"We cannot shut down the world." As I hopped on and off planes all over Europe and the Caucasus, I couldn't agree more with this statement by the World Health Organization (WHO). Borders are closing, but the spread of the novel coronavirus between countries is rapid and increasingly unpredictable. So — what to do when, like me, you're currently far from home and in the middle of your trip? How to deal when passing through crowded airports or strapped to your airplane seat wit

You can travel to where everyone else is going — or, you can take the less-beaten path. Call them underrated places, up-and-coming destinations, or simply overlooked cities. Tbilisi, Georgia is one such city: creative, eccentric, artistic and oh-so-beautiful — and yet, still not on everyone's radar. When I mention Tbilisi, people balk. "Wait—how do you pronounce that?" "Are you going to the States?" "Where is this Georgia?" "Is it safe there?" I don't blame them. I myself was

Happy 1st of February! But, looking forward to sunnier days such as this one. Spend the summer writing (and hanging out) with us on June 7-13, 2020 at where else ~ Tbilisi, Georgia. Check us out at www.wordswanderlust.com! #tbilisi #georgia #writing #writingcommunity #writingholiday #writingretreat #travel #holiday #traveling #writingretreat #writingcourses

“If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.” ~ Albert Einstein. This is how I ended up here: in the midst of mysterious mountains, dramatic dustings of snow, surveying and shivering by these dangerous deep precipices, marvelling at how the world can open up with a sudden turn or, in my case — a single yes. If I continued doing what I always did — visited the same cities, engaged in the same touristic activities, ate in the same places, me

I've been deluged lately: writing my novel, fulfilling editorial projects, posting on social media, answering emails. Writing takes up a big chunk of my day and oh, how it comes in so many styles and platforms. I mean, how do I disengage myself from my very emotional novel-writing (involving gangs, scams, pimps and love addiction) and still have the perkiness to reply to a very upbeat email? How can I think of new, twisty plots for my story when I'm itching to do a little one

"There's no other place on earth like Georgia," writes National Geographic photographer and writer Aaron Huey. His piece "Off the beaten track in Georgia" may sound upbeat, but it's actually a poignant story on a truly Georgian experience. Thank you, National Geographic and madloba, Aaron Huey! I'm especially moved. I've been traveling to Georgia every chance I get for the past three years. I've not only discovered the many jaw-dropping, breathtaking sites and landscapes that

Then it's time. Take a break from your routine. Focus on your writing. Discover a new city. Recharge your creativity. Begin your writing journey in a truly inspiring location. We'll be in Tbilisi, Georgia on June 7-13, 2020 to help you jumpstart your novel, short story or memoir. We'll be there to the exchange ideas, learn first-hand from the experts, delve deep into the craft of writing, explore gorgeous Georgia and of course — write. It could be life-changing. #writing #wri