My personal philosophy of awesomeness is pretty simple: Awesome is an adjective, but we really ought to treat it as a verb.

But living awesomeness isn’t quite the same thing as being happy, or being positive. Awesomeness requires something extra, a deeper engagement with universe as a whole which encompasses three core principles: curiosity, compassion, and humor.

Curiosity

Human beings are naturally curious, but more often than not social conventions stunt willingness to try new things or investigate the strange and wonderful. To be awesomely curious, we don’t need to cast off all social conventions but do need to recognize that rules are made to be broken.

Compassion

To be compassionate is to be adaptable. To adapt we must make space for the will and direction of others. If there’s no room for compromise, then there is no room for compassion. If there is no room for forgiveness, there is no room for compassion. If there is no sense of something other than yourself and your own view, there is no room for compassion.

Humor

First we must laugh at ourselves an then we must laugh at the universe. After all, if we, small mammals on a rock at the far end of the galaxy can muse on such grand and all encompassing topics as awesomeness, then the universe is truly a funny place.

Awesomeness

I don’t claim to be awesome all the time. Nor do I claim to live awesomeness every moment, but when I am stressed or working hard or just plain tired, I think about these principles of awesomeness…

… and then I take a nap or go for a walk. Or maybe just hang out with the guys in the picture above.

[Update: I've just been made aware that I missed the 4th principle of awesomeness: Bacon! >Thanks, Carrie!]

This might come as a bit of surprise. After all, I was having such a good time making iPhone apps (which I intend to continue doing). Still, this is just one opportunity I just couldn’t pass up…

The job is with ThinkGeek, an amazing company I’ve admired for a long time. Since I’m not one to blog about work, I’ll just direct you over to my LinkedIn profile for a look-see. I’ll add that I’m very excited to join such an incredible group of people. I feel lucky and grateful.

Seriously, how could I not? I write Science Fiction and Fantasy. I write code. I claim King Moonracer as my personal hero. I love eCommerce and the web… It’s pretty much a dream job for me.

So, in short order, we’re selling our home, leaving the neighborhood we love, and moving away from family and friends… all the way to Washington, DC (Fairfax, VA to be more precise). Everything will be new and there will be challenges at every turn, but it’s also going to be an adventure.

I’m thankful for love and support of my wonderful wife and my incredible boys. I’m looking forward to continuing our story of the great “What’s Next” together.

It isn’t that I forget about anniversaries or birthdays. I’m just really bad with cards.

Here is the card I made for my wife yesterday to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary. Altogether we’ve been pals for 21 years and the sentiment expressed in this card couldn’t be more true.

Of course, what you don’t see is me actually making this card at 6AM on the morning of our anniversary. You don’t see me frantically searching through old photographs. You can’t hear me cursing because I can’t get Photoshop to print the damn thing right. You can’t watch me flipping out when she starts printing documents to our wireless printer and all my photo paper comes shooting out at 32ppm.

I’m really bad with cards, but I’m really lucky in love.

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

1. Writing the code is the easy part… At least for me.

First off, I’m a very experienced programmer. Over the years, I’ve developed in at least half a dozen languages on a variety of platforms. So naturally, writing the code is the easy part.

Of course, that’s where you get into trouble. It’s so easy to reach for code first, and so wrong…

After I launched WordFlipper, I picked up Bob Walsh’s Micro-ISV: From Vision to Reality. A Micro-ISV is a tiny-independent software developer (less than 10 people, often just one). As I was reading through Bob’s book, he talked about all the things you might do wrong in starting down the path. None of this was new to me. I’m a pro, right?

But I was making all those mistakes, starting with reaching for the code first.

2. If you have to write instructions, you failed.

This is a little like telling jokes. If you have to explain the joke, you’ve already ruined it.

I suppose that some people might think this is a bit extreme, but really I think you have to do into designing an iPhone app with the mentality that there can be no instructions. Considering the number of websites I’ve built over the last 15 years, you’d figure that this would be a natural for me but it wasn’t. Even though both apps are small and focused, they had a few gotchas that required me to create instructions.

3. Never release an app that is missing non-negotiable features.

For both apps, I set s strict deadline for getting the apps up into the App Store. However, to make the deadline I also needed to cut a few features. While I think it’s possible to drop features to make a deadline, there are certain features for particular apps that need to be there and working properly. They are the non-negotiable features.

For most games, you need a global score board and some multiplayer functionality.
For apps that record data, you need to have an export feature.

4. Never create your own control when one from the iPhone SDK will do.

I learned this on my first app. I decided to create a custom settings screen and I built a view that is non-standard. I think this can work in a game, but in a utility app it really ought to be a custom TableView.

The point though is that while the iPhone provides you with an open palette for design and development, you ought to spend a little time really asking yourself why you think your idea is better and how it improves the app.

As they say in the world of writing fiction, if the scene doesn’t advance the story (i.e. serve the plot) – cut it.

5. You will spend just as long creating marketing materials as you did coding and you ought to start before you write a line of code.

Jonathan Fields of Career Renegade fame has a post up today called “Marketing from the Heartbeat Out”. In the post, he talks about creating new markets within existing markets by spending more time thinking through your idea and building something new…

While you noodle through the idea for that great new app, think about how you will position it against others in the app store. How will you get visibility? What do you need to create to make it easy for editors to include your app on their sites? Why will people download your app and keep it?

6. Get a second opinion.

Julie Roads of Writing Roads also has a new post up today. It’s called “Can you look at this for me?” As a writer, it’s natural for me to ask people to check out my stuff or listen to an idea. The same discipline applies to development, but in creating my first iPhone apps I didn’t follow through on what I knew was right…

In both cases, I created the applications as an act of pure, creative fun. It isn’t that they’re bad. I’ve heard great comments about both WordFlipper and WriteChain. However, I think that they would have been better had I solicited more feedback from the right people before setting out. I suppose that I failed to do it because I was basically learning the platform and having fun.

7. Developing for the iPhone is really fun.

I know there are only supposed to be six items here, but when I read over the post it felt like sort of bleak. I mean, after all, the apps are just fine. They work and they’re fun. I had a great time making them.

So, I’ll wrap up here on a high note: developing for the iPhone is really fun!

WordFlipper is fast-paced word search game for the iPhone. It’s a little different than most iPhone word games because it uses the accelerometer (the thingie that detects motion) as an integral part of the game. I won’t go into all of the details here. I have a special page set up for WordFlipper where you can read all about the game and even watch me and my kids play with it. Drop on by for a look-see! (WordFlipper or grab WordFlipper from iTunes!).

My first app, WriteChain, is a handy tool for writers. You can learn more about it on my writing site How Not to Write (WriteChain). My latest app for the iPhone is a game called WordFlipper.

I’ve really enjoyed my development experience with the iPhone. I’m an old Mac developer from waay back, so it wasn’t a huge leap for me to get onto the platform. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to cooking up a few more apps.

In between the coding, I’ve managed to knock out a fair amount of writing (both online and off). I’ve also tried my hand at another new skill: interviewing. No, not the job sort. I’m talking about journalism (though I’m not sure I can call what I do journalism).

My interviews are running on one of my new websites: iPhonespaz (http://www.iphonespaz.com)… and like WordFlipper, it’s a little different from all of the other iPhone sites out there.

On iPhonespaz, we interview people who are crazy about their iPhones. We also write some wild app reviews. It’s been a fantastic experience. I’ve met a ton of great folks from Best-Selling Authors to big-time app developers. It’s a nice juxtaposition to writing code.

[A big shout out to my co-editor at iPhonespaz, Whitney Claire McKim. She rocks. ]

I’m not sure where this iPhone adventure will take me, but I like where it’s headed. It feels a lot like web development did back in the mid-nineties. It’s fun and exciting!

Obviously, I loved doing the interview. It was a great exercise, but I wanted to share a little tidbit that I tacked onto the end of the discussion:

As a side note… People should take the time to answer questions like this seriously. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that the universe does not ask twice. What I mean by this is that when presented with the opportunity to ask for something or jump into something you desire, you should absolutely give it your all. The universe may not respond favorably, but it most assuredly does not ask a second time.

I honestly do not know where this stuff comes from sometimes. It just pops into my head. Later on, I read it and think, “Who wrote that?”

So, what has the universe asked you to do lately? Did you do it? Why not?

If you’re smart, you’ll get a complete working site up an running as quickly as possible. There are several reasons for this, but my favorite is this…

Nothing screams design changes like seeing the live content in the framework of your design.

Recently, I launched a site for a client in Palm Springs, CA. Davis Rochefort covers the Entertainment beat writing satirical missives about Hollywood. I met him online, and when he heard I was looking for clients he dropped me a note on Twitter. After a few emails, we met for a discussion on Skype.

Over the next week, I worked with Rochefort and his assistant, Penny, to develop a glitzy look that also had a bit of an edge, the darker side of Hollywood. I quickly prototyped a design and launched his site Armchair Paparazzi.

The first crack at the design was, well, let’s be honest… It was ugly. Or, as Rochefort might say, “Elvis-dead-on-the-can-ugly”.

Here’s a snap of banner:

The only saving grace of the original look was the background. To get that glitzy feel, I created a shiny blue satin background. I echoed that look in the custom RSS icon. However, as you might guess, this didn’t go very well with the red-orange header.

While I was tweaking the design, Rochefort and Penny began filling in the content. The copy was fun and the headlines were hilarious. After a few calls, we decided to switch over to what’s known as a “magazine style” layout.

Switching to the magazine layout meant developing thumbnail images and tightening up the excerpt copy for the teasers. It also meant that the site was going to get a nice update on the banner.

Rochefort had a vision of a 1940s photographer and a bigger headline for the name of the site. Since it’s Rochefort’s site, we agreed to keep his tag line at the top along with his Hollywood headshot.

Here’s the result:

A few takeaways…

1. Don’t debate pixels. Get the site up and going as quickly as possible.
2. Start filling your site with content. The content will help define the future form.
3. Be open to suggestion and change. Don’t hang onto things that don’t work. Be flexible.

The lessons learned here may not apply to every site. For example, if you have an audience you shouldn’t go willy nilly changing things on the fly. However, there’s no reason you can’t set up a private site for you and your client to work with.

Armchair Paparazzi is just getting up and running, but the site is already listed on Alltop’s celebrity board. Come on by and have a look!

Nothing says Hollywood Gossip like Armchair Paparazzi…

King Moonracer is also my hero. Let me tell you why.

As King of the Island of Misfit Toys, King Moonracer flies around the world each night and gathers up all unwanted toys. He gives them a home on his island. He shares his love with the toys others would just cast aside.

When King Moonracer is forced to reject Rudolph, Hermi, and Yukon Cornelius’ request to remain on the Island of Misfit toys, you can see that it pains him to do so. You can sense his internal struggle.

After all, King Moonracer is not a toy. He is the ultimate misfit, a flying lion who wears a tiny crown.

But unlike the all the other misfits on the island, no one laughs at King Moonracer. No one calls him ridiculous. They are awed by the majesty of his presence. He is alone in the world. Yet, he seems so content and focused. He is driven by a sense of responsibility to his mission.

This is why I love King Moonracer. This is why I say King Moonracer is a lifestyle choice. Some people laugh at this. They should because it’s meant to be funny, but at the same time it means something more.

When I say that King Moonracer is a lifestyle choice, I’m saying it’s okay to be different. It’s okay to be driven by a sense of purpose that perhaps few understand. I’m saying it’s okay to believe as only a child can believe. It’s okay to have a flying lion as your personal hero.

One could certainly do a lot worse.

King Moonracer is a Lifestyle Choice

I used to have King Moonracer as my profile picture on LinkedIn. I told myself that I was doing this because I was proud of King Moonracer, but really I was afraid to use my own picture. Over time, I learned to put myself out there and be who I am without fear. I learned to laugh at myself and to be at peace with my own shortcomings.

It wasn’t that long ago that I changed my profile picture to my own. It was a happy day. I’d just written a post on How Not to Write about overcoming fears of being anonymous. I’d been blogging for eight years but always under a pseudonym. Now I was stepping out into the light.

Most people who know me might wonder how on earth that I, Jamie Grove, could be afraid of anything, let alone putting my face out there. I’m an outgoing person, always ready with a smile because I am genuinely happy to be alive. I sit in front of the cafe in summertime with my bare feet propped up on a chair. I love life. But this only proves that fear can strike anyone, even those who seem the most confident. The question is what do you do with that fear? Do you allow it to consume you, or do you press on?

After that post went up, HNTW sort of went from an obscure place where I spoke mostly to myself and a handful of friends, into an experiment in connecting with people. It is still growing, but I can say that it is a wonderful little community of writers. I share with these writers my thoughts and struggles, my triumphs and failures. Together we overcome the fear that is so prevalent in the world of would-be writers.

As much as I owe to my love of King Moonracer, I don’t believe HNTW would have grown had I stayed behind the lion’s mask. I’m proud to display him on Twitter though, and I think he’ll stay there for a long time. He’s a lifestyle choice to be sure.

One could certainly do a lot worse.

Who are your heroes and why? Please share in the comments!

Maybe the outside world isn’t going to view this as the most brilliant stroke of the pen, but I had my reasons…

The Plot So Far…

To begin with, I ran an entrepreneurial business within a business. We grew like most eCommerce businesses: huge leaps, year after year. There are a number of factors, but to make it simple let’s just say that we reached the point in scope and scale where it made sense to fold our operation in with the core business.

Writing the plan was exciting and fulfilling. This was the day we’d worked toward for years. It was bittersweet as well since I loved working with my team and we were very successful.

When most people are ready to submit a proposal like this, they take a deep breath. Exhale slowly… And then they hit the delete button.

Part of me (a rather frightened part) really wanted to hit that delete button, but instead I hit send. Of course, I was afraid. I spent years working for the company, building a record of achievement. I have a family to support. I have a child who has cancer. Anyone who tells you that they proposed changes like this and weren’t afraid to do so is either lying or insane.

Now, I’ve written this post several times. The last version went into all sorts of detail about the process of shaping the plan, and while I’m sure that kind of insight is valuable to prospective clients or employers, I’m not going into that sort of minutiae.

Besides, what would we have to talk about later?

No, instead of focusing on what happened, it’s enough to say that I did what was best for the company and it’s time for everyone to focus on the future.

So Really, What’s Next?

At the moment, I’m helping the company make the big transition. But now that I’m on the other side of this change, I find myself with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue my life’s passion… And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

My “What’s Next” is simple: I’m embracing writing with open arms.

Some people know that I write. Some people know I’ve written two novels, piles of stories, millions of words all told. Some people know that I run a little website called How Not to Write.

If you don’t know, now you do.

In addition to fiction, I have two non-fiction works tied to eCommerce and web in process. Sign up for the site emails and you’ll get an announcement as soon as they are available. Who knows, you might even get a copy for free.

Oh, and I’m Still an eCommerce Guru

By the way, I’m not abandoning my knowledge. How could I? I love the web and eCommerce. I love technology. I’m just shifting what I do and how I do it.

If you’re an eCommerce colleague dropping in, this is your chance to get a seasoned eCommerce executive on your team, a pro who can help you fix what’s wrong or help you develop a plan to take your business to the next level. Take a look at What Jamie Can Do For You to find out more.

If you don’t know me, let’s get introduced…

Thank You

I realize this isn’t a typical “I just got laid off” message, but then I’m not your typical person.

Those of you who realize this will probably be the first to drop me a line. Those of you who don’t will probably wonder why you kept reading all the way to the end (if you did). That’s OK. I don’t expect everyone to understand, but I do want to thank you for taking the time to read this post.

This is a time of dramatic change for all of us. I’m thankful to have such great people in my life. I’m looking forward to what’s next and I hope your life is filled with good times.

Have fun! I know I will!

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