Mary Hollingsworth (1947–) Biography

(Professor Scribbler, Mary Shrode)

Personal

Born 1947, in Dallas, TX; Education: Abilene Christian University, B.S.Ed., 1970. Politics: "Independent." Religion: Christian. Hobbies and other interests: Singing, travel, collecting Hummel figurines and miniature and rare books.

Addresses

Office—Shady Oaks Studio, 1507 Shirley Way, Bedford, TX, 76022-6737.

Career

Sweet Publishing, Fort Worth, TX, managing editor, 1984–95; Shady Oaks Studio, Bedford, TX, owner, author, editor, and consultant, 1988–; A Capella Junction Mary Hollingsworth(mail-order music distributor), owner, 1991–. Special music ministry leader, Richland Hills Church of Christ, 1985–2002; president, Richland Hills Singers, 1985–94; member of Infinity (a capella jazz ensemble), 1985–2002.

Member

Christian Booksellers Association, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Christian Education Association (member of board of directors, 1993–96).

Honors Awards

Matrix Award, Women in Advertising Association, for Just Imagine! with Barney; Gold Award, Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, 1995, for My Little Bible; gold Award, Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), for International Children's Story Bible; Platinum Award, ECPA, for My Little Bible; books included on Christian best-seller lists over 100 times.

Writings

JUVENILE

International Children's Story Bible, Word Inc. (Dallas, TX), 1991.

(Reteller) My Little Bible, Wordkids (Dallas, TX), 1991.

The Captain, the Countess, and Cobby the Swabby: A Book about Honor, illustrated by Daniel J. Hochstatter, Chariot Family Publishing (Elgin, IL), 1992.

Parrots, Pirates, and Walking the Plank: A Book about Obeying, illustrated by Daniel J. Hochstatter, Chariot Family Publishing (Elgin, IL), 1992.

A Girl's Diary of Prayers, illustrated by Lois Rosio Sprague, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1992.

A Boy's Book of Prayers, illustrated by Lois Rosio Sprague, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1992.

(Under name Mary Shrode) Just Imagine! with Barney, illustrated by Mary Grace Eubank, Lyons Group, 1992.

Journey to Jesus: A Four-in-One Story, illustrated by Mary Grace Eubank, Baker Book House (Grand Rapids, MI), 1993.

The Kids-Life Bible Storybook, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Chariot Family Publishing (Colorado Springs, CO), 1994, published as The Kids-Life Bible, 1998.

The Children's Topical Bible (with activity package), Honor Books (Rapid City, SD), 1994.

Bumper and Noah, Chariot Family Publishing, 1994.

Songs and Rhymes for Wiggle Worms, Questar Publishers (Sisters, OR), 1995.

Who Is Jesus?, Questar Publishers (Sisters, OR), 1995.

What Does Jesus Say?, Questar Publishers (Sisters, OR), 1995.

The Story of Jesus, Questar Publishers (Sisters, OR), 1995.

Bumper the Dinosaur, Chariot Family Publishing, 1996.

Into My Heart: A Treasury of Songs and Rhymes, Questar Publishers (Sisters, OR), 1996.

The Preschooler's Picture-Reading Bible, Baker Book House (Grand Rapis, MI), 1997.

The Time Trax Bible, Baker Book House (Grand Rapids, MI), 1997.

The Amazing Expedition Bible: Linking God's Word to the World, illustrated by Christopher Gray and Daniel J. Hochstatter, New Kids Media (Grand Rapids, MI), 1997.

Hugs for Kids: Stories, Sayings, and Scripture to Encourage and Inspire, Howard Pub. (West Monroe, LA), 2000.

Bible Fun Facts, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Honor Kidz (Tulsa OK), 2001.

Bible Heroes, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Honor Kidz (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

Bible Lessons, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Honor Kidz Tulsa, OK), 2001.

Bible Questions, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Honor Kidz (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

Bible Words, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Honor Kidz (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

God, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Honor Kidz (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

God's Animals, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Honor Kidz (Tulsa, OK), 2001.

Also author of numerous stories, plays, poetry, and songs; also author of video scripts based on her children's books.

"CHILDREN OF THE KING" SERIES

The King's Alphabet: A Bible Book about Letters, Worthy Publications (Fort Worth, TX), 1988.

The King's Numbers: A Bible Book about Counting, Worthy Publications (Fort Worth, TX), 1988.

The King's Workers: A Bible Book about Serving, Word Inc. (Dallas, TX), 1990.

The King's Manners: A Bible Book about Courtesy, Word Inc. (Dallas, TX), 1990.

The King's Animals: A Bible Book about God's Creatures, Word Inc. (Dallas, TX), 1991.

The King's Children: A Bible Book about God's People, Word Inc. (Dallas, TX), 1991.

"GOD'S HAPPY FOREST" SERIES

Polka Dots, Stripes, Humps, 'n' Hatracks: How God Created Happy Forest, illustrated by Mary Grace Eubank, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1990.

Twizzler, the Unlikely Hero: Bigger Is Not Always Better, illustrated by Mary Grace Eubank, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1990.

Christmas in Happy Forest: Love Is the Greatest Gift, illustrated by Mary Grace Eubank, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1990.

"MY VERY FIRST BOOK" SERIES

My Very First Book of Bible Heroes, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1993.

My Very First Book of Bible Lessons, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1993.

My Very First Book of Bible Words, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1993.

My Very First Book of Prayers, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1993.

My Very First Book on God, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1994.

My Very First Book of God's Animals—and Other Creatures, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1994.

My Very First Book of Bible Questions, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1994.

My Very First Book of Bible Fun Facts, illustrated by Rick Incrocci, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1994.

UNDER PSEUDONYM PROFESSOR SCRIBBLER

Charlie and the Shabby Tabby: Learning How to Be a Real Friend, illustrated by Dan Peeler, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1989.

Charlie and the Missing Music: Learning about God's Concern for the Lost, illustrated by Dan Peeler, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1989.

Charlie and the Jinglemouse: Learning about God's Forgiveness, illustrated by Dan Peeler, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1989.

Charlie and the Gold Mine: Learning What's Really Valuable in Life, illustrated by Dan Peeler, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1989.

OTHER

Help! I Need a Bulletin Board, Quality Publications (Abilene, TX), 1975.

(Coeditor) The International Children's Bible, Worthy Books, 1985.

For Mom with Love, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1987.

A Few Hallelujahs for Your Ho-Hums: A Lighthearted Look at Life, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1988.

Just between Friends, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1988.

It's a One-derful Life! A Single's Celebration, Brownlow (Fort Worth, TX), 1989.

Rainbows, C. R. Gibson (Norwalk, CT), 1989.

Apple Blossoms: A Tribute to Teachers, C. R. Gibson (Norwalk, CT), 1990.

(With Charlotte A. Greeson and Michael Washburn) The Grief Adjustment Guide: A Pathway through Pain, Questar Publishers (Sisters, OR), 1990.

(With Charlotte A. Greeson and Michael Washburn) The Divorce Recovery Guide, Questar Publishers (Sisters, OR), 1991.

(Compiler) Together Forever: Reflections on the Joys of Marriage, Word Inc. (Dallas, TX), 1993.

(Compiler) On Raising Children: Lessons on Love and Limits, Word Inc. (Dallas, TX), 1993.

(With Fred and Anna Kendall) Speaking of Love, Thomas Nelson (Nashville, TN), 1995.

Reborn! (play), produced in Fort Worth, TX, 1995.

Living Lights, Shining Stars: Ten Secrets to Becoming the Light of the World, Howard Pub. (West Monroe, LA), 1997.

Hugs for Women: Stories, Sayings, and Scriptures to Encourage and Inspire, Howard Pub. (West Monroe, LA), 1998.

Fireside Stories: Heartwarming Tales of Life, Love, and Laughter, Word Pub. (Nashville, TN), 2000.

Fireside Stories: Heartwarming Tales of Faith, Family, and Friendship, Word Pub. (Nashville, TN), 2001.

Little Taps on the Shoulder from God, Andrews McMeel (Kansas City, MO), 2002.

Mary Hollingsworth's Love Notes from God, Tyndale House (Wheaton, IL), 2003.

Mary Hollingsworth's Love Notes from God for Busy Moms, Tyndale House (Wheaton, IL), 2003.

Contagious Joy (Women of Faith devotional), W. Publishing Group (Nashville, TN), 2006.

Editorial director, The Everyday Study Bible: New Century Version, Word, 1996; editor of other books. General editor, "Let There Be Laughter" series, Guidepost Books (New York, NY), 2005–06. Executive editor, TEACH Newsletter, 1985–95. Contributor of articles to periodicals.

Some of Hollingsworth's works have been translated into other languages.

Sidelights

Mary Hollingsworth once told SATA: "As a preschooler I was coaxed into taking a nap by my mom, who took turns with me making up stories and telling them to each other. I'm sure Mom had no idea what long-range impact that little creative ritual would have on me. No doubt, my storytelling career began with my mom, my teddy bear, and my nap blankie.

"Today writing is not only my living but also my life. I can't survive without it, financially or emotionally. I cannot not write any more than happy children cannot not play. My writing is the essence of me. If you want to know my heart and mind, read my writing.

"I write in various areas and genres—adult nonfiction, gift books, children's nonfiction, children's fiction, plays, songs, articles, scripts, cover copy for books, study guides, and whatever else comes my way. The writing market changes often, and I must be flexible enough to go with the flow, or the flow will simply go without me. Besides, I enjoy the variety.

"The most significant book I've ever worked on, or ever hope to work on, was the first translation of the Bible ever done for children—The International Children's Bible. The task was both humbling and exhilarating. While that book certainly does not carry my name, the experience of working on God's Word changed my career goal and writing style forever. It made me painfully aware that the reader's being able to understand the message far outweighs the importance of my being able to show off my vocabulary and writing flair. It simplified my style, my message, and my life.

"The greatest thrill for me as a writer is to hear children giggling at something funny I wrote, or to have a mother tell me she cried all the way through For Mom with Love. One little four-year-old boy came running up to me and said, 'Hi, Professor Scribbler! I can say your book.' Thinking he had made a mistake, I said, 'You mean you can read my book?' 'No,' he said, 'I can say your 'book.' And he proceeded to recite from memory the entire text of The King's Numbers. I was astounded and so humbled by that incident. What an incredible responsibility I have as a children's author. They trust me; they learn from me; they believe anything I write. It's a fearful and wonderful thing to write for children.

"My right brain loves the freedom to be out of control, but my left brain likes my carefully orchestrated rut. I'm normally at my desk by nine o'clock and work consistently until about five or six. It's a habit developed through the years of working for major corporations and other people. It fits me; it works; I like it. I won't deny a few midnight inspirations and three a.m. creative storms, but those are not the norm for me. My rut is carpeted, draped, and air-conditioned. It's me.

"A glorious parade of writers, poets, composers, playwrights, and others have influenced my work so far. Among them are my all-time favorites: Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter, Dr. V. Gilbert Beers, C.S. Lewis, and Calvin Miller. Illustrators who delight me the most are Mary Grace Eubank, Peter Spier, the Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen team, the Disney animators, and many others. I love the ones whose little kids inside them are obviously alive and well; they're the best.

"Every person alive has a legitimate story to tell, and most of us believe our stories deserve book status. Unfortunately, most aspiring writers are unwilling to devote the time, money, and effort to really learn the trade, to do their homework, to become the best in the industry in order to compete with the professionals. Most of the published authors and illustrators I know didn't just 'luck into it.' They are educated, trained, and experienced people, who continually study and upgrade their skills and abilities. They know they have to earn their place in the industry, and they don't expect a handout from publishers and other professionals. Writing and illustrating are careers, not just hobbies. If they are not your career, then you shouldn't expect to make a living at it. If you want to make them your living, then they must become your life.

"If I can make one life a little brighter: if one sentence I write strikes a note of hope, if one poem or song I write lives after I'm gone to encourage other people or make a child laugh, then I will consider myself a successful writer. In truth, I write for God and for me. If other people happen to listen in and are blessed, that's good. If no one ever sees a word I write, I am no less a writer in the eyes of God or when I look in the mirror. Writing is life; mine will stop simultaneously."