Have you always wanted to write a book? Thanks to the Internet, there are many options now available for you to do that very thing. I’ve just finished writing mine and putting it up for sale. It took me awhile since it was my first time and I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I’m hoping the next one is a lot faster. Here’s what I did.

First, I downloaded a free copy of Open Office. Similar to Word, it has a little button on the toolbar called PDF. Once you finish writing and add your images, simply click on PDF. Your document is then quickly converted into one that can be read by any computer. The PDF files are also what you need to upload to a book publishing site such as Amazon.

I have my book in three versions. One is a digital download, so people can click a download link and get the PDF delivered to their computer right away. The second is a soft cover book and the third a CD version. The hardest part I found was getting the cover graphics exactly right. My son designed the cartoon cover for me and it was fine on the CD, but not the right size for the book. After much fiddling around, I gave up and created a more generic one.

I also recorded myself reading the whole book for those who like audio. That was easy – a matter of picking up the phone and recording myself using freeconferencecalling.com. The resulting mp3 was downloaded to my computer where I could add it to my other data.

I am simplifying the process a bit here, but I encourage you to try writing about your experiences, skills, or memoirs. You’ll enjoy it and future generations will thank you. O, and if you want to see my little project, it’s called ‘How To Create Newsletters Your Grandkids Will Treasure’. Just click that link for more information.

Technorati Tags: write a book, memoirs, Open Office

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Have you always wanted to create your own family newsletter? Not sure how to begin or which computer program you need? Modern families often live distances from one another and need ways to keep in touch. When our time is limited we use email. But nothing can replace the thrill of reading – and keeping – a newsletter. Whether it’s delivered by the post office or sent by email and printed off, a family newsletter provides a legacy that can be passed down through the generations.

I know how helpful this form of communication can be, especially when you have family members you don’t see often enough. So I’ve created a guide to help you in the process. Called “How To Create Newsletters Your Grandkids Will Treasure“, it’s 54 pages of text and screenshots to show you step by step how to use Microsoft Word, Works, or Open Office, to write your newsletter. Included are worksheets with ideas for communication starters with the grandkids. After all, you want them to feel involved with the process. I’ve also recorded myself reading the whole guide, so you can listen and read at the same time.

I would love to hear how you use this resource to keep in touch with your family. Even if you aren’t a grandparent, the information will take you through the process of planning and writing a newsletter. I hope you enjoy it and look forward to your feedback.

Technorati Tags: creating newsletters, family communication, writing to grandkids

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Many computer users are familiar with Windows, but how many have ever tried the Paint program that’s included? I run a drop-in computer club at the local community center and often people don’t even realize there is a Windows Paint program. My daughter uses it to do simple graphics editing. It can be fun even for children learning to draw on the computer.

If you’ve never done anything with your Paint program, why not try drawing a house?  Practice with as many of the included drawing tools as you can. Our computer club had great fun creating their digital homes. It isn’t as easy as it sounds, but is great mouse practice and your pictures can be printed out afterwards. An extra tip: click the ‘Undo’ button on the toolbar to erase your last action.

Try some of the following ideas in Paint:

• Add text and create a basic picture story for children.
• Under ‘File’, choose ‘set as wallpaper’ and you’ll see your drawing every time you turn on your computer.
• Import a photo into paint and then crop it.
• Use the magnifier tool and the pencil to change small details.
• Crop a picture by clicking the ‘select’ tool (it looks like a rectangle) and then drag it over the area you want to select.
• Try to resize, stretch, rotate, and copy your graphic.
• Change the colors on your picture.

What else can you do with the Paint program? I’d love to hear about what you create. Why not print it off and post it on your fridge for the kids to see?  Send me a copy and I’ll post it here on the blog for everyone to admire (family friendly graphics only, please).

Technorati Tags: Windows Paint, using the Paint program

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Our next challenge will have you using your creativity and patience. I want you to create a maze in the Paint program that comes with Microsoft Windows. If you’ve never used your Paint program, it should be listed under Accessories.

Start with a short, simple maze and work your way up to a more intricate design. While you’re at it, experiment with some of the tools in the Paint program. For instance, draw a little house at the end of the maze. Maybe a car or a person at the beginning. When you finish, print your creation and challenge someone else to solve it.

Mazes are great fun for young people and sometimes it makes us feel young to play along. Have fun and let me know how you enjoyed the challenge.

Technorati Tags: create a maze, Microsoft Paint

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Your first challenge is to search the web and find out what happened today in history. (Depending on which day you take the challenge, your answers may be different.) Then let all of us know how your search went. Was it difficult?  Did you find any unusual facts?  Anything else that you discovered?

Using google as your starting point, see what you can dig up from the pages of the past.

Technorati Tags: history, research, discovery

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