Nothing is harmful to literature except censorship, and that almost never stops literature going where it wants to go either, because literature has a way of surpassing everything that blocks it and growing stronger for the exercise. Ali Smith blockcensorshipexercise share on social
We'd never expect to understand a piece of music on one listen, but we tend to believe we've read a book after reading it just once. Ali Smith bookexpecthave Change image and share on social
You never know if you're a writer. You can't trust it. If you woke up and said, 'I'm a writer,' it would be gone. You wouldn't see anything for miles - even the dust would be running away. Ali Smith dustmilerun Change image and share on social
Short stories consume you faster. They're connected to brevity. With the short story, you are up against mortality. I know how tough they are as a form, but they're also a total joy. Ali Smith brevityconnectconsume Change image and share on social
I went to the top of Vesuvius and looked in. Ali Smith looktopvesuvius Change image and share on social
I'm blessed in my good friends, and some of them happen to be writers, though that's almost never what our friendships are about. And every writer I've ever read, living or dead, has in one way or another helped and inspired. I have a feeling it's important not to mix the two up. Ali Smith blessdeadfelt share on social
Even things which seem separate and finished are infinitely connected and will infinitely connect. This connection happens as soon as you let it, as soon as you engage - as soon as you even attempt to engage. Ali Smith attemptconnectconnection share on social
What I know most is that the difference between us is what makes us interesting and attractive and problematic and exciting and vital to each other. Give me difference over indifference any day. Ali Smith attractivedaydifference Change image and share on social
Fashion is fickle, and I was published because I was fashionable. Because I was gay. Ali Smith fashionfashionablefickle Change image and share on social
I don't want a tombstone. You could carve on it 'She never actually wanted a tombstone.' Ali Smith carvetombstonewant Change image and share on social
