How do I take close up pics with my Olympus C-60 zoom camera?

With my regular SLR Im ok. But with this compact digital thing, Im lost. I got the camera used and don't have the manual. Im trying to take close up pictures of a finished model kit. What happens is , my background, 40 to 50 feet away is crisp and clear but the subject, 8" to 12" away is blurry. Can I get the opposite results, can I get both the forground and background in focus, or am I fighting a losing battle? I'll admit I am a novice with this camera.