Author Interview Shorts

Clay Stafford Interviews Thomas Perry: On Rushing the Ending

Bestselling author Thomas Perry shares the most common craft mistake mystery writers make: rushing the ending. In this clip with Clay Stafford, he explains why accomplished writers build toward an inevitable conclusion and how skipping proper setup can weaken a story.

Clay Stafford Interviews James Comey: on Writing Real World Controversy

How do you write real world controversy without turning it into propaganda? Clay Stafford asks the legendary James Comey how he approaches ethical gray areas in fiction. Comey explains why the most powerful stories come from lived experience, conflicting values, and questions with no easy answers. When writers explore both sides of a moral conflict, tension deepens, characters feel real, and the story stays honest.

Clay Stafford Interviews Lauren Myracle on Rewriting

Rewriting can quietly kill a scene if you’re not careful. Clay Stafford and Lauren Myracle talk about the moment when revision turns spontaneous writing into something dull and lifeless. Lauren shares why sometimes the fix is not polishing harder, but throwing the scene out entirely, letting go of what no longer works, and rebuilding with stronger plot and purpose. Knowing when to cut is part of becoming a better writer.

Clay Stafford Interviews Charles Todd: Avoid Info Dumps

Charles Todd joins Clay Stafford to discuss how writers choose which research details to include and which to leave out. Todd explains why avoiding information dumps matters, how backstory should emerge through character perspective, and why dialogue helps keep stories moving forward.

Clay Stafford Interviews James Comey on Creating Intense Conflict

Clay Stafford sits with James Comey to discuss how writers can create intense conflict between characters without flattening one side into a villain. Comey explains why he grounds scenes in lived experience, visualizing real interactions to capture the emotional truth on both sides. Drawing from moments he has actually lived through helps him write fiction that feels balanced, human, and believable.

Clay Stafford Interviews Otto Penzler on the Biggest Mistake Mystery Writers Make

Legendary editor Otto Penzler shares the most common mistake writers make when crafting mysteries: rushing the ending. In this clip with Clay Stafford, he explains why great stories build toward an inevitable conclusion and how newer writers often skip the crucial setup.

Clay Stafford Interviews James Comey: How Much Closure Should a Story Have?

Bestselling author James Comey talks with Clay Stafford about one of writing’s hardest choices: how much closure to give your readers. From moral ambiguity to satisfying endings, Comey shares insight into crafting powerful conclusions and meeting reader expectations. Perfect for writers, authors, and storytellers looking to strengthen their narrative endings. Read

Clay Stafford Interviews Janelle Brown on Writing Routines and Productivity

In this candid look at productivity, creativity and workflow, bestselling author Janelle Brown shares her real writing routine. From daily word count goals to finding the zone, Janelle talks about writing every day, aiming for 1,000 words, and how momentum can grow to 2,000–4,000 words when inspiration hits.

Clay Stafford Interviews Amulya Malladi On Writing in a Point of View That Isn’t Your Own?

In this clip, Amulya Malladi reflects on the vulnerability and courage required to write from a male perspective for the first time. From researching how men speak and think, to confronting fears, this is an honest look at creative risk, impostor syndrome, and the internal permission writers must give themselves before the work can truly flow.

The conversation touches on:
Writing across gender and identity lines
Doubt, discomfort, and creative courage
The freedom that comes once a character becomes real
For writers, storytellers, and anyone who’s ever wondered “Who am I to write this?”—this one’s for you.

Clay Stafford Interviews David Baldacci: Should You Turn Your Novel Into a Series?

Should you turn a standalone novel into a series just because it’s successful? In this conversation, bestselling author David Baldacci shares honest advice about creative control, passion, and longevity in publishing.

With more than 50 books written, Baldacci explains why writers should trust their gut, avoid repeating themselves, and resist building a career around material that no longer excites them. He discusses:

When (and when not) to turn a standalone into a series
Why passion must drive long-term projects
The danger of writing the “same book” over and over
How to keep characters evolving and stories fresh
Staying out of your comfort zone as a writer

If you’re an aspiring author, novelist, or creative professional navigating traditional publishing, this insight could shape your entire writing career.

Susan Isaacs on Description

In this candid look at productivity, creativity and workflow, bestselling author Janelle Brown shares her real writing routine. From daily word count goals to finding the zone, Janelle talks about writing every day, aiming for 1,000 words, and how momentum can grow to 2,000–4,000 words when inspiration hits.

Characters and Conflict with Lyla Lane

Catch my exclusive interview with the talented Lyla Lane as she delves into the intricacies of character development and the art of crafting compelling conflict in storytelling! Discover insights and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that bring her narratives to life. Don’t miss the full conversation—watch it now on YouTube for an in-depth look at the creative process.

Scott Eden on Turning a Magazine Article Into a Full Length Novel

Join me as I sit down with journalist and author Scott Eden to discuss the moment a single lead becomes a full investigation. What began as a magazine assignment soon revealed layer after layer of unanswered questions surrounding the murder of Tushar Atre.

Within just a couple of phone calls, Scott realized the story couldn’t fit inside a simple article. There were too many threads, too many rumors, too many details waiting to be uncovered. What started as a piece for Inc. Magazine ultimately expanded into a full-length book.

Lyla Lane on Writing Found Family

Some stories aren’t about one hero. They’re about the people who become family along the way.

In this conversation, Lyla Lane shares how the idea of a found family shaped her story from the very beginning. Every character matters. Every voice carries weight. Connections stretch across generations.

Sometimes the heart of a story isn’t a single protagonist. It’s the bond between people who choose each other.

Robyn Harding on Creating Character Goals

I sat down with Bestselling author Robyn Harding to discuss how she creates incredible conflict in all of her stories. She explains how creating big goals for all of her characters can really push a narrative forward.