Storyteller. Filmmaker.
Builder of Writers and Creative Communities.
Clay Stafford is a bestselling author and filmmaker, with nearly four million copies of his books sold in more than sixteen languages.
As the founder of the internationally recognized Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, publisher of Killer Nashville Magazine, and creator of Killer Nashville University, Clay has dedicated his career to strengthening storytelling and the communities that sustain it.
Storyteller. Filmmaker.
Builder of Writers and Creative Communities.
Clay Stafford is a bestselling author and filmmaker, with nearly four million copies of his books sold in more than sixteen languages.
As the founder of the internationally recognized Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, publisher of Killer Nashville Magazine, and creator of Killer Nashville University, Clay has dedicated his career to strengthening storytelling and the communities that sustain it.
Industry Recognition
Clay’s Creative Community
Clay Stafford’s Success Points — A Monthly Advantage for Writers
Each month, Clay shares insights from decades of experience spanning publishing, filmmaking, and live storytelling.
In the Success Points Newsletter, you’ll discover:
- Practical strategies for building a lasting writing career
- Techniques to strengthen craft and storytelling
- Insights into the publishing and entertainment industries
- Guidance on productivity, mindset, and creative resilience
Subscribers also receive Clay’s eBook
The 7 Truths Every Writer Needs to Hear as a welcome gift.
Join thousands of writers who rely on Success Points for practical insight, creative clarity, and sustained momentum.
Clay Stafford’s Success Points — A Monthly Advantage for Writers
Each month, Clay shares insights from decades of experience spanning publishing, filmmaking, and live storytelling.
In the Success Points Newsletter, you’ll discover:
- Practical strategies for building a lasting writing career
- Techniques to strengthen craft and storytelling
- Insights into the publishing and entertainment industries
- Guidance on productivity, mindset, and creative resilience
Subscribers also receive Clay’s eBook
The 7 Truths Every Writer Needs to Hear as a welcome gift.
Join thousands of writers who rely on Success Points for practical insight, creative clarity, and sustained momentum.
From Clay Stafford’s Success Points Library
Writing Books with Hollywood in Mind
Many writers dream of seeing their work adapted into film, and, honestly, after working in the film industry for many years, I can attest that book writers are more likely to see their work produced in Hollywood than screenwriters. It’s understandable to want to see...
Focus on What’s Important to You
For most writers, success is measured by big events: book sales, great reviews, financially exciting contracts, unexpected sales rankings, a won award. These things are certainly not meaningless, but they’re transitory. They come; they go. They happen; they don’t....
The Necessary Shape of a Story
We all have to anchor our stories to get the best responses from readers, and one of the best ways to do that is to establish a clear beginning, middle, and end. How you go about it, whether you outline or not, is your business. How it turns out is the readers’...
Recent Interviews, Features, and Media Appearances
Clay Stafford’s Writers’ Podcast is a monthly podcast featuring bestselling authors, professional agents, editors, publishers, publicists, attorneys, and the leading voices in the publishing industry. Host Clay Stafford leads candid conversations that explore the craft, business, and creative journeys behind today’s most compelling voices in storytelling.
This podcast dives deep into the essential aspects of a writer’s life—craft, creativity, career, and community—providing insights and strategies to help you thrive in all areas of your creative journey.
Podcast Episodes
Clay Stafford and Chris Grabenstein on Writing, School Visits, and Building a Career as an Author
In this candid conversation, Chris Grabenstein shares his journey from a seventh grade teacher predicting his future as a writer to acting in theater, moving to New York City with a typewriter and seven suitcases, and ultimately building a successful writing career....
Killer Nashville — A Global Community of Storytellers
In 2006, Clay founded the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference—now recognized as the premier forum for all genres incorporating mystery, thriller, suspense, action, and/or romance.
The conference brings together writers, forensic experts, industry leaders, and readers, creating a collaborative environment where careers are built and stories find their way to publication.
Killer Nashville Magazine
Killer Nashville Magazine is an award-winning publication dedicated to mystery, thriller, suspense, action, and romantic suspense storytelling. Under Clay Stafford’s leadership, the magazine showcases emerging and established voices and plays an active role in shaping conversations within the publishing community.
Selections from Killer Nashville Magazine have appeared in The Best Mystery Stories of the Year and The Best American Mystery Stories anthologies, an acknowledgment of the publication’s growing influence and editorial excellence.
Killer Nashville University — Education for Serious Writers
Chosen as one of Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers
Featuring over a thousand hours of instruction from industry professionals and award-winning storytellers.
Killer Nashville University is a growing library of professional instruction designed to help writers build lasting careers. Curated by Clay Stafford, the platform offers lectures, interviews, and training sessions by experienced professionals across publishing, film, and storytelling.
Each session is designed to move writers beyond inspiration and into action, providing practical knowledge that strengthens craft, sharpens strategy, and builds long-term success.
Engaging. Insightful. Grounded in Real Experience.
4 Million Copies Sold • 16 Languages • 1M+ Live Audience Members
“We are proud to have you on the Army Team.”
– Gary L. Anderson, Department of the Army, U.S. Department of Defense
Speaking formats include:
- Keynote speeches
- Interactive workshops
- Half- and full-day intensives
- Custom-designed programs