Plotting About

Real Car Chases… To Writing Them | From DEA Agent to Hollywood on Lawman: Bass Reeves & Dutton RanchIn this first episode of Plotting About, I sit down with J. Todd Scott, 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 a rare perspective on storytelling grounded in real experience.We talk about:*The truth about real car chases vs Hollywood versions*How JT went from DEA 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.*If you’re into crime stories, thrillers, screenwriting, or Yellowstone, this conversation is packed with insight.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 From DEA Agent to Novelist: How It All Started1:31 Inside a 30-Year DEA Career (What the Job Is Really Like)4:05 The Mullet, Undercover Work & Blending In6:10 Real Surveillance Stories from the Field7:25 What Real High-Speed Car Chases Are Actually Like11:42 Hollywood vs Reality: What Crime Stories Get Wrong17:33 The Transition: From DEA Agent to Writer22:53 How He Writes Crime Stories That Feel Real37:44 Breaking Into Hollywood & Writing for TV (Yellowstone Universe)62:44 Writing Process, Creativity & Finding Your Voice79:46 What’s Next: Future Projects & Final Thoughts