The science fiction novel The Martian began as a free serial published on the author's personal website. After readers requested a Kindle version, the book achieved significant commercial success, reaching The New York Times bestseller list in 2014. This project launched the professional literary career of Andy Weir, who previously worked in software development.
Early Background and Software Career
Born in 1972 in Davis, California, Weir grew up in Livermore. He attended Livermore High School and later studied computer science at the University of San Diego without graduating. His professional background includes roles as a programmer for companies such as AOL, Palm, MobileIron, and Blizzard. During his tenure at Blizzard, he contributed to the video game Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness. Before finding success in fiction, he maintained a personal website where he published short stories and web comics, including Casey and Andy and an earlier iteration of Cheshire Crossing.
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Weir gained initial attention for his 2009 short story The Egg. His debut novel, The Martian, emphasized scientific accuracy through research into botany, orbital mechanics, and human spaceflight. Following its print publication by Crown Publishing Group, the book was adapted into a 2015 film. His subsequent novel, Artemis, released in 2017, features a narrative set on the Moon. In 2021, he published Project Hail Mary, a novel following a biologist named Ryland Grace. This work secured the 2022 Seiun Award for Best Translated Long Work and served as the basis for a film production directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.
Professional Recognition and Ongoing Projects
Weir has received numerous accolades for his science fiction, including the Astounding Award for Best New Writer in 2016 and multiple Dragon Awards. His work has been recognized internationally, receiving honors such as the Geffen Award and the Ignotus Award. Beyond his novels, he has explored other formats, such as the graphic novel adaptation of Cheshire Crossing, published in 2019. As of 2026, he continues his writing career with a project focusing on artificial intelligence.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Davis, United States
- Education: Livermore High School, University of San Diego
- Notable work: The Martian (2011)
- Notable work: Project Hail Mary (2021)
- Notable work: The Egg (2009)
- Award: Astounding Award for Best New Writer (2016)
- Award: Dragon Award for Best Science Fiction Novel (2018, 2021)
- Occupations: Writer, software developer, computer scientist
Questions readers ask
What is the premise of Project Hail Mary?
The novel follows Ryland Grace, a teacher and former biologist who wakes up on a spacecraft suffering from amnesia.
Was Andy Weir a professional writer from the start?
No, he spent years as a computer programmer and software developer before his self-published work on his website gained enough traction to launch a full-time writing career.
Achievements
- Notable work: The Martian
- Notable work: The Egg
- Notable work: Cheshire Crossing
- Notable work: Artemis
- Genres: science fiction
