What’s it really like to go from real-life car chases to writing them for Hollywood? In this first episode of Plotting About, I sit down with J. Todd Scott, a former federal agent with a 30-year career who transitioned into a bestselling crime novelist and TV writer. From undercover operations and high-speed pursuits to writing for the Yellowstone universe (Dutton Ranch), JT brings that coveted perspective on storytelling grounded in real experience.

We talk about:

  • The truth about real car chases vs Hollywood versions

  • How JT went from federal agent to Hollywood writer

  • What most crime shows get wrong about law enforcement

  • Writing novels vs writing for TV and film

  • Behind-the-scenes insights from the Yellowstone universe

  • How real investigations shape compelling stories

  • Finding your writing process and breaking through creative blocks

  • JT shares stories from decades in federal law enforcement, including undercover work, surveillance, and high-risk operations, and how those experiences influence his writing today.

Episode 1 - Real Car Chases… To Writing Them | From DEA Agent to Hollywood on Lawman: Bass Reeves & Dutton Ranch