“Stories have power. And so do you. Let’s create something unforgettable.”

 

Book Clay Now

“Stories have power. And so do you. Let’s create something unforgettable.”

 

Book Clay Now

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

Based in Nashville, TN | Available Worldwide

See Clay in Action

Keynote at Bouchercon

Clay on Your Show

Interview on NBC

When Clay Speaks, Stories Shift—And So Do People.

Clay Stafford is a globally recognized storyteller, educator, and creative visionary whose talks empower audiences to think bigger, create deeper, and lead with purpose. As the founder of the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, publisher of Killer Nashville Magazine, and creator of educational platform Killer Nashville University, Stafford brings real-world experience and enduring relevance to every stage he steps onto.
 
A dynamic speaker with a career that spans film, television, publishing, music, theater, and business, Stafford delivers high-impact keynotes that blend narrative wisdom with sharp, actionable insight. Whether he’s inspiring a room full of writers, consulting with a creative team, or guiding corporate professionals in storytelling strategy, Stafford speaks with clarity, courage, and connection.
 
His storytelling philosophy, rooted in mystery, meaning, and personal transformation, resonates deeply with creatives and professionals alike. Audiences walk away with more than inspiration. They leave with frameworks, tools, and the fire to act. He doesn’t just inform. He moves people forward.
 
As an educator and mentor, Stafford has taught at major universities, co-designed the original film program at Miami Dade College to train film technicians for Florida’s expanding studio system, and guided thousands of writers and creative leaders through workshops, residencies, retreats, and immersive intensives. His expertise in emotional resonance, audience psychology, and market clarity positions him as a rare bridge between art and industry, between heart and strategy.
 
Whether addressing an auditorium, facilitating a masterclass, or joining an intimate panel, Clay Stafford brings story to life and equips others to do the same. His work champions diversity, authenticity, and bold creative vision, making him one of today’s most trusted and transformative voices in the narrative arts.

Audiences Served

  • Writers’ Conferences & Literary Festivals
  • Colleges & Universities (Creative Writing, Film, English, Communications)
  • Professional Development Retreats
  • Creative Entrepreneurs & Thought Leaders
  • Corporate Teams (Storytelling for Brand, Purpose & Leadership)
  • Keynote & Panel Events (In-Person, Virtual, or Hybrid)

Speaking Formats

  • 45–60 Minute Keynote
  • Half-Day Workshops
  • Full-Day Seminars
  • Fireside Chats & Panels
  • Virtual Masterclasses & Keynotes
If your audience needs to reconnect with purpose, rediscover their voice, or reimagine what’s possible through story, Clay Stafford is the speaker they’ve been waiting for.

Clay’s Speaking Clients

Praise from Attendees

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

– Mike Orenduff, award-winning novelist and playwright

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

– J. Carré

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

– R. Holderbaum

“He doesn’t just teach us, but gives us advice on making it in our careers.”

– B. Hughes

“Not a dull moment. Excellent.”

– J. White

More Praise

Signature Talks

For Writers’ Conferences

Layered Writing: How to Keep Readers Turning Pages

Learn how to skillfully layer mystery, thriller, suspense, action, romance, and horror to craft stories that captivate readers from the first page to the last.

The Writer’s Brand: How to Stand Out Without Selling Out

Build an authentic author platform that grows your readership while staying true to your creative voice.

Plotting for Impact: How to Craft Stories That Stay With Readers

Master the art of emotional resonance, unforgettable characters, and cliffhanger plotting to create stories that readers recommend.

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For Corporate Audiences

Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives That Inspire Action

Learn how great fiction’s principles can motivate teams, drive innovation, and lead with authenticity.

Resilience and Reinvention: Lessons from a Creative Career

Discover how creative thinking and strategic adaptation can help individuals and companies thrive in an ever-changing business environment.

Building a Brand That Lasts: What Writers Know About Customer Loyalty

Unlock storytelling secrets that cultivate deep, lasting relationships with clients and audiences.

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For Universities

Write Your Future: Building a Career from Your Passion

Clay Stafford shares how students can turn their creative passions into sustainable, meaningful careers through strategic action and creative courage.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset for Artists and Writers

Learn how blending artistry and business acumen leads to financial stability and creative fulfillment.

Failure Is Part of the Story: Lessons in Growth, Grit, and Greatness

A frank, inspiring talk on how embracing rejection and setbacks can forge resilience and success in any field.

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For Publishing Professionals

The Future of Storytelling: How Writers and Publishers Can Win Together

Explore how new formats, cross-platform branding, and audience-first thinking are shaping the next generation of publishing success.

Cultivating Author Brands: Beyond the Book Deal

How publishers can help authors build sustainable platforms and multi-project careers that benefit both sides of the industry.

Genre Fusion: The New Frontier for Bestsellers

How blending mystery, thriller, romance, suspense, action, and horror is creating the breakout books of tomorrow.

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For Creative Entrepreneurs

IP is the Future: How to Build, Own, and Expand Your Story Empire

Learn how to think like a creative entrepreneur, building properties that can become books, courses, podcasts, films, and more.

Turning Passion Into Profit: The Creative’s Guide to Diversification

Clay breaks down how writers and artists can expand from one core idea into multiple products, audiences, and revenue streams.

Building Your Legacy: Why Creating Matters More Than Ever

A powerful talk about how entrepreneurs can focus on creating value that outlasts trends—and leaves a lasting impact on the world.

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For Writers

Beyond the Book Deal: How to Think Like a Career Author

A must-hear session for writers who want more than just a book deal—they want a sustainable, successful creative career.

The 7 Pitfalls Every Writer Faces—and How to Overcome Them

Every writer faces invisible traps that can derail their career. Clay Stafford reveals the seven most common—and exactly how to overcome them.

Truth, Lies, and Redemption: What Thrillers Reveal About the Human Heart

Clay Stafford explores how thrillers reveal the struggles between truth, deception, and redemption—timeless battles within every human heart.
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For All Audiences

Success Story: Building a Life That Lasts

Clay Stafford shares how lasting success isn’t built on talent alone—it’s built on mindset, meaning, strategy, purpose, and resilience that endures.

Creativity as a Path to Meaning and Success

Clay Stafford reveals why creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s a crucial tool for building resilience, meaning, and success in today’s world.

Finding Your Story: How Ordinary Lives Create Extraordinary Impact

Clay Stafford shows how every life holds an extraordinary story—and how discovering yours can create lasting meaning and impact.

The Power of Persistence and Grace in a Fast-Paced World

Clay Stafford shares how persistence, patience, and grace—not speed—build true success and lasting fulfillment in today’s fast-moving world.

What Crime Fiction Teaches Us About Justice and Humanity

Clay Stafford explores how crime fiction reveals deeper truths about justice, resilience, and the moral choices that shape real lives.

The Anatomy of a Mystery: How to Live with Curiosity

Clay Stafford reveals how the art of mystery teaches us to lead, work, and live with greater curiosity, creativity, and courage.
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Media Praise

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

– The Atlanta Journal Constitution

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

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

“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 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

“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

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

– WXIA-TV, Atlanta

More Praise

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