In the direct amazon links, you need to replace his amazon id with yours ( if you have one?) just edit the modules and you should see the <a href=".....> strings there are id codes in there The other option is to click on the link, when you are logged in to your amazon affiliate accoun t and grab the code for your account then replace the whole thing...
another note...he ttransferred it too you, he no longer has access to it. if he used the squidoo modules...then you are fine, he is correct the links are now tied to your squidoo account. if he used custom amazon links as pasted html, you have to replace them with yours once he
The idea I get about Squidoo is that they're a helpful bunch so one of the Big Squids over there should be more than willing to help you. But there is something most interesting, ironically, in your post. It's where you talk about your experience being boring etc. Of course I'm not saying that if you pick an interesting (to you) topic money will suddenly cascade into your account. But obviously you'll do far better finding an interesting topic as you'll naturally want to spend more time improving it, tweaking it, all of that. Even if you make money - and lots of it - from a topic you don't care for, it wouldn't surprise me if you become interested in getting away from that niche. Job satisfaction is always a factor - in everything I find..
Just to follow up, before you make any money, its best to learn seo and getting your keyword research right.