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October 2018 Update

10/12/2018

34 Comments

 
And life goes on.

A new chapter will begin for me on November 2 when I publish my first collaboration with another writer, a police detective from my home town of Johnson City, Tennessee, named Mark Stout.

The decision to collaborate was not made lightly. It had nothing to do with money, because I would have made at least twice as much money had I written a book alone, as I’ve done thirteen times before.

But I’ve been very fortunate these past few years. We’ve sold more than three million books, and I’ve made more money than I ever thought I would. Why not share some of that good fortune with another writer, someone who has spent his adult life serving the public?

​Mark Stout is a good man, a good husband, a good father, a good cop, and a good writer. He approached me last year and asked me for advice. He’d written a police procedural that revolved around a serial killer. In fact, he’d written two. He asked if I’d read the first one and tell him what I thought.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that same question by indie writers over the past three years. Usually, I would tell them I just didn’t have time, and I was telling them the truth. I had my own projects to work on. My wife was losing her decade-long battle with breast cancer and required more and more care and attention. I just couldn’t do it.

But something about Mark made me say yes. I could tell he was hungry. I could tell he wanted to learn. And, as I said, he was a good guy.

I took my family to the Cayman Islands in mid-December of last year, and while we were there, I read Mark’s book. He was a rookie author, it was full of errors, but the core of the story had bones. One thing led to another, and eventually, we agreed to tear the book apart and rewrite it together. I hired Charlotte Herscher, an excellent developmental editor with whom I’d worked in the past, and over several months, she helped us get the manuscript in shape. My wife passed away in June, which slowed us down some, but eventually, Mark and I finished the book. It’s called “The Sins of the Mother,” and it turned out well enough that I’m not the least bit ashamed to put my name on it and send it out into the world.

My hope is that Mark and I will write two, maybe three books together over the next couple of years and after that, he’ll be able to move forward successfully on his own. I know it’s asking a lot of you to trust me when I say the book is good, but I hope you will trust me, I hope you’ll read it, enjoy it, and review it well.

In the meantime, as I adjust to life without my soul mate, I’m doing my best to continue to work on other projects. The first book in a new series for Audible Original is nearing completion. (It will be available in ebook and print, too. I’ll tell you more about that soon.) I’ve also decided to collaborate with another writer and hope to help him navigate the rough seas of self-publishing just as I hope to help Mark. A new Dillard book will hit the streets next year. That will be a difficult book to write, because as many of you know, Joe Dillard’s wife, Caroline, was based on my wife, Kristy. I haven’t yet decided how I’ll write it, but I can guarantee you this – it’ll be from the heart.
​
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have read my work and who have made me successful in this extremely fickle and competitive profession. Thank you to all of you who reached out to me after Kristy’s passing with thoughtful words and genuine compassion. The collaboration with Mark is my way of paying your kindness and my good fortune forward.

I hope it turns out well. But like I said at the beginning of this blog, either way, life will go on.  
34 Comments
Becky
10/13/2018 04:53:58 pm

I’ve enjoyed your work for several years. Please accept my sincere condolences regarding Kristy’s passing. My daughter took dance classes from her many years ago. She had such a passion for life. I’m so looking forward to your collaborative writing with Mark Stout! He’s a phenomenal person! Mark, his sweet wife and sons deserve so much good fortune to come their way!

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Susan wesney
10/25/2018 01:10:40 am

I Just completed all books in Joe Dillard series,it took me less than a month.I am a forever fan of your writing now. Can't wait to start another of your books. Mr.Pratt so very sorry for your loss,through the magic of your writing I feel as though I knew her and with a heavy heart I say Rip.

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Sharon Mills
10/25/2018 03:49:36 am

Scott, I’m reading "Due Process" now; about halfway through. I began to realize 'Caroline' was not going to make it while reading. Then I found this notice that your wife, Kristy, did not. Please accept my sincere condolences in this regard. I also lost my spouse to cancer; not an easy process doing life without them. But, you know that.

I’m an old lawyer myself, living in the woods in Hendersonville, NC. I enjoy your books. Keep at it.

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Elaine
10/26/2018 06:51:27 am

I've been totally addicted to the Joe Dillard series. This is the first time I've looked at your page and this blog. On reading what he and his wife, Caroline went through, I knew it had to be first hand knowledge and now I see it is. My deepest sympathies, I almost feel I knew Kristy. I had a similar experience with my husband so although I don't feel your exact pain, I can empathise to a great extent. I believe I've read the last of the Dillard books (9) and am looking forward to the next.....it will be hard for you, but cathartic as well. I wish you all the best.

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Karen J Morrow
11/3/2018 10:42:11 pm

Dear Scott
i just finnished your first book. I havnt started second book review says Dillions wife is battling cancer. Im sorry to read you lost your wife, Please dont write her to die. Save her. I lost a daughter, husband to that disease. They found a . mass on my left breast, some . people do survive cancer. hope im one, but it, may make Joe Dillion give up

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Cortney
10/31/2018 02:10:25 pm

I have goosebumps reading this, I am so very sorry about your wife, I just finished Due Process and now it all makes sense, I can't imagine how hard it's been to write about Caroline basing her off your wife. I love the Joe Dillard series and I hope you continue to write the series because I could read another 20 of them and not get bored ! My thoughts are with you

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Shelia
11/3/2018 06:01:38 pm

I just finished "The Sins of the Mother" and clicked on your website to see how things were going with your wife and found out she had passed away. I have read the whole Joe Dillard series and knew his wife's journey reflected what you and your family was going through. I would just like to say how very sorry I am. I live in North Alabama so I'm familiar with the area and the people you write about. That's what drew me to the series in the beginning but your writing and your characters is what keeps me reading each new one immediately after downloading them. That is why I have already finished your new book today. It was very good and made even better knowing the story behind the collaboration. Stay strong and keep writing!

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Love2read
11/5/2018 08:35:36 am

Love the dillard series (and happy to hear its continuing) I read all 9 books in about a week so ..i'll have to be patient. So sorry to hear about your loss tho. My prayers are with you.

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Susan B Whalin
11/5/2018 08:50:54 pm

Sorry for your loss

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Sheila Staley Johnson
11/7/2018 09:53:35 pm

I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve read all of your books and I admire your devotion to your wife. Your books are some of the best I’ve ever read. I can’t put them down and when I finish one of your books, I look forward to the next. I just finished “Sins of the Mother” and I believe that the collaboration was a big success. The book is one of the most detailed, accurate, and exciting books I’ve ever read. I enjoyed the story and the telling of the story. I admire your passing along your good fortune and helping others. May God bless you and your family.

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David
11/12/2018 02:02:38 pm

May you RIP Scott Pratt...thanks for bringing joy to many of us!

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Donna
11/13/2018 09:15:36 pm

RIP I was in the middle of Sins of the Mother when I heard, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends, your talent will be greatly missed.

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Susan
11/23/2018 10:55:51 pm

So sorry to hear about the passing of Scott Pratt. His books are the best. Love the Joe Dillard series

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Nancy DeFrates-Densch
11/25/2018 09:58:05 am

I'm so sorry for your loss, Scott. I've enjoyed your work tremendously, particularly the Dillard series. Your portrayal of Carolyn's struggle with cancer touched my heart in a way that rarely happens when I read fiction.

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Gav
11/25/2018 11:16:21 pm

Wow.
May her memories be a blessing. May her story continue in the pages of many books to come.
That's the best part of fiction right? You get to right the ending you want.
It is a pleasure to read your work and the fact that you put it in unlimited is incredible. I hope it's as rewarding financially for you add it is enjoyable for us.

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Tony
11/26/2018 11:21:02 am

Scott
I came across this page by accident having picked up the first of your books 10 days ago; yesterday I completed the 9th of the Dillard series. That speaks for itself....the Jack Reacher of the Tennessee justice system! The character Caroline felt personal, and I just saw your notes on Kristy. Many condolences from a new fan. Tony

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Mary Johanson
12/2/2018 11:05:32 pm

I read all 9 of the Joe Dillard books and look forward to many more. I am an avid reader and I believe you are right up there, and surpass many of the well known authors, You are very gifted.

I knew you had an intimate relationship with cancer while Caroline was going through her horrific ordeal. I am so very sorry that your Kristy lost her battle, your descriptions in the book spoke volumes.

God bless you Scott.

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A C Goforth link
12/7/2018 12:26:46 am

So very saddened to learn of Mr Pratt's death as
well as the death of his beloved wife. Have read all his novels and will miss his clever stories and suspenseful writing. Rest in Peace, Mr & Mrs Pratt. Thanks for the great books.

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Lisa
12/12/2018 12:29:40 pm

I just finished reading Blood Money and was looking for the next book in the Joe Dillard series and came across the information of Scott Pratt's death and his wife's death earlier in the year. Heartbreaking! He was an amazing author. I will continue to read the series and think of him and his wife, may they rest in peace.

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Susan Parnell Irons
12/18/2018 03:36:10 pm

I had just finished reading Sins of the Mother when I read about the tragic passing of Scott Pratt. As a true fan of his, I had emailed him a few times and was thrilled that he actually responded! I have truly grieved the loss of such a wonderfully talented author. The reading world has lost a great man long before his story was complete. My heart hurts for his family and friends. I feel the impact of his passing simply as a fan. I cannot imagine the depth of their loss. I hope Mark Stout will carry on writing a sequel to Sins of the Mother since Pratt trusted him so much.

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Margaret B
12/23/2018 01:05:43 am

Mr. Pratt I am a huge fan of you and your Joe Dillard series. I laughed and cried many times, you have a gift! Please accept my deepest condolences about Kristy's passing and as strange as this sounds, know she hasn't gone far! She will still be there to inspire you. You are right, life goes on with or without us. Thank you for the world you have created for so many of us with your amazing gift of writing. Hope to hear more from you when the mood strikes! :-)

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Dianne Magstadt
1/1/2019 04:47:55 pm

I have been reading the Joe Dillard series over the past few weeks and just completed book 9. I am saddened to hear of your wife's passing. I had a feeling from the way the relationship between Joe and Caroline was portrayed throughout the series that it was written from a personal place in your heart. I lost my dear husband to cancer almost 9 years ago after a long, but valient battle. I understood the anguish, the frustration, the denial and the hope. I look forward to the next Joe Dillard book even with the knowledge that he will lose his beloved Caroline. I feel I have I have been seperated from a friend and his family and will welcome the opportunity to spend time with them again.

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Teresa Lewis
1/1/2019 10:34:06 pm

My heart cries.

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Edward Hooper
1/2/2019 04:20:10 pm

Having lived in East Tennessee all my life I can relate very well to the characters that Scott wrote about. He was a great story teller and will be sorely missed. RIP Scott.

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Suzanne Moulton
1/2/2019 07:10:15 pm

Thanks a bunch! Another late rising morning because I stayed up until almost 2am reading “Conflict of Interest.” That makes three nights in a row since I bought books 1-5 on Amazon. Headed back there now for the next in the series. Love your character development and intriguing plots. Deeply sorry to learn through this blog that you have lost your soulmate.

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Paula Hall
2/17/2019 04:51:53 pm

Dylan, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Also I am so sorry about your Mom, too. From reading your Dad's books I feel like I know you and your sister, and knew your Mom. too. He was such a gifted writer. Just as soon as I got notified he had a new book coming out I pre-ordered it. Please keep me posted on up coming books. The books by Mark Stout. I look forward to reading "The Sins of Mother". My husband and loved riding our Harley to TN. We spent time in Johnson City and the other small surrounding town.This made our trips there even more dear when I read your Dad's books. We live in Alabama but Tennessee was a special state. I want you and your sister to know you both are and will be in my thoughts and prayers. Y'all were blessed to have such loving parents. I know from reading his books he was so proud of you both. I remember him going to your games when time permitted. I also know your sister is a talented dancer. You both are in my thoughts in your recovery with the extreme loss. I know they would both want you both to move on and enjoy the fond memories of the past. Sincerely, Paula.

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Lorraine Schank
2/21/2019 09:39:40 pm

I just finished book number 9 in the Dillard series! Loved them and can’t wait for #10. And so sorry for your loss.

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Barbara Cleveland link
3/31/2019 05:26:38 pm

I have just learned of Scott Pratt's passing. How sad. I have read all of his books, and will truly miss his super reads - a most favorite character, Sheriff Leon Bates.

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Debbie
1/10/2020 07:23:44 pm

Mine too Barbara!

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Gregory D. Hunter
6/5/2019 08:21:28 pm

I loved this guy from the first time I read the Joe Dillard series and I'm into the 3rd Darren Street book. Dylan and other authors will have a big time replacing Scott !! Good luck to yourself and Mark !!

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Theresa Jardine
11/3/2019 12:36:45 am

Love your books! I stay interested and anxious to read what happens next. I am on my 4th book of the Dillard Series! So far they are all good reads and I can't wait to see how he is going to get out of his next crazy adventure. Love the family and his friends! Always important to me. Keep on writing! 😂

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Debbie
1/10/2020 07:27:31 pm

I just finished the Joe Dillard series on Audible. All 9 books in a month. When searching for the next, I found out about Mr. Pratt’s untimely death and felt devastated when I realized that he was writing about his precious wife’s cancer. Does anyone know if a collaborator will continue the Joe Dillard series?

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Jo Ann
5/21/2020 10:49:01 am

Whatever u will write, I will read. You are an amazing author with incite other authors do not have. Keep going, I know u won’t let anything slow you down.

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Susan Cecere
5/30/2020 11:10:13 am

I just finished all the Scott Pratt books, I have found. They were totally enjoyable. I loved the persona presented in the 9 book series. Then went on to read Darren Street, only 3 in that series I was looking forward to more I did not know that he already had died, I had thought after reading each dedication that he loved "Kristy" truly. How fortunate to have someone love you so deeply.

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