I have just finished the January newsletter, just need to distribute to all - this has been a fairly sharp learning curve - but on the whole an enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to sign up so that your email address goes into the database - not sued for any other purpose than for a 1 page newsletter each month.

The weather here today on the Gold Coast is just wonderful - too good to be spending it indoors, be lovely to head down the beach.

I heard that a couple of Kiwis have spotted a saltwater crock here on the coast, with all the drownings and water related accidents that are occurring at this time of the year its another added to the risk list.

Still working my way through Control Stress by Paul McKenna, i will post a review on the main website when I’m finished but on the whole it is a good educational read.

My heart goes out to the children who lost there parents on the beach down at Ballina  - i heard that they are putting together a fund to help them through this time - please make a contribution if you can 50 c from everyone adds up to a lot of money to help them get through things.

Again i remind my readers encourage your friends to submit reviews to the website - chance to win some money and have your thoughts can be published (you can also request that it be anonymous)  for all to see.

There are so many sites that record book reviews in search titles but they do not seem to have any reviews on them - and when they do the reviews are not really that helpful to decide whether or not to read the book - seems all they want to do is sell the books and not compile an informative review.

Thanks again to my followers - please help me build this site into a community book review website so that we can reach as many people with our reviews as is possible.

Regards

bookblog - Dave Hibbins - Book Reviews and Premier Book Blog Site

I am now well into Paul McKenna’s book - Control Stress - Stop Worrying and Feel Good Now.

Couple of pointers that i have learned so far.

Physical signs of stress

• Stomach knots
• Excessive anger
• Fear or irritation
• Inability to focus
• Insomnia

Paul explains in his first couple of chapters why we experience stress and why we should deal with the stress in our lives. So far the book is quite easy to read and it comes with a handy CD to get an immedialte start on improving your life.

Paul McKenna explains that controlling stress will help you feel better, live longer, enjoy a stronger immune system have increased stamina and improve your decision making processes. The book costs $ 34.99 at Angus & Robertson and is a bargain - anything that can provide all of those things without resorting to drugs has to be good.

If you don’t want your performance, relationships and enjoyment to suffer make sure you take time to have a read of this book or talk to anyone about your stress levels.

Talking of stress levels - this week has been interesting for me - back to my day job as a financial controller, holding my commitment of writing at least 200 words every day (except Sunday) , gym, running, University and family life is have all been taking there toll as a try to get back in the groove.

I hate to live in the future but i have another Thailand trip on 15th February - two weeks of research and holiday - cant beat it - don’t forget to keep an eye out for my Thailand book in next 4 weeks - its only $ 1.95 but will keep you interested form the startto the finish with some interesting facts we found out and some funny accounts of our experiences, both good and bad.

Have a great day everyone and enjoy life - it only comes around once.

David Hibbins - Bookblog - Book Reviews with passion

When i first started bookblog i wanted to develop a site that everyone in the community could contribute to, i offered prizes to encourage people to be involved and received some reviews along the way - I received a lot of feedback and emails but too few reviews. I understand this because everybody gets busy in their lives and unless there is something more compelling to encourage a response than the chance of a couple of dollars to stimulate interest then the result is a quick browse and then move on. It is easy for me to read books and write reviews because i really do love to read and write - but not everyone has that ambition. My challenge to my followers is to give me suggestions that will enable me to encourage more reviews to be lodged on the site (good quality reviews) - show me your ideas.

When thinking about busy lives it makes me think of the young kids that were involved in the accident in Victoria over the weekend, my heartfelt sorrow goes to all of the families that have been impacted by this disaster - and i send out a global wish for all people to slow down on our roads - life is too important to waste it on the wrongside of a telephone pole. Don’t forget to give your family a kiss and a hug goodbye each and every-time they go away - you never know when things will change.

I am currently reading two books - Control Stress by Paul McKenna and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - one is part of research for my current novel and the other part of my Literature Degree - but really am enjoying both books and learning a thing or two along the way.

I look forward to the weekend and picking up a book that is purely enjoyment.

Looking forward to getting some good reviews on the website - please don’t forget to email me any book reviews - even if it is only a couple of lines and also just say hi and tell me what you are reading at the moment.

David Hibbins bookblog

Welcome to year 2010. The most obvious concept in relation to blogs is that you need to continuously write on them to make the blog an interesting and reliable item for any interested users. I have not blogged since the first month that i started the site and have lost the faith of my followers. The year is now new and i have renewed my vows to continue with my blog site and make it as interesting as possible and encourage interested readers and writers to contribute to my blog. In my defence last year i started on two new items- my degree in literature and also my degree in teaching. As most of you may be aware i am developing an online course that is suitable for aspiring writers, one that will be backed by published authors - to this end i wanted to make sure that i was applying up to the date teaching methods, hence the teaching course. In addition like everyone else life tends to get in the way with gym three days a week, running four days a week, my full time job and my work with the QHVSG as a volunteer as well as preparing for my mentoring program - no wonde4r i have not taken time to update the blog. However back at it now. I have also started the draft of my book and currently up to 5850 words - with a commitment of more words each week - see ho that goes. I have also almost completed my Thailand Ebook which will be distributed for a small cost of $ 1.95 - it is an interesting read about my travels around Thailand and the trouble that we managed to get ourselves into - as well as all the great things we experienced while we were there - grab a copy - will be released on 01st March. Happy New Year to all and as you slowly come back to the site make sure you send me an email and say hello and get involved in the reviews - just drop a comment for your favourite latest read.

Good luck to all for the year ahead.