Ali Smith CBE FRSL is a Scottish author, playwright, academic, and journalist, renowned for her contribution to contemporary literature. Born on August 24, 1962, in Inverness, Smith has a background that is deeply rooted in Scotland's cultural and literary tradition.

Smith's journey into the literary world began with her education, studying at the University of Aberdeen, and later, at the University of Cambridge, where she embarked on a Ph.D. that she left unfinished. Her career trajectory took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which led her to relinquish her position as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde. This life-altering experience compelled her to pursue her passion for writing.

In her personal life, Smith shares a long-standing partnership with Sarah Wood and has been known to dedicate all her books to her. The challenges she faced early in her career did not deter her spirit; instead, they fueled her creative endeavors, leading to a prolific output of work that continues to captivate readers worldwide. Sebastian Barry, an esteemed novelist, praised Smith in 2016 as "Scotland's Nobel laureate-in-waiting", a testament to her exceptional talent and significant contributions to literature.