Canadian author Margaret Atwood, now 84, recently spoke about her writing career and views on artificial intelligence (AI) during an interview in Denmark, where she received the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award. Atwood reassured her audience that she is not worried about AI’s growing influence in creative fields, even though it concerns younger generations. Since starting her career with her first poetry collection in 1961 and her first novel, “The Edible Woman,” in 1969, Atwood has published over 60 works, including novels, children’s books, and essays. She enjoys writing and believes this joy is reflected in her extensive output.

After reviewing AI-generated writing in her name last year, Atwood described it as “really bad,” highlighting AI’s limitations, especially in poetry and fiction. While younger artists, like graphic designers, might feel anxious about AI’s potential, Atwood feels at ease. She believes AI cannot yet replicate human creativity convincingly. Her famous dystopian novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” has gained renewed interest since Donald Trump’s election in 2016, resulting in increased sales and a much-anticipated sequel, “The Testaments,” in 2019. Her latest book, “Old Babes in the Wood,” published in 2021, explores personal themes like grief and loss, partly inspired by her husband Graeme Gibson’s death. Atwood is currently writing a memoir, humorously planning to include both minor mishaps and major challenges.