This can be a good slource of composting information.
To achieve a hot compost pile you need a mix of materials that maintains a Carbon To Nitrogen, C:N, ratio of about 30 to 1, enough moisture, and enough air to keep the thermophilic bacteria happy and working. Particle size can also influence how fast digestion happens and volume of material is important.
This link tells about making compost in 14 days, http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/facts/compost.htm
and the link below to a composting tutorial are both good sources of informaiton.

Here is a link that might be useful: Composting Tutorial

There is a soil and compost forum, if you'd like to check it out.