reVisions Plus, Inc.

Curious about Office 2010?

2009-12-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

I just heard from my editor at Microsoft Press that my latest book, First Look Microsoft Office 2010, is now available for (free) download on the Microsoft Press site (wahoo). If you're curious about the new features (which include the customizable Ribbon, Backstage view throughout, Artistic Effects, video editing, new data visualizations, fresh SmartArt, cool new text effects, video styles...oh, I could go on and on), please feel free to download the book and see what Office 2010 has to offer.

And if you haven't downloaded the Office 2010 beta yet, you can get it here. Enjoy!

New book coming soon!

2009-10-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited about a new book that is at the printer now...coming soon! Water: Its Spiritual Significance is a collection of essays and poems on the sacred and sustaining nature of water. The book includes the work of Wendell Berry, Coleman Barks, and many, many more. (I have a small essay in this volume, too, which is a great honor.)

I have volunteered to help the publisher spread the word about the book and I'd like to find a few magazines who would be interested in reviewing an early copy in hopes a book review would result.

See the book's table of contents (PDF format).
Find out more about Fons Vitae Publishing.
Sign up for alerts about the book's availability and author appearances.
Let me know you'd like to review a copy.Note that I will have a limited number of review copies, so publishers only, please.

Thanks for the help, and if you live or work near Louisville, Kentucky, come be part of the Louisville Festival of Faiths, "Sacred Water, Sustaining Life," November 4-13. Thanks and feel free to help spread the word! :) k

Cement messages and social media

2009-09-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

Hi again, everyone. It's fascinating to watch the world wake up to the potential of Twitter and begin to experiment with ways to share individual and corporate messaging around the globe. Although I've been using Twitter for some time, it's not been with any real focused, professional intent--I simply note what captures my attention, what I'm seeing, haikus I'm composing in my head. :)

But the Society for Environmental Journalists recently created a collective Twitter feed of environmental journalists and offered a way to subscribe collectively or individually here. And since that time Twitter has taken on a completely different energy for me. Fascinating ideas, links, resources, opinions are flying all over and surfacing in tweets I can read. The conversation is much more like waves at high tide--bits of information crossing each other, touching each over, flowing over the top of one another. Much messier and more alive than simple one-way messaging that you put on a four-color brochure or post on your Web page.

Are you ready for the fray? Are you willing to let your ideas, message, and maybe even to some extent your mission be shaped by those who are in conversation with you? It's a big question, yes, and probably one that strikes fear in the heart of large corporate enterprises. But the days of interactional media are here, and this generation--and the ones to follow--will expect and own their own shaping influence on the culture and what it produces. What a fascinating time to be awake and aware and communicating!

Good luck as you begin to loosen your grasp on your carved-in-stone messaging. Somewhere between your brand and your mission is the idea people will want to talk about with you. Just keep listening and dip a toe in the water when you can. It's full of life and possibility--and who knows what kind of opportunity awaits?

An ongoing conversation

2009-08-16T04:11:00.000-07:00

Happy August, everyone! It is fascinating to me to watch the way Twitter is impacting the way we communicate as individuals, as companies, as citizen journalists, as human beings. Everyone seems to be recognizing the value of sharing what you see and know and we are gradually becoming more savvy about identifying the feeds, tweets, and sources we can turn to for reliable information.

But there's a point needs to be made as we post and tweet and link and share: Even though we are giving Twitter credit for changing the way we communicate (and Biz Stone is great so this isn't meant to take anything away from his amazing creation), people are the ones making Twitter work. We are ready to share. We trust what we experience. We have interesting thoughts. We are recognizing the very real and integral way we are connected, can connect, do connect with each other. We see the effects of our ideas and posts, as they radiate outward into the world. We have become part of a truly global and ongoing conversation, which begins with each of us sharing what we see, hear, think, and respond to from our own worldview. This is a wonderful, amazing manifestation of a talent we each inherently have just because we're human beings. We experience and we share that experience, and others benefit--or at least respond. Wonderful!

Twitter is a great, catalyzing tool, to be sure. But in terms of communication, we will do well to remember that the ability, the desire, the vision is really within us. The people down the hall from you would be glad to tell you about a fascinating article they read yesterday. Your managers have much more to share than the latest sales reports or the projections for next quarter. Create a real-time, face-to-face forum for this type of tweeting conversation to occur in your own workplace and watch what happens. We will bring it. It's what we do.

And you just might see a transformation in the way people relate and respond to each other, just because you provided the opportunity. Try it and see! (And then tweet it we we can know how it goes.)

Have a great month! :)

Show and tell your message with DIY video

2009-07-09T18:33:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, and welcome to mid-summer here in the upper hemisphere. :) I am beginning a cool new project that includes a variety of media and instructional tools, and as an experiment with new software tonight I created (in about 10 minutes, mind you), the following Go Green! PC Power Management video segment using Camtasia. [Note: Camtasia is available as a free trial for 30 days in case you want to test it out.] Easy to use features, simple editing, good sound controls, and easy to publish in multiple formats. I didn't edit out my blooper because...well...I figured a little imperfection is good for the soul. :)

Please remain in your seats until we've come to a complete stop

2009-06-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

You've probably noticed this in your own life, but when you have something you want to communicate, timing and environment are just as important as having a great message. You could have the greatest message, product, book, or idea your industry has ever seen, but if no one is listening, it's not going to go anywhere. If you have a vision of a great new technology that enables us to think directly into Word and never have to type at a keyboard--wonderful! But society and the world at large may not have any idea what to do with that idea for another 20 years or so. Or at least 10. And if you have that great idea, project, book, what-have-you but the only person you tell about it is your cat, you don't have the right environment for the idea to begin to put down roots and start to grow.

In an economy like this one (yes, they tell us its getting better), it is both prudent and vitally important to think through the timing and environment for the delivery of your message or product. As always, trying to balance vision with practicality is no easy task but very necessary. Full disclosure: I say this as a writer who has no less than eight finished, non-published books, a half dozen plays, and a gazillion poems living in Happy Land on her backup hard drive. :)

Here are a few questions you can use to gauge whether the time and place is right for your next project:

How does the project grow organically out of what you are already doing?
How is the project a natural extension of your strengths?
In what way does the project add something that your existing audience needs?
What do you see in the social, cultural, economic, or industry environment that leads you to believe there is a place for this project?
Who will buy this project and how does it connect for them with their perception of the current environment?
Does your project add something worthwhile to the world and contribute something positive--a new technique for getting things done, something to help people in their jobs, a way to offer more support, solve a problem, reduce a struggle? (This list could go on and on, obviously...)
How long will it take you to develop the project, and will the time still be right when you're done?
What resources are needed for you to develop the project, and is the time and environment right internally for you to use those resources now?

This list gives you an idea of the type of landscape into which you'll be pitching your project. Of course once you're clear on this part of the foundation, you need to begin thinking more seriously about the who.

One other thought--and this is a hard one for me--waiting is okay. Sometimes circumstances require us to take a deep breath and wait for the right time and environment in order to act. When this has happened for me, I've noticed that additional clarity and knowledge come to fill in the gaps--the wait time winds up being fruitful, enriching the final project when the time is right for it to be completed.

The moral? Love your project, believe in the good it will do, and listen and watch carefully for the right timing and environment for it to blossom. Yes, Life, I'm listening.

Have a great month!

Greening the Planet via Computer :)

2009-05-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

Every good project changes things, internally and externally. When I write about blogging, I learn more about it and develop new best practices. When I struggle with XML in Word 2007 (and believe me, I struggled with it! ), I emerge having learned a lot of helpful and real-world techniques that other everyday people like me might need someday. When I research and write about running a small business, using Office apps more efficiently, or find little stones of experience to share on Practical ~faith~, the finding and sharing enriches my own life.

This has just happened in a big way with the Green Home Computing for Dummies book I've just finished for Wiley (with my coauthor, Woody Leonhard). I absolutely loved writing this book--getting into the soil of the environmental challenges we face, figuring out how to articulate energy use, needs, and alternatives; developing and compiling thoughtful possibilities for ways to make better choices and spread the word--these opportunities and others have changed me. What a great project! I joined the Society for Environmental Journalists (and outward commitment for an inward change) and will be doing much more writing about the greening our digital lifestyles. For now, if you feel so led, you can join the green_computing twibe (Twitter group) and add your own thoughts, tips, and suggestions for greening your computer use.

Clean up your messaging: Little things, big impact

2009-04-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

Because so much communication pours into my mindspace in any given day--articles, e-mails, books, journals, blog posts, tweets, RSS feeds, phone calls, Facebook posts, and what-have-you miscellanea--and because it's my business to pay attention to it, I have been noticing how often people and companies (and people on behalf of companies) inadvertently include communication disconnects in their messaging. I include a quick list of some of the biggies I'm finding often these days (would be glad to elaborate if anyone is interested):

Contradictions. This is a big one: contradictions are everywhere. Your message won't ring true if you start your message by promising that energy conservation is your big, number-1 focus and then end with the huge award trips you just gave to your top salespeople (yep, drive the Focus, Marge).
Exaggerations. People really don't do anything in droves. And I'll bet they're not really "climbing all over each other" to get your product, unless you have the newest version of Tickle Me Elmo. Tone it down and say how much--and why--your customers really do like what you have to offer. Then you're just saying what's true, without hype...and without the disconnect.
Implausible examples. A made-up example sounds, well, made up. If you want to tell a customer story and you wind up mixing three or four stories together to make it sound more interesting, okay, but tell your readers what you're doing. Otherwise they will sense that something just doesn't ring true--and they'll be right. And that's a disconnect for your credibility.
Invisible but invoked research. Lots of people say "research shows" in their business communications, but as a reader/recipient/potential customer, I want to know that's not just smoke. Anybody can say it, but not many people show it. Include a link, a citation, or something to show me where you're getting your facts. I may not look it up myself, but it means a lot to me to have the option.
Head-and-heart disconnect. This is a tough one for people who aren't comfortable writing to the inner person, but that's where all real motivation begins so it's a good thing to learn. It is very, very common to find communication that speaks either to the head or the heart, but a really compelling, exciting, motivating (as in, "Yes, I want your product!") message does both. That kind of whole-person message makes the inner me want something good (heart) and then shows me (1) why it's in my best interest to get it or do it (facts) and (2) how I can get it easily (process). If you've got those points covered, I'm sold. Show me you know something about who I am as your customer, and then give me the goods on how your product or service will help me be even more fabulous than I already am. I'm joking...a bit...but remember, head and heart together; not one or the other.
Take me somewhere, will ya? When you provide any kind of messaging, your customers expect some kind of leadership from you. If they take the time to read what you've written, they want to understand your point; they want to know what you expect from them; and they want to have something clear to do. If there's no focus in your message, it will fall flat or worse: leave your customers confused (which doesn't make them happy and translates to a ding in your credibility rating). In other words, if you're sending out an update about all the cool programs you will offer this summer but you don't provide a link for registration or tell me clearly that you're counting on me to be there, I'll just zone out and press Delete. Sorry.
Something's missing (or, "What aren't they telling me?) We live in a skeptical age, and that's okay with me. I think we should be thinking critically about things, weighing things out, discerning who means it and who doesn't. Realize that your customers may be resistant and skeptical and plan for that in your messaging. Be transparent, consistently; go the extra mile to explain why you do what you do; welcome your customers into your process; provide a mechanism for answering their questions (and publicize that, so they know how to ask); and be prepared to ride out a few bumps and challenges. It's worth the ride on the rapids to do the hard work and nurture honest, caring relationships with your constituents, because in the long run, those relationships really matter.

I hope these ideas are helpful! If you have a pet disconnect to add, send it in or add a comment below. Happy spring! :) Kathy

Happy 21st birthday, reVisions Plus :)

2009-04-01T02:43:00.000-07:00

I don't remember why the incorporation date of reVisions Plus, Inc. was April 1, 1988, but I know it was no joke. :) It's a wonderful thing to be celebrating--so many years later--a business that has enabled us to do fine work with great people for more than two decades. Since our last birthday, we've had the pleasure (and it really is pleasure) to continue working with

Claudette and Ann at Moore Literary Agency
Juliana, Sandra, and Rosemary at Microsoft Press
Steve at Waypoint Press
Sheri and Theresa at Microsoft Corporation
Amy and Becky at Wiley (and my coauthor Woody)
Tracy at Wiley on the trade side (and my coauthor John)
Chris, Jen, and Peter at Emergent Learning
Tim and Susanna at ESR
Atalie at Strang Communications

Thanks to all of you for a great year. We're already enjoying the new projects Year 22 is bringing!

Many thanks--and happy birthday, rVP! :)

Focus for March: Winds of Change

2009-03-01T05:53:00.000-08:00

Here in the U.S., as we wait hopefully for spring, many folks (like me!) are waiting for the first crocus or daffodil to pop its head through the snow. Just now as I write this, a male and female cardinal are right outside my window--the brilliant red is such a welcome change from the brownish-gray of the winter landscape. C'mon, spring! :)

March in Indiana is known as a month when anything can happen, and often does. The phrase "in like a lion and out like a lamb" is sometimes true and sometimes not. There are years when March starts like a lamb, rages like a lion mid-month, and thunders like Thor at the end! One thing is always certain about March, though--the winds will come. Dramatic, pushy, persistent, relentless winds turn trees into instruments and make our hats fly off our heads. Anything left untethered outside may end up down the street--or in the next county.

I was thinking this morning about the ways in which working in communications is a lot like being able to read the wind, know what to tether, and know what to let go. Sometimes "going with the flow" is the best approach, depending on the communication challenge you're facing. Sometimes tethering to a principle, a belief, a product, or a choice is the better option. Here are some communications principles in tune with the changing seasons that occur to me. Perhaps there's a helpful thought here for you as well:

Know the wind is coming. Whether it comes at a certain time of year or not, the wind will come. For some businesses and organizations, communications challenges are cyclical--perhaps you struggle around the financial aid deadline, during your membership drive, or at the end (or beginning) of your fiscal year. Whether there's a pattern to your challenges or not, you will be challenged at some point, and your message will need to respond to the challenge in some way that flows naturally and logically from the heart of what you do. That's not a bad thing--in fact, it enables us to continue to fine-tune, test, and clarify our messaging. Is there a specific time of year or a specific area of your business that regularly presents communications challenges for your organization?
Recognize that the wind brings change. Part of the pattern of growth is a period of disequillibrium before equillibrium. Look around at the world as it begins to blossom. The new daffodil has to disturb the soil before it can find its way out into the sun. The wind pushes the dead leaves away--once and for all!--so that new growth can begin. How is the wind you're experiencing in your business pushing out the old to make way for the new?
Know where your anchor is. One of the challenges the heady March wind presents is that if we're not paying attention, some gusts can knock us right off our feet! The pushing and whipping of the wind may send us running for cover; we can forget where we were going; we may skip doing things we had planned to do just so we can get out of the wind. In this way, meeting challenges and change in our businesses and organizations can send us running for cover, trying to protect ourselves, looking for ways to play it safe and get away from the discomfort the change brings. The answer to this March wind challenge is to know what to cling to. If you've got an anchor, you're paying attention, and you know clearly what's solid and enduring and true about your service, program, product, or value, you will have sustained what's most important about what you offer the world, clarified and released the things that no longer work, and set the stage for beautiful new growth to happen in your business and your life.

That's great work, all from simply being in tune with what's going on in nature around you right now. Happy March, everyone!

Focus for February: Communication Tips

2009-02-02T05:37:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed that the light is growing in our days? Mornings are a bit brighter; evenings stay light a little longer. Nice! How can you connect this "growing light" with your business communications and add some refreshed energy to your messaging? Whether you work for yourself or for someone else, here are three quick tips you can try this month:

Notice where your energy goes. Are you spending lots of time, effort, money, and attention trying to push out messages that feel boring or dry to you? When you sit down to write something new (or send an e-mail message, or make a phone call), take a slow, luxurious breath and exhale completely, and then ask yourself What do I really want to say here? The thing that comes to you is the true message you want to say--now you can be creative in finding just the right how.
Think simple and quick--with potentially big returns. So if you notice that your energy goes flat when you think about writing the monthly newsletter, what can you do to engage your customers and still share your message? Today there are all sorts of possibilities--Facebook, blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more. I'm using all of these right now, and they are fun and effective because they are fast, high-energy, and engaging. With a little thought, you can work them into your overall communications approach. Where can you reach the biggest audience? How can you share what you do? The answer doesn't have to be a big dinosaur of a communications plan. I think those are extinct now, anyway. :)
Keep at it. In any kind of communications, consistency is key. Don't expect miraculous instant returns when you send out a hundred Facebook updates to fans of your business. It's likely not going to happen all at once. But look around you--the natural world doesn't work that way either. There's a wonderful process of growth that will happen in your messaging if you stick with it. Keep an open heart; communicate honestly; let people know what you do. Consistency in your messaging doesn't mean you never change course or launch a new product--but it does mean you are always authentically speaking to your customers and clients. You're not just trying to grab what you can from them and let them go--you care about them, you care about your products and services, and you care about sound business practice, and that message comes through loud and clear in every message they receive. That kind of consistency builds relationship and benefits everybody gradually, just like the light returning in the month of February. :)

Have a great month!

Get your mailing labels done fast

2009-01-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Over on BlogOffice I just posted a new 3-Minute Quick Guide for Mailing Labels in Word 2007 that you can download if mailing labels are your nemesis in Word 2007. The process really isn't that bad (a bit clunky and confusing if you're not used to it), but this little guide will get you through that obstacle and out doing fun stuff in no time.

I timed myself and it really did take less than three minutes to complete the process. If you have to enter all the data by hand, of course, that's another matter--unless you're a graduate of a speed typing course. :)

Give friends & family a helping hand

2008-12-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

Just before the holidays, I finished writing a new book for Microsoft Press called Windows Vista Plain & Simple Guide to Helping Family & Friends, a 120-page book that is bundled in with the best-selling Windows Vista Plain & Simple, by Jerry Joyce and Marianne Moon.

The fun thing about this book is that it's written for the person who is helping someone else choose, set up, and use a computer for the first time. So if you're helping your mom or dad get online, for example, or you're being a volunteer tech support person for your friend's business, you'll find practical ideas, suggestion, and tech tips to help you answer questions and anticipate (and avoid) problems. Not only did we have a blast doing this one, I think we also made computer-book publishing history with our lightning-fast speed and stellar accuracy. Go team! :)

New book on Web design

2008-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed working on Learning Web Page Design with Adobe Dreamweaver CS3with Chris, Jen, and Peter at Emergent Learning. Most of the books I write are for beginning to intermediate level audiences, but this was only the second book for high school students I've written. This project was high energy and fun, involving interactive examples, e-commerce pieces, design theory, and much more. It kind of brings together everything you want to be able to do with Dreamweaver in the first six months or so (wish I'd had something like this when I was learning Web design!). And of course, it incorporates sections on integrating Flash and Fireworks into the Dreamweaver pages you're designing. (I absolutely loved working with Flash, btw. It's surprisingly simple when you consider all the cool things you can do with it.)

Follow the ChaCha bus!

2008-09-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

I just love this. I was driving down to visit my son in college this afternoon (a cool, rainy afternoon), and lo and behold, ahead of me in traffic was the ChaCha bus. This is significant to me because ChaCha was one of my favorite clients in 2007...I wrote quite a bit of content for them (help systems, guide handbooks, and more) when they were going through a dramatic growth period. About a year ago they made the huge move from startup to big time company, and hired some great people in marketing and communications to take over the messaging tasks full-time. The people there are great--creative, fun, wonderful to work with (hi Ben, Bruce, and Kyle!). I was so excited to see the bus...how often do you get to see something like that? I thought I'd post it here and share it with you. If you get a chance, check out ChaCha.com. They've really got it going on. :)

Facebook for Everyone

2008-07-13T18:11:00.000-07:00

As part of my role with KDP, I've been working with social networking technologies to design and create a system that uses various online tools to reach specific audience groups. The long-term plan is to reach different constituent groups using different means, but to draw them together in such a way that we can provide services and support members in a way that connects with what they want most. It's fascinating and fast-moving (and creative), and even better, it's working! If your company (large or small) is wondering whether it's time to create a Facebook or LinkedIn presence, I recommend the book Groundswell to get you started. Very insightful. Four stars!

Microsoft Mindshare Gets a New Look

2008-07-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

I've been writing the Microsoft Mindshare newsletter for going on four years now and continue to love it. Each month I research the latest and greatest happenings at Microsoft (which includes getting inside info from the various product groups, including Windows Vista) and pull it all together in a newsletter for user groups that meet all over the country. The newsletter includes links to new articles, free trial software, training webcasts, presentation kits, and much more. Last month we launched a new site through our partnership with CodeZone, and it is super slick. The site enables you to tailor your content to deliver just what interests you most--Windows Vista, consumer applications, programming, or other interests. Whether you're part of a user group or not, you can come visit the new Microsoft Mindshare at http://www.mindshare.codezone.com.

Small business, look big

2008-04-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

I just finished writing a new book for Microsoft Press called Take Your Business Online, and it shows small business owners how to create, publish, and maintain a Web presence (free!) while managing business contacts, organizing files, tracking projects, and much more. The bulk of the service is completely free, which is great for those of us who keep an eye on the bottom line. There are also add-on services that enable you to add keyword marketing, create a shopping cart so you can add e-commerce to your site (selling directly on your site or linking to an eBay account). Click here to learn more about Office Live Small Business, and click here to see the book on Amazon.

Note: Don't believe the description. They aren't out of stock. We don't go to the printer until the end of this month!

Gratitude :)

2007-11-15T05:52:00.000-08:00

This morning marks the anniverary of an important day for me, and I've been thinking about all the great people I've been blessed to work with over the last few years. Whether I've provided print or web content, editing, indexing, or layout (or the softer-but-vitally-important services of guidance, encouragement, training, and experience), I am deeply thankful to these clients for the great work (and many experiences) we've created together:

Microsoft Corporation (Sheri, Theresa, Nick, and Aaron!)
Microsoft Press (Juliana, Lynn, Val, Sandra, and Lucinda)
Emergent Learning (Chris and Jen)
ChaCha.com (Bruce, Ben, and Scott)
Peachpit Press (Karen et al)
John Wiley & Sons (everybody who worked on Fundraising for Dummies)
Pearson Education (Hi Tyrrell!)
Sony Digital Media(Chris and Rob)
Earlham School of Religion (Tim and Jay)
The Center on Philanthropy (Pat and Lilya)

And a whole boatload (or should that be Cooper-load?) of gratitude to Claudette, at Moore Literary Agency. Here's to continuing great work, good friends, and meaningful connections for us all. :) Katherine

Great business article!

2007-07-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

I read the article, "Why Wait for Trouble?", by Ken Freeman, on strategy+business this morning, and it's just too good to miss. A former CEO and turnaround consultant talks about the simple diagnostics he uses to bring to light the imbalances in a company and help it begin to move in a healthier direction. Great ideas for anyone in small, medium, or large companies. (And a good reminder of the importance of awareness, accountability, and communication on all levels.)

Happy 20th, reVisions Plus!

2007-04-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

April 1, 2007 marked the beginning of reVisions Plus, Inc.'s 20th year. It's amazing to me that 20 years has passed already! Here's a list of some of the bigger benchmarks during that time:

Wrote and published more than 60 books (!) in technology, parenting, and business genres
Wrote the documentation for Microsoft Office 2003 Small Business/Pro and Microsoft Office 2007
Edited and/or developed dozens (and dozens!) of books for high-quality publishers
Designed and packaged books for a number of clients
Moderated forums on fundraising and technology
Wrote dozens of articles related to culture, parenting, technology, and faith
Blogged about just about everything under the sun!
Have been blessed to develop client relationships all over the world with terrific, smart, and creative people

When I started this business 20 years ago, I hoped to be able to earn a living using my writing ability so that I could stay home and care for my kids the way I wanted to. That hope became a reality, and now we're starting on the second generation with baby Ruby! I'm very happy in my work and am grateful for the freedom, flexibiliy, and positive energy reVisions Plus brings me. Thanks to all of you for the opportunity to write for (and sometimes with) you; I look forward to us having (at least) another 20 years together! :)

Free e-book

2007-03-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

Riding a wave of inspiration today (fueled in part by the super-simple theme formatting features available now in Word 2007), I prepared one of my parenting books for free download as PDF and am now making it available on the web. It's called Stay in Touch with Your Teen and it provides lots of stories, examples, how-to, and insight into the life of a maturing teen (and the parent who is trying to find some solid footing in the shifting landscape)! I loved writing this book and put a lot of time and effort into the research, writing, and rewriting (and rewriting). :)

The book is 200 pages long and takes up 1.5MB. I hope you enjoy it! Please pass it on to anyone you think might find it useful. :)

First Look Book wins award

2007-01-29T19:38:00.000-08:00

[Update: January 29, 2007]
The First Look Office 2007 System book recently won a Distinguished award at the Society for Technical Communications. That's a great honor! My editor, Val (who is a talented photographer as well) sent the packet today. This book was one of the most challenging I've ever written because of the fast-changing nature of Office 2007 as it went through it's alpha and beta cycles. So many Office program managers took time to give me information, details, backstory, and interviews. It was a book unlike any other. I'm glad others are enjoying it too!

New content on Windows Vista

2007-01-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

[January 2007] Have you tried Windows Vista yet? I've been doing a lot of writing about it, covering the launch events, campaigns, and release festivities. Most recently I created all the content for the Windows Vista Community site, which is timed to go live at the same time Windows Vista Consumer launch happens (at the end of this month). I'll post the link when the site is up and running.

Over on the Windows Vista site right now, the team is running the "Show us your Wow" campaign, inviting people all over the world to submit video clips, poetry, images, what-have-you to share a moment in their lives when they knew everything had changed (that's Bill Gates' definition of a "Wow" moment). Click here if you're interested in sharing your own moment or you want to review what others are submitting. "Wow" moments are all around us--the birth of our children, the accomplishments of important goals, transforming realizations, special relationships, new inventions, medical breakthroughs, and more. The message that Windows Vista will change everything is coming through loud and clear.

New book coming soon!

2006-11-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

[November 2006] Are you ready for 2007 Microsoft Office System? I'm now writing my third book on it (and the software isn't even out yet!) and I can tell you--from a person who's been working with this suite since the mid-90s--that this is a great release. If you've been a straggler in previous versions and didn't upgrade until you absolutely had to, you may want to rethink that strategy with Office 2007. The changes here really are everything Microsoft says they are--smart, secure, intuitive, and easy to implement. I can barely remember now how I used to do things with Office 2003. :)

The new book coming soon is actually the book that will be packaged in with every copy of 2007 Microsoft Office Professional, Professional Plus, and Small Business that is sold throughout the world. It will be translated into 33 languages. How cool is that?! The book is called "Getting Started with the 2007 Microsoft Office 2007 Suites," and it shows new users all the basics of procedures they are likely to want to master right off the bat. The design is really cool (Custom Editorial rocks)--we fit a huge amount of information into a small, 200-page format.

When you get your copy of 2007 Microsoft Office Professional, Plus, or Small Business, drop me a note and let me know what you think. I'm excited to know it will be shipping soon (can't say exactly when, yet, because...well...I don't know!)