A book on long distance running and some new shoes prompted forefoot and barefoot running. That goes against conventional running advice for the last several decades. I think what makes sense is just do what comes naturally. For most of us, that's a heel strike. For others (think it's something like 30%), that's a forefoot strike. When one does what isn't natural to your body and counters years of what it's used to, injury occurs.
However if you do want to learn to run that way, hills are the key but not uphills - it's down hills that lenthen your strides and then you can land on the ball of your foot. Learn to lean forward, keep your upper body perpendicular to the ground, and let the weight of your trunk "pull" you down the inclind. Resiste the urge to land on your heels as "brakes." Warning - only do this once or twice a week and not for any long periods. It's really easy to get injured including stress fractures from over doing it.