ALJA ADAM (b. 1976) is a Slovenian poet, literary critic, and Gestalt psychotherapist. She graduated from the University of Ljubljana with a degree in Comparative Literature and Sociology of Culture and earned her doctorate in Gender Studies and Feminist Literary Theory in 2007, also from the University of Ljubljana.

Adam is the author of five poetry collections: Zaobljenost (Roundedness, 2003), Zakaj bi omenjala Ahila (Why Mention Achilles, 2009), Dolgo smo čakali na dež (We’ve Long Waited on the Rain, 2015), Privlačnosti (Attractions, 2020), and Pogled ženske (A Woman’s Gaze, 2022), a bilingual e-book translated into English by Martha Kosir.

Her poetry has received widespread critical acclaim. We’ve Long Waited on the Rain was nominated for the Veronika Award, one of Slovenia’s most prestigious literary honors, in 2016, while Attractions was nominated for both the Veronika and Jenko Awards in 2021. In 2022, Attractions was also shortlisted for the Chalice of Immortality Award, recognizing outstanding Slovenian poetic contributions of the 21st century. Why Mention Achilles has been published internationally in Italy (2009), Spain (2012), and Croatia (2014).

Adam’s poetry has been translated into fifteen languages and featured extensively in both Slovenian and international journals and anthologies. She regularly participates in literary festivals at home and abroad and is regarded as one of the most prominent Slovenian authors of her generation. In addition to poetry, she writes essays, fairy tales, and scholarly articles. She also develops innovative educational programs for children and adults that integrate creative writing with Gestalt therapy and yoga, reflecting her commitment to personal growth and the transformative potential of literature.