Born in Taylor, Texas, Scott graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a journalism degree, concentrating in advertising and public relations. He became a sportswriter for the University Star, covering women's athletics back when nobody else would — diving, volleyball, swimming, basketball, and softball.

The sportswriting money was scarce, so he found his real forte: sales. He spent years selling downhole casing for the Texas oil industry, then — when petroleum got volatile — pivoted to car sales, where he thrived.

After retiring, Scott moved to Puerto Morelos, a small fishing village on the Mayan Riviera. He planned to stay a month. He never left. There, he returned to his first love: writing.