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.

 

Welcome Press

Download Clay’s Bio:
Available in short (50 words), medium (100 words), and full (250 words) lengths.

Media Contact:
Tricia Hedman
Ollie Media
tricia [at] olliemedia (dot) com

Based in Nashville, TN | Available Worldwide

Clay on Your Show

Interview on NBC

This page provides media resources, biographical materials, and contact information for journalists, producers, and event organizers.

Clay Stafford is a bestselling author, award-winning filmmaker, and international keynote speaker whose work explores human resilience, identity, and the power of storytelling. With nearly four million books sold and translations in sixteen languages, his career spans novels, screenplays, stage plays, essays, poetry, and nonfiction, each recognized for its strong narrative structure, emotional depth, and audience engagement.

As a storyteller working across media, Stafford develops mysteries, thrillers, and dramatic narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. His work spans the page, screen, and stage and is known for its clarity of structure and emotional resonance.

As a filmmaker and producer, Stafford has collaborated with major studios, including Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal, as well as with networks such as ABC, CBS, and NBC. As a publishing consultant, he has worked with Rutledge Hill Press, Thomas Nelson Publishers, and other respected organizations. Publishers Weekly, Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair), and the American Booksellers Association have recognized him as “One of the Top 40 North American publishing industry professionals to watch.”

A respected educator and publishing thought leader, Stafford holds an M.F.A. in writing and film production. He co-designed Miami Dade College’s original film program and founded the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, which The Writer Magazine named the #1 writers’ conference in the United States. He also founded Killer Nashville University and publishes Killer Nashville Magazine.

Stafford is a frequent interview guest, keynote speaker, and creative advisor, appearing at major universities, industry events, and international conferences. His work focuses on storytelling strategy, publishing insight, and creative leadership.

Clay Stafford is available for interviews, podcast appearances, television segments, and panel discussions worldwide.

When not writing or speaking, he enjoys exploring the outdoors with his family across the southeastern United States.

Quick Facts

  • Nearly 4 million books sold worldwide
  • Translated into 16 languages
  • Founder of Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, named the #1 Writers’ Conference in the U.S. by The Writer Magazine
  • Collaborated with Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, ABC, CBS, and NBC
  • Founder of Killer Nashville University
  • Publisher of Killer Nashville Magazine
  • M.F.A. in Writing and Film Production
  • 400k audience visibility across social media platforms 

Clay Stafford Headshots

Click any image below to download high-resolution headshots for print and digital use:

Suggested Interview Topics

Clay Stafford is available to discuss storytelling, publishing, and creative leadership across industries. Popular interview topics include:

  • The Psychology of Suspense: Why Readers Keep Turning Pages
  • Storytelling Across Mediums: Writing for Page, Screen, and Stage
  • Building a Sustainable Creative Career
  • The Future of Publishing and Storytelling
  • How Story Shapes Leadership and Communication
  • Creating Stories That Resonate Across Genres
  • Resilience and Reinvention in Creative Work

Booking Inquiries: Tricia Hedman / Ollie Media tricia [at] olliemedia (dot) com

Clay Stafford is based in Nashville, TN, North Georgia, Santa Rosa Beach, FL | Available Worldwide