“Stories have power. So do you. Let’s tell yours.”

 

INVITE CLAY TO SPEAK

“Stories have power. So do you. Let’s tell yours.”

 

INVITE CLAY TO SPEAK

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

“We are proud to have you on the Army Team.”

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

Real-World Insight That Moves Stories—and the People Who Tell Them

Clay Stafford is a globally recognized storyteller, educator, entrepreneur, and creative leader whose presentations help audiences think strategically, communicate clearly, and create lasting work. As founder of the Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, publisher of Killer Nashville Magazine, and creator of Killer Nashville University, he brings decades of real-world experience across publishing, film, television, stage, and professional education.

Stafford delivers high-impact keynotes and multi-day workshops that blend narrative insight with practical strategy. He has taught at major universities, co-designed the original film program at Miami Dade College, consulted with publishers and studios, and guided more than one million writers and creative professionals worldwide.

Programs Designed for Real-World Impact

Audiences Served

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

Speaking Formats

  • 10–60 Minute Keynotes
  • Half-Day Workshops
  • Full-Day Seminars
  • Fireside Conversations & Panel Discussions
  • Virtual Masterclasses & Keynotes
INVITE CLAY TO SPEAK

Organizations That Have Hosted Clay Stafford

From international conferences to universities, corporations, and professional organizations, Clay Stafford has delivered presentations that help audiences communicate more clearly, think more strategically, and lead with storytelling.

Praise from Attendees

Feedback from conference organizers, educators, and participants who have experienced Clay Stafford’s presentations firsthand.

“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

Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives That Inspire Action

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Additional programs and customized presentations are available to meet audience needs.
INVITE CLAY TO SPEAK

Media Praise

Selected recognition from national media outlets, industry publications, and professional organizations for Clay Stafford’s work in storytelling, publishing, and creative leadership.

“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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