Taylor Sheridan, known for his work as a screenplay writer and co-creator of Yellowstone, is releasing his first book, a darkly humorous prison survival guide titled How to Not Die in Prison, scheduled for June 23, 2026. Sheridan, who frequently explores themes of crime and violence in his films and television shows, crafted this book to examine an experience he has never personally gone through: life inside a maximum-security prison.
Exploring Prison Life Without Personal Experience
In the introduction of the book, Sheridan openly addresses his lack of firsthand experience, writing,
“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.”
Collaboration with Former Inmate Adds Authenticity
To ensure accuracy and depth, Sheridan co-wrote the book with Tom Nelson, who spent over ten years in both medium and maximum-security prisons. Nelson commented on their partnership, saying,
“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.”
This collaboration blends Sheridan’s storytelling skills with Nelson’s firsthand knowledge.
Sheridan’s Deep Ties to Fort Worth and Filmmaking
An honorary Fort Worthian, Sheridan attended Pascal High School and now resides on a ranch near Weatherford with his wife, Nicole. Many of his projects, including Yellowstone, 1883, Landman, and Lioness, have been filmed in the Fort Worth area, contributing to the city’s rise as a popular location for filmmakers. Sheridan’s connection to the region continues to influence both his creative work and local film industry growth.
Sheridan’s Expansive Career and Upcoming Projects
Beyond his new book, Sheridan has a strong track record in film and television, including writing and directing the thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead starring Angelina Jolie, and the Western thriller Wind River with Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen. Recently, he and director Peter Berg have been announced as collaborators on a television adaptation of the popular Call of Duty video game series, produced by Paramount Pictures and Activision, revealing Sheridan’s expanding influence in entertainment.
Anticipating the Impact of Sheridan’s Prison Survival Guide
How to Not Die in Prison is expected to offer a unique blend of humor and insight into an often overlooked and dangerous world. Given Sheridan’s reputation for compelling storytelling and the authentic input from Nelson, the book will likely resonate with audiences curious about prison life from a fresh perspective. Its June release will add a new dimension to Sheridan’s body of work, extending his exploration of crime and survival beyond screenplays into literature.
