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
INSERTING NATURAL ACTION INTO A SCENE
One of the fastest ways to inject life into a scene is action. Not noise. Not chaos. Action. Few tools change a scene’s energy as quickly as a sudden physical altercation: a shove, a punch, a grab, a chair tipping backward. Used correctly, a physical altercation...
WRITE DIALOGUE ACTORS CAN SAY NATURALLY
One of the most important lessons a writer can learn about writing good dialogue, especially dialogue meant for actors to speak, is simple: dialogue must sound natural when spoken. Dialogue, if properly written, isn’t found on the page; it’s found in the air, spoken...
ACCOUNTABILITY BEGINS WITH INTENTION
Most people think about accountability only after a project begins—such as showing up, meeting deadlines, providing progress reports, and doing check-ins to gauge your status. They consider the consequences if you fail to show up. But true accountability doesn’t start...
Recent Interviews, Features, and Media Appearances
Killer Nashville — A Global Community of Storytellers
In 2006, Clay founded the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference—now recognized as one of the most respected gatherings of writers and publishing professionals worldwide.
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