The residency I experienced through the Ulysses Shelter platform, hosted by the Slovenian Writers Association in Ljubljana for two weeks in August/September 2024, provided the ideal physical and mental space to finalize the draft of a collection of short stories I’ve been working on for the past two years. With several stories in progress and others still a plan, the residency offered the perfect setting to develop, edit, and collate the collection of stories revolving around the eternal quest for happiness and fulfillment. The long walks along the canal near the Dane Zajc Writing Studio and through the old city centre provided reflective and inspirational pauses between individual writing sessions and other residency-related events. As a visual artist and author, I always strive for intervals in time where I can explore and execute concepts through new, experimental working methods and procedures. From an initial idea to a manuscript in its final stages, such pockets allow full immersion in the craft, elevating and sustaining the outcome of any project.

The conversations that took place were influential and thought-provoking, finding their way in the drafts I worked on during the residency. As an author who consistently explores the political, social, and historical conditioning of my homeland Malta, this exchange of perspectives rekindled an informed, fresh outlook. The experience offered challenging viewpoints and raised awareness of parallel experiences across different cultural and geographical landscapes. Discussions on themes like nationality, identity, migration, and the shared histories of Central and Southern Europe broadened my viewpoints, highlighting how historical narratives continue to shape contemporary realities. These exchanges also drew striking parallels between Malta’s ongoing post-colonial discourse, the broader reassessment of historical events across Europe and their influence on present identities and issues.

A standout experience was participating in the 39th edition of the Vilenica Festival. In line with the theme of this year’s edition, I presented a short novel about the current concerns about AI, and the threats of climate to small islands. The fact that the delivery was done in Maltese through the several reading events was empowering, a heart-touching moment. It was encouraging that, after the readings, a significant number of audience members expressed interest in the sound and structure of the Maltese language. The linguistic diversity present at the festival sparked meaningful dialogues about literature, languages, translation and writing strategies used by the guest authors and participants. Coming from an island, Ulysses Shelter was rewarding in exposing me to mainland literature, as well as to current practices within the editorial, translation, and publishing sectors. The exposure to various literary practices was invaluable for my development as a writer. The residency provided me with the means to acquire, develop, and fine-tune skills, as well as connections and friendships that I will treasure.