Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed screenwriter and co-creator of Yellowstone, is set to release his first book, a darkly funny guide to surviving maximum-security prison. Co-written with former inmate Tom Nelson, the book draws on Nelson's experiences and Sheridan's research for his TV series. It will be published by Simon & Schuster on June 23.
Taylor Sheridan, known for his work on films like the Sicario series, Hell or High Water, and Wind River, as well as Paramount+ series such as Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, Landman, and the upcoming The Madison, has ventured into book writing. Simon & Schuster announced on February 24 that Sheridan's debut book, titled How to Not Die in Prison, will be released on June 23. Described as a "no bullsh*t, darkly funny survival guide to life in a maximum-security prison," the book covers topics including surviving prison riots, lockdowns, stabbings, hits, and solitary confinement, as well as practical advice on getting a job, avoiding insanity, making prison ramen, giving prison tattoos, and allegedly crafting a shiv.
Sheridan, who has never been to prison, explains his motivation in the book's introduction: "You might wonder what in the world gives me the knowledge or wisdom to write a survival guide to prison. Well, I’ll tell you — absolutely nothing. I’ve never been to prison. But, like every man, I’ve certainly wondered how I would survive if circumstances ever put me there. That morbid curiosity sent me on a journey to understand the politics and dangers of prison. When researching for Mayor of Kingstown, I learned very quickly it’s way better to avoid going to prison than figuring out how to survive one."
Co-author Tom Nelson, who spent more than a decade in medium- and maximum-security prisons, provides firsthand insights. In a statement, Nelson said: "Hey, one of us has written hit TV shows and Academy Award-nominated movies, and the other has spent much of his adult life behind bars in medium and maximum-security prisons. If that’s what makes for good wisdom and entertainment, I’ll take it."
Sheridan's other credits include writing and directing Those Who Wish Me Dead, starring Angelina Jolie. He is also collaborating with Peter Berg on an adaptation of the Call of Duty video game franchise.
