Scott F. Smith carries forward the spirit of the Old West established by his father, Cotton Smith—author of the first two novels in the Corrigan series and acclaimed Western adventures such as Pray for Texas and Behold a Red Horse.

Scott’s debut novel, Vengeance Wears a Star, is firmly rooted in the elements that defined his father’s work: sweeping themes, moral conflict, and personal courage. Raised with a deep appreciation for American history, reading, and classic Western films, Scott is an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Beaver Award. He remains actively involved in Scouting, committed to helping develop the next generation of leaders.

As a youth, Scott was introduced to the ceremonies, customs, and traditions of the Plains Indian, experiences that profoundly shaped his understanding of Western culture and storytelling. His research and writing further deepened his spiritual connection to the land. For many years, he participated in the Desert Caballeros trail ride, covering one hundred miles annually during a weeklong journey through the Arizona mountains.

An award-winning writer and producer for corporate clients, Scott relishes the challenge of transforming a blank page or screen into a vivid, immersive world. He previously taught high school media and video production, where he enjoyed sharing his storytelling expertise and guiding students as they brought their own stories to life.

A member of the Western Writers of America, Scott and his wife, Cindy, are avid global explorers and proudly call Lawrence, Kansas, home.

Cotton Smith was a writer throughout his life, moving seamlessly from award-winning advertising to unforgettable Western novels. A Western historian, artist, and accomplished horseman, his work earned widespread acclaim from critics and readers alike for its historical authenticity, compelling characters, and unexpected plot turns.

A recipient of both the Spur Award and the Branding Iron Award, Cotton also served as President of the Western Writers of America. His notable Western novels include Ride Away, Kill Town, Blood of Bass Tillman, and Behold a Red Horse, each reflecting his deep understanding of the American West and his mastery of the genre.

A lifelong resident of Kansas City, Cotton was an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America’s Silver Beaver Award. His contributions extended well beyond fiction: he authored Trail to Eagle, a history of Scouting in Kansas City; Set Sail with the Wind, a work on marketing strategy; and co-created First Light, the original musical for the first televised Country Club Plaza Christmas Lighting Ceremony.

Cotton and his wife, Sonya, were taken from the world far too soon, but their legacy endures through their children and families—including their son, author Scott F. Smith, who has carried forward the tradition by creating new Western adventures in his father’s spirit. The countless lives Cotton touched through community service, athletic coaching, Scout leadership, and nearly twenty-five novels and anthologies stand as a testament to a life richly and purposefully lived.