Edinburgh poet Tim Craven was selected to be the 2026 Ljubljana City of Literature Writer in the Park. He recently returned from his month’s residency and penned these reflections upon the experience.
Dear Ljubljana,
As April draws to a close and I prepare to return to Edinburgh, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to be your writer-in-residence in this magnificent city over the past month.
You have been wonderful, generous, and inspiring. I’ve walked miles each day – circling the hills of Tivoli Park, wandering around the castle and its vineyard, and even completing the Trail of Remembrance twice, on days when the warmth of spring was perfect. I’ve spent long hours reading and drinking coffee by the river, sampled countless bowls of jota (which I’ll attempt to recreate at home), and found in all of this a rhythm that has been deeply nourishing for my writing. I’ve managed to produce a good amount – albeit, much remains in note form – but it already feels like the makings of a new book, and I’m certain the atmosphere of Slovenia will reside within its pages in a tangible way.
Without wishing to be hyperbolic, the last month has been genuinely transformational. The opportunity to walk, read, reflect, and write – without everything feeling compressed between other responsibilities – has been invaluable. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this kind of breathing space, and I’ve been able to reconnect with myself and reflect on what matters most in life. I feel as though I’m returning as an improved version of myself.
I can’t tell you how enamoured I am with you as a city. You are a special place, and I will certainly be back. The river, the parks, the architecture, the topography, the noticeable absence of traffic – I’ve loved walking and cycling everywhere. And the people have been so warm and welcoming. Even the main square reminds us that you are indeed a city of literature, named not after a military general or politician, but after a poet – Prešeren.
Thank you again for your generosity, your trust, and for making this such a meaningful and memorable residency. I leave with a renewed sense of purpose and with great affection for you, Ljubljana. Inevitably, it has gone too quickly – but that’s simply a motivation to return.
Warmest wishes,
Tim Craven
Edinburgh City of Literature would like to express sincere gratitude to our wonderful friends in Ljubljana City of Literature, for offering this remarkable opportunity and for making our writer feel so welcome.
To keep up to date on residency opportunities, visit our Opportunities page and make sure you subscribe to our newsletter.
