It seems that Windows XP and Windows Vista, Bill Gates's newest creation has a software package entitled "Windows Movie Maker". I never thought about using it as I was termed "Just a Writer". What possible need did I have to use this software?

Well, let me tell you something. If you are a writer or a budding filmmaker, this is a fantastic way to put your creativity to work for you! Writers usually write books, ebooks, short stories, memoirs etc. Right? Book Trailers, named after the term Movie Trailers are becoming the rage for advertising your latest creation!

A trailer is nothing more than a commercial for your book. Just as movie trailers advertise upcoming films in the coming months for audiences right before they show the film they paid to see. It's a great tool because who else knows the nuances of your book better than a writer? It only makes sense for the writer to create these advertorials.

If it sounds complicated, it really isn't. Simply open the Windows Movie Maker program and click on "File, create a new project". Start collecting all the photos or graphics you would like to use in the trailer. Try to think of your book as a "Mini Movie". If it is a thriller, try to make it exciting! Take advantage of the effects that the software offers. You can click on effects and watch how each one transitions into the next scene. If you want to type in text to explain the synopsis or ideas, feelings etc. of the main character, you can do that.

Don't forget that you can include music! This can have a powerful effect on the viewer. Be carefule about using copyrighted material. You Tube is really enforcing copyright infractions by taking the movies down. Never fear, there are sites that offer "free music" if you want to include it in your trailer. One site is called "One Million Free and Legal Music Tracks" and you can access here: http://www.redferret.net/pmwiki/pmwiki.php

You can alter the pace of the movie by lengthening the length of the slide by dragging it out longer. Everything is done with the click of the mouse! But don't forget to frequently save your project! The biggest obstacle might be your hesitation to play with this new software! Once you become more familiar with the settings and perks it offers, you will be a movie maker whiz!

After your project is completed and it plays as you want it to, then you will convert it to a movie. Simply look under "File" at the top and it will offer the option of saving as a movie or convert your project to a movie. This process takes a few minutes and the file extension will be a .wmv file.

Want to post the mini movie so that friends, family and others can view it? Simply open a free account at You Tube and there will be instructions on how to upload your video. Google, AOL and Yahoo also offer this service as well. Use them all and direct traffic to your site!

Who knows? You may turn out to be a budding Steven Speilberg! Good Luck and let me know how it turns out for you. For those wanting to see what a finished Book trailer looks like, feel free to view mine and leave a comment and rate it!

Here's the link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=aQD0R5IXOhs

Good Luck and Have Fun!