Please follow these links to writing samples from my career. These writing samples are held by various copyright holders.
I am a published author or co-author of several resources:
Simply Romantic Nights
A Very Veggie Family Adventure
Simply Romantic Secrets
50 Nights of Family Fun
Wizards, Hobbits, and Harry Potter
Passport to Purity
3:16: The Church Experience Workbook
Series of fundraising emails for Nashville Public Library Foundation.
Feature article for FoxFaith.com at the release of "Horton Hears a Who." This article was released to BeliefNet's monthly entertainment newsletter list.
Feature article for FoxFaith.com at the release of "Moondance Alexander."
Cover Story for regional magazine, MD News.
Article written about my dad, baseball, and the lessons of life. This article was published in a local magazine in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Please look over the Family Fun Discussion Guides for Walden, Fox, and Anchor Bay.
Jonah: A Very Veggie Family Adventure (Foreword)
The Strangest Word in the English Language.
United Airlines has a regular feature called Row 22, Seats A and B. I wrote my own version of this serial. Unpublished.
Article about my experience as a bearer of the Olympic flame. This article appeared in Arkansas Health and Wellness Magazine.
A patriotic piece.
A Christmas remembrance.
Article written about Thomas Nelson's reference tools. Published in several places on the internet.
Saturday
Thomas Nelson Tenure
I joined the team at Thomas Nelson in March of 2004.
They hired me as a ministry consultant for the Eastern Region. I served ministries, churches, seminaries, and Christian businesses along the East coast, Southeast, Arkansas, and Illinois.
During my tenure, I exceeded my sales goals ($1.8M and $2.1M) and helped with the release of several big titles from Charles Stanley, John Maxwell, and Dennis Rainey.
I am most proud of two projects.
I had the privilege of helping the sports ministry, Upward Unlimited, create its new player's Bible. In the past, they had used a full text New Testament. Their research showed, however, that the kids weren't interacting with the Bible. Very few had opened it. The readership statistics of the magazine included in the package every player received were much higher. Nelson's success with BibleZines allowed us to help Upward combine the magazine content with a four-color presentation of the gospel of Matthew. More than 500,000 were printed during the first year. Upward received rave reviews from parents whose children were reading and interacting with the Scriptures. Upward has renewed their relationship with Nelson for two more years. More than 800,000 copies of the Gospel of Mark will be distributed this year.
This project was significant because I was used by God to help thousands of children interact with the Bible. I was blessed by God through this contract as well. It was the largest contract our division signed during 2004.
Don Wilton's book, Totally Secure, was a pleasure to acquire for Thomas Nelson. This book was more than a sales invoice. We developed a strategy for Dr. Wilton's broadcast interests and wrote a marketing launch plan for the book.
In January of 2006, I was recruited by the Reference and Electronic division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. Wayne Kinde named me his Senior Acquisitions Editor of the $10 Million publishing unit "General Reference". I set out to accomplish three goals:
During my time as Senior Acquisitions Editor, I worked on a number of projects. My favorites:
How to Get Ready for Short-Term Missions
Smart Guide to the Bible Series
Everyday Reference Series (4 books)
Nelson's Student Bible Handbook
They hired me as a ministry consultant for the Eastern Region. I served ministries, churches, seminaries, and Christian businesses along the East coast, Southeast, Arkansas, and Illinois.
During my tenure, I exceeded my sales goals ($1.8M and $2.1M) and helped with the release of several big titles from Charles Stanley, John Maxwell, and Dennis Rainey.
I am most proud of two projects.
I had the privilege of helping the sports ministry, Upward Unlimited, create its new player's Bible. In the past, they had used a full text New Testament. Their research showed, however, that the kids weren't interacting with the Bible. Very few had opened it. The readership statistics of the magazine included in the package every player received were much higher. Nelson's success with BibleZines allowed us to help Upward combine the magazine content with a four-color presentation of the gospel of Matthew. More than 500,000 were printed during the first year. Upward received rave reviews from parents whose children were reading and interacting with the Scriptures. Upward has renewed their relationship with Nelson for two more years. More than 800,000 copies of the Gospel of Mark will be distributed this year.
This project was significant because I was used by God to help thousands of children interact with the Bible. I was blessed by God through this contract as well. It was the largest contract our division signed during 2004.
Don Wilton's book, Totally Secure, was a pleasure to acquire for Thomas Nelson. This book was more than a sales invoice. We developed a strategy for Dr. Wilton's broadcast interests and wrote a marketing launch plan for the book.
In January of 2006, I was recruited by the Reference and Electronic division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. Wayne Kinde named me his Senior Acquisitions Editor of the $10 Million publishing unit "General Reference". I set out to accomplish three goals:
- Mine the rich backlist of titles to create a new generation of tools
- Develop ways to use modern typesetting and graphic design techniques to make reference books more accessible and fun to use
- Create a new line of "inspirational reference" books to crack Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Books-a-Million (i.e., travel, writing tools)
During my time as Senior Acquisitions Editor, I worked on a number of projects. My favorites:
How to Get Ready for Short-Term Missions
Smart Guide to the Bible Series
Everyday Reference Series (4 books)
Nelson's Student Bible Handbook
Simply Romantic Nights
Simply Romantic Nights is the most successful resource I've worked on.
What is it?
Twenty-four date night adventures for married couples packaged with first-rate teaching on why God created romance and sex in the first place.
Best-seller Status
CBA overall list, #22, April, 2002
CBA marriage list #5, April, 2003
Christian Retailing list #23, February 1 - 15, 2003
Christian Retailing list #79, February 16 - 28, 2003
amazon.com #23, February 14, 2003
My Role
I served as the resource creator, project leader, and marketing champion.
Samples
You can hear some of the marketing pieces at my iDisk site.
A full copy of this resource is available upon your request.
Customer Reviews
Some users have posted at ChristianBook.com
Others have posted at FamilyLife.com
Amazon.com comments can be found here.
Comments at BarnesandNoble.com
Focus on the Family continues to feature the resource.
A sequel, Simply Romantic Secrets, was published. The ministry sold out of the first print run of 25,000 in six months, but decided not to reprint due to the cost of production. You can read a user comment here.
What is it?
Twenty-four date night adventures for married couples packaged with first-rate teaching on why God created romance and sex in the first place.
Best-seller Status
CBA overall list, #22, April, 2002
CBA marriage list #5, April, 2003
Christian Retailing list #23, February 1 - 15, 2003
Christian Retailing list #79, February 16 - 28, 2003
amazon.com #23, February 14, 2003
My Role
I served as the resource creator, project leader, and marketing champion.
- Wrote the date nights
- Wrote or adapted articles for the book
- Recruited other writers
- Gave artistic direction for graphics and manufacturing
- Wrote marketing plan, purchased media, created ads, wrote and produced radio commercials
Samples
You can hear some of the marketing pieces at my iDisk site.
A full copy of this resource is available upon your request.
Customer Reviews
Some users have posted at ChristianBook.com
Others have posted at FamilyLife.com
Amazon.com comments can be found here.
Comments at BarnesandNoble.com
Focus on the Family continues to feature the resource.
A sequel, Simply Romantic Secrets, was published. The ministry sold out of the first print run of 25,000 in six months, but decided not to reprint due to the cost of production. You can read a user comment here.
Excerpt from Jonah: A Very Veggie Family Adventure
Note: This article appeared as the foreword to the discussion guide within the product.
Capturing teachable moments can be as difficult as finding a public restroom when you're potty training a two-year-old. To help keep you moving, we divided each adventure into easy-to-understand pieces. Every adventure follows the same five-step process. As Jerry Gourd might say, it helps you "eat the jelly donut one bite at a time."
May God generously honor your attempts at leading your family spiritually.
Packing for the Adventure
Most items you will need for each adventure are found in and around your house. Each session begins with a list of what you will need to complete all ativities. Feel free to make any substitutions you find appropriate.
Jonah's Journey
When you were in school, did you ever study the details of a subject and then forget the overall concept? That happens often in Bible study. Sometimes we can't see the ocean for the seashells. This section is designed to help keep the ocean in view when your family gets together.
Jonah's adventure is not myth, allegory, or fairy tale. It is as real as the book you're holding. Jonah's story is a miracle--a storm that begins and stops suddenly, a fish that swallows a man (but doesn't digest him), and a massive city dropping to its knees in repentance.
Our children need the framework of Jonah's story--along with the message behind the events--to fully understand the ten lessons taught by the movie and this resource. While this is an optional section, we encourage you to enjoy this activity and make it a part of each family adventure. Your family has an opportunity to learn this story in such a way that you will never forget its messages.
The video includes a song called "Jonah's Journey, " which reviews the entire story found in the Bible. (Words to this song are found on the tabletop map.) This song will help you teach your children the chronology of the story in a fun, easy, and memorable way. We've also included a tabletop map of Jonah's journey that will help you review the story and tie it in to real places.
For those of you who have a little more time and/or desire a more interactive approach, you can find ideas on-line at www.familylife.com/bigidea.
Behind the Scenes at Big Idea
Bob and Larry start off each video segment of the adventure. Then you'll go behind the scenes at Big Idea Productions and meet the people who work on the stories starring your favorite Veggie characters. These people give you a sneak peak at some movie-making fun while sharing how they use the lessons found in Jonah in their own lives.
Anchors Away!
This section outlines the easy five-step process that walks you through the adventure. Follow each step, if you like , or use this section as just a guide to help you keep the adventure moving. As you read through the adventure before your family night, make notes so that you personalize these guidelines in a way that best suit your family.
Captain's Log
Every good adventure has a record of events. As you move through the adventure and end each one with prayer, create your own personal memory log. Write down the date and your prayer requests as you conclude each session. As God answers your prayer with "Yes," "No," "Wait," or "I have a better plan," record His answer as well. This is a good tool to use for further communication with God. Use pages 135 to 140 as your Captain's Log.
Swab the Decks
Make cleaning up fun (Okay . . . how about tolerable?) for your children. At the end of every adventure, you'll discover a crazy method for disposing of trash and putting away supplies.
Dropping Anchor
Concepts are best learned and remembered through repetition. Between adventures, remind your family to reflect on what they learned by posting these cards on your refrigerator. Refer to them every day as you fetch milk, juice, dinner fixings, and late-night snacks.
Everything You Need to Know About Family Adventures (But Didn't Know to Ask)
As you and your family experience Big Idea's first VeggieTales movie, Jonah, your children are being set up for dozens of teachable moments. A Very Veggie Family Adventure is designed to help you capture them and plant biblical truths deep into the hearts of your children. And because it's from Big Idea, FamilyLife, and Zonderkidz, you can expect to:- laugh so hard that slushy comes out your nose
- apply biblical answers to the real-life questions that your kids ask
- grow closer and communicate better as a family
- make lifelong family memories
Capturing teachable moments can be as difficult as finding a public restroom when you're potty training a two-year-old. To help keep you moving, we divided each adventure into easy-to-understand pieces. Every adventure follows the same five-step process. As Jerry Gourd might say, it helps you "eat the jelly donut one bite at a time."
May God generously honor your attempts at leading your family spiritually.
Packing for the Adventure
Most items you will need for each adventure are found in and around your house. Each session begins with a list of what you will need to complete all ativities. Feel free to make any substitutions you find appropriate.
Jonah's Journey
When you were in school, did you ever study the details of a subject and then forget the overall concept? That happens often in Bible study. Sometimes we can't see the ocean for the seashells. This section is designed to help keep the ocean in view when your family gets together.
Jonah's adventure is not myth, allegory, or fairy tale. It is as real as the book you're holding. Jonah's story is a miracle--a storm that begins and stops suddenly, a fish that swallows a man (but doesn't digest him), and a massive city dropping to its knees in repentance.
Our children need the framework of Jonah's story--along with the message behind the events--to fully understand the ten lessons taught by the movie and this resource. While this is an optional section, we encourage you to enjoy this activity and make it a part of each family adventure. Your family has an opportunity to learn this story in such a way that you will never forget its messages.
The video includes a song called "Jonah's Journey, " which reviews the entire story found in the Bible. (Words to this song are found on the tabletop map.) This song will help you teach your children the chronology of the story in a fun, easy, and memorable way. We've also included a tabletop map of Jonah's journey that will help you review the story and tie it in to real places.
For those of you who have a little more time and/or desire a more interactive approach, you can find ideas on-line at www.familylife.com/bigidea.
Behind the Scenes at Big Idea
Bob and Larry start off each video segment of the adventure. Then you'll go behind the scenes at Big Idea Productions and meet the people who work on the stories starring your favorite Veggie characters. These people give you a sneak peak at some movie-making fun while sharing how they use the lessons found in Jonah in their own lives.
Anchors Away!
This section outlines the easy five-step process that walks you through the adventure. Follow each step, if you like , or use this section as just a guide to help you keep the adventure moving. As you read through the adventure before your family night, make notes so that you personalize these guidelines in a way that best suit your family.
Captain's Log
Every good adventure has a record of events. As you move through the adventure and end each one with prayer, create your own personal memory log. Write down the date and your prayer requests as you conclude each session. As God answers your prayer with "Yes," "No," "Wait," or "I have a better plan," record His answer as well. This is a good tool to use for further communication with God. Use pages 135 to 140 as your Captain's Log.
Swab the Decks
Make cleaning up fun (Okay . . . how about tolerable?) for your children. At the end of every adventure, you'll discover a crazy method for disposing of trash and putting away supplies.
Dropping Anchor
Concepts are best learned and remembered through repetition. Between adventures, remind your family to reflect on what they learned by posting these cards on your refrigerator. Refer to them every day as you fetch milk, juice, dinner fixings, and late-night snacks.
Jonah: A Very Veggie Family Adventure
What is it?
Then get-off-the-couch, laugh-out-loud family devotions from the biblical account of Jonah.
FamilyLife assigned me to work on overall constituent response to our Jonah promotion.
Results
More than 35,000 copies of the resource sold in less than 12 months. Big Idea considered us one of the strategic partners in the success of opening night.
One family posted comments here
A full copy of this resource is available upon request.
Then get-off-the-couch, laugh-out-loud family devotions from the biblical account of Jonah.
FamilyLife assigned me to work on overall constituent response to our Jonah promotion.
- Co-authored the resource
- Wrote and directed three video segments for resource
- Worked on marketing plan
- Wrote some of the direct mail piece
- Wrote some of the email blast
Results
More than 35,000 copies of the resource sold in less than 12 months. Big Idea considered us one of the strategic partners in the success of opening night.
One family posted comments here
A full copy of this resource is available upon request.
Passport to Purity
Passport to Purity is one of the most significant projects of my career.
What is it?
"Everything you need for a life changing weekend getaway with your preteen. Five teaching sessions on audio by Dennis and Barbara Rainey used to facilitate conversations between a father and son, mother and daughter, or single parent and child. Topics include the authority of the Bible, peer pressure, the facts of life, purity, and dating.
More than 80,000 copies have been distributed since its release in 1999. It has become one of the most successful resources for FamilyLife and is now considered a classic purity resource.
I served as the overall project leader. I wrote the teaching and dramatic scripts. You'll even hear my voice at points. I supervised the original graphic design, produced some of the audio and supervised the production of the rest. You can read about my team on the credits page. I also wrote the content for the original website.
Comments
I invite you to read a few of the stories that have been sent into FamilyLife.
You can also read additional comments at amazon.com
Worldwide Challenge, the official magazine of Campus Crusade for Christ, featured Passport to Purity in a recent article.
Original Cover:
New Cover:
A copy of Passport to Purity is available upon request.
What is it?
"Everything you need for a life changing weekend getaway with your preteen. Five teaching sessions on audio by Dennis and Barbara Rainey used to facilitate conversations between a father and son, mother and daughter, or single parent and child. Topics include the authority of the Bible, peer pressure, the facts of life, purity, and dating.
More than 80,000 copies have been distributed since its release in 1999. It has become one of the most successful resources for FamilyLife and is now considered a classic purity resource.
I served as the overall project leader. I wrote the teaching and dramatic scripts. You'll even hear my voice at points. I supervised the original graphic design, produced some of the audio and supervised the production of the rest. You can read about my team on the credits page. I also wrote the content for the original website.
Comments
I invite you to read a few of the stories that have been sent into FamilyLife.
You can also read additional comments at amazon.com
Worldwide Challenge, the official magazine of Campus Crusade for Christ, featured Passport to Purity in a recent article.
Original Cover:
New Cover:
A copy of Passport to Purity is available upon request.
Wizards, Hobbits, and Harry Potter
In 2001, FamilyLife reviewed the top search terms on familylife.com.
#1 sex
#2 divorce
#3 Harry Potter
The ministry regularly addresses the top two, but had not uttered one word about #3. Number 11 on the list was "Pokemon". In 2001, I was assigned a research project: develop outlines for broadcasts and a web-delivered information sheet regarding fantasy literature, video games, and Pokemon cards.
The response to the broadcasts was so large, the ministry asked me to expand my findings into a book and radio special. The book, Wizards, Hobbits, and Harry Potter was born in 2002. Christian retail embraced the book and it found it's way into all of the major chains and online retailers. The book was featured in Parable's and LifeWay's direct mail catalogs.
The article on Tolkien was used in an edition of FamilyLife's online magazine, The Family Room. It is available at my iDisk site. You'll find the article on page 23 of the PDF>
The article on "The Power of Story" was used as a two-part commentary on "FamilyLife This Week." Listen to the records by downloading them from my iDisk site.
Day one audio begins at 21:08
Day two audio begins at 9:43
#1 sex
#2 divorce
#3 Harry Potter
The ministry regularly addresses the top two, but had not uttered one word about #3. Number 11 on the list was "Pokemon". In 2001, I was assigned a research project: develop outlines for broadcasts and a web-delivered information sheet regarding fantasy literature, video games, and Pokemon cards.
The response to the broadcasts was so large, the ministry asked me to expand my findings into a book and radio special. The book, Wizards, Hobbits, and Harry Potter was born in 2002. Christian retail embraced the book and it found it's way into all of the major chains and online retailers. The book was featured in Parable's and LifeWay's direct mail catalogs.
The article on Tolkien was used in an edition of FamilyLife's online magazine, The Family Room. It is available at my iDisk site. You'll find the article on page 23 of the PDF>
The article on "The Power of Story" was used as a two-part commentary on "FamilyLife This Week." Listen to the records by downloading them from my iDisk site.
Day one audio begins at 21:08
Day two audio begins at 9:43
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