to camera in conversational posture.Host: "In this conversation, it's as much about science fiction..."Reframes the topic around deeper creative themes.
    0:13Host uses hand gestures to emphasize duality."...as it is about writing."Clarifies the core focus of the interview for aspiring writers.
    0:14Host leans forward slightly while delivering thesis.Host: "Yeah, I ask him about his process."Explicitly fulfills the promise of the video title.
    0:15Host looks straight into lens.Host: "How does he come up with new ideas?"Plants the primary creative question viewers want answered.
    0:16Host finishes phrasing the question.Host: "How does he come up..."Maintains energy and curiosity.
    0:17Behind-the-scenes set photo of Andy Weir inside spaceship cockpit with overlay: 'How does he come up with new ideas?'.Host continues voiceover.Combines on-screen kinetic typography with behind-the-scenes visual proof.
    0:18Behind-the-scenes cockpit photo holds with on-screen text.Host: "But also, I had to ask..."Teases a secondary, unexpected question.
    0:19Photo holds with text still visible.Host: "...how does he..."Deepens the curiosity gap right before revealing the next hook.
    0:20Cockpit photo holds.Host continues speaking.Keeps viewer engaged into the main interview tease.
    Click confirmation
    Instantly confirms the title in the very first second by displaying Andy Weir on camera with his name, followed by graphics of his books.
    Time to the point
    0:04
    Hook
    payoff preview, question
    Reason to stay
    The host poses the core creative puzzle: how a writer comes up with ideas that become multi-million dollar books and blockbuster films.
    Missing on purpose
    No channel intro sequence, no sponsor plug, no greeting, and no call to subscribe before proving value.
    Pace and texture
    Fast and punchy. Cuts every 1 to 2 seconds between studio dialogue, book covers, Hollywood film footage, and behind-the-scenes set pictures.

    Story map

    Explainer. Host David Perell probes Andy Weir to uncover how an engineer reverse-engineers bestselling fiction, pitting rigorous physical math and plotting mechanics against storytelling intuition to show how blockbusters are built.

    TimeSectionNew tensionStakesTurnLoops
    0:00 –1:02Introduction & CredentialsCan an author famous for massive Hollywood hits explain his private process simply?RiseThe host announces this is not just an interview, but a direct breakdown of how Weir generates multi-million-dollar ideas.Opens: What exact methods does Weir use to build his hit plots?Closes: Confirms guest identity and cultural weight instantly.
    1:02 –6:17Premise Genesis & Narrative StakesHow does an abstract scientific daydream turn into an extinction-level thriller?RiseWeir explains that Astrophage was not created to save Earth, but originated as a simple technical daydream about efficient rocket fuel.Opens: How does an author transition an abstract concept into an actual plot draft?Closes: Reveals the origin of Project Hail Mary's central crisis.
    6:17 –11:07Plot Architecture & Flashback MechanicsHow do you deliver exposition without grinding narrative momentum to a halt?HoldWeir admits amnesia is a cheap trope, but defends it as the only functional tool to synchronize reader knowledge with the protagonist.Opens: How can direct scientific explanations avoid sounding like a Wikipedia page?Closes: Explains the narrative utility of amnesia and memory reveals.
    11:07 –15:36Scientific Exposition & HumorHow do you explain dense physics without losing reader interest?RiseWeir rejects 'show, don't tell' dogma, arguing that direct conversational exposition saves pages as long as it includes regular punchlines.Opens: Does this mechanical approach carry over into building relatable characters?Closes: Shows how humor unlocks reader patience for technical concepts.
    15:36 –16:55Sponsor: Alpha SchoolInterview momentum pauses for commercial messaging.FallSag: no turn
    16:55 –23:50Character Construction & Core FlawsCan an engineer who views characters as machinery write emotional depth?HoldWeir admits character nuance is his greatest weakness, leading him to deliberately construct Ryland Grace around cowardice rather than heroism.Opens: How did he design the physiology and personality of an alien partner from scratch?Closes: Explains how the protagonist's cowardice sets up the ending sacrifice.
    23:50 –29:45Speculative Alien WorldbuildingHow do you build a believable alien without defaulting to humanoid cliches?RiseStarting from real exoplanet orbital measurements forced Rocky's physiology to adopt high atmospheric pressure, blindness, and extreme heat tolerance.Opens: How does Weir mathematically manage all these interdependent constraints?Closes: Explains the physical origin of Rocky's biology and dynamic.
    29:45 –33:41Spreadsheets & Pure EntertainmentIs there a hidden deeper meaning or political metaphor behind the story?HoldWeir denies any presence of underlying symbolism, stating his entire process is math calculations and unpretentious entertainment.Opens: How did this methodical process translate into breaking out from an unknown blogger?Closes: Fulfills the promise of showing his spreadsheet system on screen.
    33:41 –45:44The Martian: Serialization to ScreenHow does a free serialized blog post turn into an unprompted Hollywood deal?HoldWeir charged $0.99 solely because Amazon required it, inadvertently triggering an organic algorithm cascade among his 3,000 core blog readers.Opens: Why would an author who succeeded in self-publishing advocate for legacy publishers?Closes: Details the exact sequence from free blog to studio option.
    45:44 –49:46The Power of Traditional PublishingWhy give away revenue percentages to legacy publishers when you already have an audience?FallWeir argues an author cannot match the international retail distribution and specialized publicity machinery of legacy houses.Opens: What structural rule governs how he actually chains scenes together?Closes: Resolves his preference for traditional publishing.
    49:46 –53:53Plot Causality & Cascade FailureHow do you continually surprise readers without using cheap coincidences?RiseEvery plot development must strictly be an unintended consequence of the character's previous proactive action, illustrated via Breaking Bad.Opens: Which literary masters shaped this view of cause-and-effect science fiction?Closes: Defines cascade failure and proactive plotting.
    53:53 –59:10Sci-Fi Titans & Sci-Fi as SettingWhat actually separates science fiction from every other literary category?HoldScience fiction is not a genre like drama or comedy, but merely a physical setting comparable to choosing a city backdrop.Opens: What will happen to this craft when machine learning enters fiction writing?Closes: Explains Asimov's influence and the definition of hard sci-fi.
    59:10 –1:06:25AI Storytelling & Artisanal WritingWill generative AI make human narrative structure and novelists obsolete?FallWeir predicts bespoke AI fiction will dominate entertainment, while human-written novels survive as valued artisanal crafts.Opens: What real-world hero embodies this unflappable technical mindset?Closes: Outlines his perspective on algorithmic entertainment.
    1:06:25 –1:10:06Hero Astronauts & Book RecommendationsWhat is the single best gateway book for someone wanting to experience this craft?FallInstead of recommending modern blockbusters, Weir names Asimov's 1953 detective novel The Caves of Steel as the quintessential entry.Closes: Closes the interview with final reading recommendations.

    Payoff: delivered fully at 30:05. The core promise of showing his raw writing system is completely fulfilled when Weir displays his personal Excel spreadsheets used to calculate orbital mechanics and alien biology. Ending: Weir recommends Isaac Asimov's The Caves of Steel as the ideal entry point to the genre, followed by warm, standard parting pleasantries with no bridge to a future video.

    Leaks

    Where a viewer might leave. Guesses from watching, not retention data.

    • 15:36 Hard cut to an upbeat solo host ad read for Alpha School derails high-level conversation momentum.
    • 34:00 The focus drifts away from actionable writing techniques into familiar biographical storytelling about AOL severance and early HTML coding.
    • 59:10 The dialogue shifts into broad AI speculation, covering generic podcast ground rather than Weir's distinct personal methods.

    Steal this

    1. Show the raw working spreadsheet to prove creative claims visually. Displaying actual Excel formulas for spaceship propulsion grounds creative storytelling claims in verifiable reality. 30:05
    2. Read a direct primary excerpt aloud, then deconstruct its mechanical engine. Forces an abstract concept like exposition to become immediately practical by analyzing a specific paragraph on screen. 12:23
    3. Illustrate an abstract writing rule using an iconic scene from another hit show. Using Walter White's phone call from Breaking Bad clarifies the concept of proactive character problem-solving instantly. 51:51
    4. Invert dogmatic craft advice by teaching its specific exception. Telling writers when to ignore 'show, don't tell' immediately builds trust by addressing real production trade-offs. 13:03

    Skip this

    • Relying on major Hollywood film footage (Matt Damon, Ryan Gosling) to supply visual authority. Only works because the guest is already an internationally adapted celebrity author with studio-funded B-roll.
    • Coordinating interviews through traditional corporate publisher PR channels without direct guest outreach. Only established media properties with high-profile brand footprints get access to major publisher talent rosters.

    Open questions

    • What visual assets or draft manuscripts did Weir bring that did not make the final edit?
    • How significantly did viewer drop-off spike during the Alpha School mid-roll transition at 15:36?

    Teardown by Avail.video from the thumbnail, the title, the first 20 seconds and the report's notes on the whole video.

    On screen

    Everything the video showed you

    Slides, frameworks, quotes and formulas, captured verbatim with the moment they appeared. Tap any card to jump there.

    Reference shelf

    People, ideas and things mentioned

    Said means mentioned aloud; Shown means it appeared on screen.

    People8

    • Andy WeirBestselling science fiction author and former software engineer0:00Said + shown1:13Said17:00Said34:00Said34:53Said40:50Said54:04Said
    • David PerellHost of the How I Write podcast and writing instructor0:01Said + shown0:12Shown1:02Said15:36Said15:55Said34:42Said53:04Said1:09:47Said
    • Isaac AsimovClassic science fiction author known for the Foundation and Robot series40:48Said + shown54:08Said54:10Said56:50Said1:07:42Said + shown
    • Arthur C. ClarkeHard science fiction author of 2001: A Space Odyssey and Rendezvous with Rama57:10Said + shown1:07:43Said + shown
    • John YoungNASA astronaut who walked on the Moon and commanded Apollo 16 and STS-11:06:19Said + shown1:06:35Said1:06:52Said + shown
    • Ryan GoslingActor starring as Ryland Grace in the film adaptation of Project Hail Mary0:07Said + shown4:50Shown6:54Shown18:00Shown21:06Said21:25Said
    • Matt DamonActor who starred as Mark Watney in the film adaptation of The Martian0:10Said + shown18:16Shown42:21Said44:10Said
    • Robert A. HeinleinProminent science fiction author of the Golden Age1:07:42Said + shown1:08:02Said

    Ideas & frameworks10

    • Project Hail MaryScience fiction novel by Andy Weir adapted into a major film0:03Said + shown0:06Shown0:17Shown1:05Said1:23Shown2:46Shown4:50Shown6:54Shown7:33Shown7:38Shown12:22Shown18:00Shown23:36Shown23:59Shown24:04Shown
    • The MartianBestselling survival sci-fi novel and film directed by Ridley Scott0:04Said + shown0:05Said + shown0:09Shown5:14Shown18:16Shown18:21Shown34:50Said
    • ArtemisAndy Weir's lunar-set novel featuring smuggler Jazz Bashara5:20Said + shown18:47Shown18:50Said
    • AstrophageFictional alien microbe that converts stellar light to mass2:45Said30:05Shown30:25Said
    • RockyFive-legged alien engineer character in Project Hail Mary7:35Said + shown7:37Shown23:13Said23:55Said23:59Shown27:14Said30:28Shown
    • Mark WatneyStranded botanist protagonist of The Martian5:13Said18:14Said18:29Said
    • Ryland GraceMiddle school science teacher turned space explorer in Project Hail Mary18:01Said + shown19:55Said22:38Said27:33Said
    • Breaking BadTelevision drama series analyzed by Weir for causality and plot design51:51Said + shown51:56Said + shown
    • The Caves of SteelScience fiction detective novel by Isaac Asimov56:47Shown56:54Said
    • Rendezvous with RamaScience fiction novel by Arthur C. Clarke57:24Shown

    Organizations1

    • Alpha SchoolK-12 educational institution and sponsor of How I Write15:40Said + shown16:49Shown

    Things on screen1

    • Amazon Kindle Direct PublishingAmazon's self-publishing platform used by Weir to sell The Martian38:20Said
    Video description

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    By the numbers

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    The video

    Views
    56K
    Likes
    1.1K
    Comments
    76
    Published
    Sep 30, 2026
    Length
    1:10:06
    Category
    People & Blogs
    YouTube's topics
    Knowledge
    Captions
    No
    HD
    Yes
    Language
    English
    Paid promotion
    None declared
    Made for kids
    No
    License
    Standard YouTube

    Creator's tags

    • writing advice
    • how to write
    • writing guide
    • writing
    • advice
    • writing lessons
    • writing books
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    • writing essays
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    • knowledge
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    • david perell
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    The channel

    David Perell@davidperellchannel
    Subscribers
    333K
    Videos
    771
    Total views
    26.3M
    Channel age
    9 years (since Jan 2017)
    Country
    United States
    Uploads
    about every 7 days
    Across the last 7 long-form uploads
    Before this video
    2 days after the previous long-form upload

    Calculated by Avail.video from YouTube's public numbers

    Outlier score
    0.3× · Below typical
    Views against the median of the channel's last 7 long-form uploads
    Views per subscriber
    0.17
    Likes vs the channel's usual
    1.3× the channel's usual
    1.9% of views vs a usual 1.5%
    Comments vs the channel's usual
    1.2× the channel's usual
    0.14% of views vs a usual 0.12%
    Rank among recent uploads
    #7 of 8
    By views: this video and the channel's last 7 long-form uploads
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    Watched by Avail.video · 2026-10-29