The Story Behind "The Martian" And "The Revenant"

Andrew Weir wrote the novel, "The Martian" which was made into the movie starring Matt Damon. Do you know the story behind the book being published? 

Andrew Weir wrote his novel,  "The Martian" and took great pains to be scientifically accurate in his story. (Note: I happened to look it up, and the first food grown in space was ...potatoes!)  Unable to find a publisher, he had it as a free serial on his website.  Many of his readers asked that he put it on Amazon Kindle.  He did so, offering it for 99 cents (the lowest price that is allowed.) It then made the Kindle bestsellers list!  After that, he was contacted by a literary agent and sold the rights to Crown Publishing Group.   Good thing he didn't give up on his book!

Another movie that is out now is "The Revenant" starring Leonardo DiCaprio.  (And I must point out that two of the other main actors in this movie are English....Tom Hardy and Will Poulter.)  The story involves Hugh Glass (played by DiCaprio) and John Fitzgerald and Jim Bridger (portrayed by Hardy and Poulter.)   In 1823 in the wild western frontier of America, Hugh Glass was attacked by a bear and was grievously wounded.  Fitzgerald and Bridger were to remain with Glass and to give him a proper burial.  The men dug a shallow grave and put Glass into it and left him for dead.  Hugh Glass survived and tracked the men down.  (Can't give away too many details of the book or movie!)
Now, the book behind this movie?  I also find this very interesting...The book "The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge" is by Michael Punke, first published in 2002. You won't see him promoting his book on any TV talk show or on any book tour.  Do you know why? Michael Punke is not only  a writer, but he is also a policy analyst, policy consultant, attorney and currently the Deputy United States Trade Representative and US Ambassador to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland!
Because of his federal position, Mr. Punke is not allowed to promote the book in any way, and this is why you do not see him or hear from him!  Doesn't mean he is not making money from his book, it just means he can't talk about it! He wrote the novel when he was working as an attorney, he would be in the office by 5am and would work for three hours on his book before his work-day began. He got the idea for the book when he read a few sentences from a history book while he was on an airplane and was intrigued of the story of Hugh Glass and his quest to find those who had deserted him. 

Now, have you read these books or seen the movies?  Richard and I saw the movie, "The Martian" this past weekend and we enjoyed it.   I have not seen "The Revenant" yet and I might see it, but only if I can see it on the small screen...some of the violence might be a bit much for me at the movies. I am such a wimp! I am glad I didn't have to survive alone on Mars or in the Wild West of America!

Potatoes in England!