Clay Stafford

Award-Winning Author | Filmmaker | Speaker | Educator

Empowering Writers. Creating Stories That Matter.

 

Clay Stafford

Award-Winning Author | Filmmaker | Speaker | Educator

Empowering Writers. Creating Stories That Matter.

 

Praise for Clay's Speaking

Media

“Stafford has no shortage of material…ever the Renaissance man.”

The Atlanta Journal Constitution

“Clay Stafford plays ‘an essential role in defining which books become bestsellers’ not only in middle-Tennessee, but also extending ‘beyond the city limits and into the nation’s book culture.’”

Publishers Weekly

“One of the Top 40 North American publishing industry professionals to watch!”

Publishers Weekly, Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair), American Booksellers Association

“Talented! It’s hard to categorize him. He’s a screenwriter, plus he’s a producer, director, actor, author. Clay has worked all sides of the moviemaking and TV process.”

WAMB Radio

“If Clay Stafford were to put all of his titles on a single business card, that card would be the size of a movie poster.”

Dean Rotbart / Monday Morning Memo

“Clay Stafford has done it all. He’s a successful actor, writer, director, and producer.”

WXIA-TV, Atlanta

Attendees

“Clay Stafford is one of my favorite speakers. I enjoy his experience and very practical advice. Very encouraging.”

A. Johnson

“Clay Stafford’s guidance has been invaluable. His ability to connect with his audience is truly remarkable.”

D. Nguyen

“The Creative Quiet Mind course has opened creative vistas for me that I previously thought impossible, and reminded me of areas of creativity that have long been dormant in my life. It is the beginning of a new phase of my journey.”

M. Cox

“Wonderful! Full of information and enthusiasm. Clay Stafford was one of my favorite speakers. Thank you for having him!”

J. Carré

“Attending Clay Stafford’s workshop was a turning point in my career. His advice is both practical and inspiring.”

B. Lee

“Clay Stafford stirred my thoughts as well as my emotions. I had forgotten to ask myself questions like where I was going and wanted to go, who I was, and who I was becoming. The last thing I thought was that writing could be so closely related to what makes up who we are and how we cope with ourselves, as well as our surroundings. What do you call it when you meet someone who was born to teach others? I call it ‘Clay Stafford’.”

P. Gonzalez

“Not a dull moment. Excellent.”

J. White

“You not only learn the basics, you learn about the business and the philosophy of life that goes with it. That, I consider, is very important.”

M. Scott

“I left Clay Stafford’s seminar feeling empowered and ready to tackle new challenges. His expertise is unparalleled.”

C. Patel

“In one conversation, Clay taught me more about script writing than I had learned reading four books.”

Mike Orenduff, award-winning novelist and playwright

“Anyone can learn anything from this guy! He’s great!”

R. Holderbaum

“What more could you ask, he gave of himself.”

S. Smartt

“Clay Stafford was very informative. His advice opened my eyes. Thanks!”

D. Hood

Organizations

“A great source of advice and information, a tremendous addition to your team”

Cynthia Payo, Hollywood Pictures/Walt Disney Motion Picture Group

“Clay shares valuable knowledge that certainly benefits.”

Greer Carlisle, Senior Vice-President, First Horizon Bank

“A man with many talents, Clay’s warm, pleasant personality relates well with others and enhances his ability to be a team player or a team leader. Self-motivated, dedicated to his career, intelligent, well-organized, paying close attention to detail, Clay’s skills in creativity, communication, organization, and management make him an excellent member of any production team.”

John Whitesell, Vice President, Warner Bros International Television Distribution

“We are very happy to recommend the services of Clay Stafford as an instructor and seminar leader. Always professional. We have enjoyed our relationship with Clay and are confident that you will too. Clay has been consistently cooperative and willing to work with our staff within the parameters of our department and has correspondingly been sensitive to our particular objectives. He is easy to work with and attuned to our specific needs. The courses Clay has taught have been well-organized and outlined in syllabus format. All courses have been well-received by his students with many taking additional courses on different subjects with him in future semesters. Several of his students came from word-of-mouth referrals from previous students. That is the best recommendation of all.”

Ginny Reese, University of Tennessee

“Clay Stafford’s preparation and knowledge of his topics are superior. Clay has the ability to present materials in a way that grasps the listener’s attention. You will be highly satisfied with the results.”

Jane Tyler, Board Member, Williamson County Arts Council

“I commend Clay Stafford for the terrific, professional presentation. His address and follow-on workshop were the highlights of the conference. He captivated the audience. He literally had them rolling in the aisles with his humorous anecdotes. The extra personal attention he gave was exemplary. I really appreciate his willingness to visit with members of the group individually for several hours after his speech. He is obviously excited about the message he has to share, and has a wonderful ability to transmit that excitement as well as understanding to an audience. We are proud to have him on the Army Team and look forward to working with him again.”

Gary L. Anderson, Department of the Army, U.S. Department of Defense

“The comments received from the audience were positive and inspiring. I believe that everyone walked away with a better understanding of how the mind works and how they can learn to focus on how to discover their own niche in this complex world we live in today. Clay Stafford’s organization of material and use of various references he quoted made his presentation come alive for the audience. Our thanks to him for his insight into a very complex subject.”

Ray Brooks, Financial Executives Institute

“Mr. Stafford wrote and produced several outstanding series, including the extremely successful Bonsai series through The Clay Stafford Company, released by PBS. Clay worked in every aspect of production from writing scripts, to directing, to producing, to showrunning, to editing. Clay is a professional in every sense and working with him is always a pleasure. Clay is talented, knowledgeable and conscientious. Working with interns from South Florida high schools and universities, Clay demonstrated his teaching skills with excellent communication and great patience! I highly recommend Clay Stafford as an asset to any organization.”

Sandra Dempsey Coakley, PBS producer and bestselling romance author

“It is difficult to imagine an individual better suited to be a working member of the entertainment community.”

Liz Ramirez, Universal Studios / Hanna-Barbera Studios

“Clay is an expert in screenwriting and an outstanding candidate for any work in the media. Clay’s work is excellent and certainly on equal footing with the best. Clay’s work is both disciplined and imaginative and always reflects his usual enthusiasm for whatever task he is accomplishing. He’s also a fine teacher with a sincere concern for his students, coupled with enthusiasm and hard work. I can recommend Mr. Stafford without reservation.”

Anthony T. Allegro, Cinematographer / Writer-Director-Producer Finding Chopin: The Paris Years, professor, University of Miami

“Clay Stafford’s knowledge of and experience in the industry is extensive. I was quite impressed by the substance of Clay’s work. Clay was extremely helpful as a consultant, reviewing curriculum and generating innovative ideas for instruction. Clay produced an extensive document on curriculum for the full four-course production series in film, complete with strategies, resources and evaluation methods. It was very well thought out and will be used to elevate the quality of courses taught in the Wolfson School. I found him to be a delight to work with. Our exchanges were stimulating—he always got me to entertain a new perspective. There are actually many roles Clay could fill adeptly. Clay has an infectious enthusiasm that would motivate students and generate energy among other faculty. Clay is quite polished and articulate. Clay would make an excellent faculty member. Clay was completely reliable and, in fact, delivered more than was expected. I take great pleasure in recommending Clay Stafford.”

Kandell Bentley-Baker, Miami Dade College / Florida International University

“Clay is just a great guy! His energy amazes me.”

Debbi Mack / Crime Café

Praise for Clay's Writing

“✩✩✩✩✩ Clay Stafford has rewritten a classic… better than the original.” – BN.com

BN.com

“Excelling in writing, producing, and directing, Clay Stafford is creative, talented, a great source of advice and information, and a tremendous addition to any team.”

Cynthia Payo, Hollywood Pictures / Walt Disney Studios

“It is difficult to imagine an individual better suited to be a working member of the entertainment community.”

Liz Ramirez, Universal Studios / Hanna-Barbera Studios

“Talented! It’s hard to categorize him. He’s a screenwriter, plus he’s a producer, director, actor, author. Clay has worked all sides of the moviemaking and TV process.”

WAMB Radio

“This book is fantastic! If you love murder mysteries and action thrillers and also love country music and Nashville and Hot Chicken then this is the book for you!”

Neil Armstrong

“Stafford has no shortage of material…ever the Renaissance man.”

The Atlanta Journal / The Atlanta Journal Constitution

“Murder, mayhem, and mystery! Filled with suspense, sizzle and startling twists. I loved it!”

Lisa Jackson, New York Times Bestselling Author

“An excellent member of any production team.”

John Whitesell, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. International Television Distribution

“Clay Stafford has done it all. He’s a successful actor, writer, director, and producer.”

WXIA-TV, Atlanta

“Clay is a very dedicated, hardworking and intelligent man. As a producer, director, writer, and showrunner, he is highly motivated and improves the quality of any project or organization with which he is associated. He is personable and outgoing and I would highly recommend his inclusion on any work team.”

Laurel C. Long, PBS

“A testament of bravery & courage.”

Glen Casada, Tennessee State Representative

“This is a book to keep by your bedside for those nighttime short story cravings”

Publishers Weekly

“The fun and excitement never stop.”

Paul Ryan KNBC-TV, Los Angeles

“One of the top 10 Nashville literary leaders playing ‘an essential role in defining which books become bestsellers’ not only in middle-Tennessee, but also extending ‘beyond the city limits and into the nation’s book culture.’”

Publishers Weekly

“The best-edited anthology I’ve read in awhile. I love short stories, and these were just right. Highly recommended for mystery lovers.”

Virginia E. Johnson

“A great work, especially worthy of remembering.”

U.S. Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn

“A roller-coaster ride of emotions.”

KUAM-TV, Dededo, Guam