I have just published the first few chapters of my draft novel Rolling Rocks Downhill. 

The purpose of the book is to help people – customers, managers, workers (and even their families) – who work on traditionally managed software development projects to find a better way. 

My primary audience is those people I’ve just listed – the unconverted.

I expect that initially I’ll be preaching to the converted. 

My intentions

1. Paint a realistic picture of just how ugly and dysfunctional most software development projects are.  It really is just like pushing rocks uphill.
2. Show that it’s not the fault of the people working on the projects.
3. Show that it is the fault of dysfunctional systems – in particular, the ugly and dysfunctional waterfall SDLC and critical path approach.
4. Gradually introduce a “better way” which is a healthy combination of Lean, Agile, TOC, and other (you’ll have to wait and see).  I want to teach them how to roll rocks downhill.
5. Demonstrate the use of TOC tools.

My intention is not to explain HOW to do agile … because, I’ve never actually done agile.  I’m a frustrated agilist.

I’ll release more every few days or weeks.  I’ve got plenty more up my sleeve.

I’d love to hear comments.  Please email me [clarke.ching at gmail dot com] or join the yahoo group.