Zadie Smith discusses writing, AI and recovery at UEA Live

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 11:47 · Archive

Novelist Zadie Smith discussed her new essay collection Dead and Alive at a sold-out event at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.

Zadie Smith, the acclaimed novelist who shot to fame with her debut White Teeth, packed out the lecture theatre at the University of East Anglia for a sold-out UEA Live appearance. She discussed Dead and Alive, her new collection of essays, in conversation with UEA academic Nathan Ashman.

Smith reflected on her relationship with essay writing and the subconscious process that shapes her work. 'I'm always fascinated by other people's points of views and experiences,' she said. The conversation moved between generations, life online and what it means to write for readers rather than simply for yourself. She noted that while writing is hard, readers experience joy from it, and she tries to write from that perspective.

Smith spoke candidly about the value of turning difficult experiences into words, describing an essay she wrote about nearly dying after falling 30 feet from her bedroom window while attempting to sneak a cigarette. 'Writing is genuinely therapeutic,' she said. 'It does give you a chance to look at what happened.' She also addressed the rise of artificial intelligence in the literary world.

The event was part of a strong autumn for UEA Live, which has also hosted historian Hallie Rubenhold and 2025 Booker Prize winner David Szalay, whose novel Flesh Smith praised during her appearance.

How it is being reported

• Zadie Smith discusses writing, AI and a life-changing accident at UEA LiveNovelist Zadie Smith discusses her new essay collection Dead and Alive, writing, AI and life online at a sold-out UEA Live event in Norwich.Eastern Daily Press · 5 Nov, 11:00
• Zadie Smith discusses writing, AI and a life-changing accident at UEA LiveNovelist Zadie Smith discusses her new essay collection Dead and Alive, writing, AI and life online at a sold-out UEA Live event in Norwich.Norwich Evening News · 5 Nov, 11:00

In this story: Zadie Smith · University of East Anglia · Norwich · Nathan Ashman · Hallie Rubenhold · David Szalay

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