
Killer Nashville Magazine • Non-Fiction
Craft Articles
Creative Nonfiction
Interviews
Bestselling author Thomas Perry shares insights with Clay Stafford on writing emotionally layered, fiercely self-reliant characters—like Jane Whitefield—while avoiding info dumps, writing sharp dialogue, and building unforgettable protagonists that feel real from the first page.
Andrew Klavan shares how his love of classic cinema and storytelling discipline fuels his fast-paced thrillers, revealing how action, character, and inner life intertwine in his fiction.
Cal Newport, bestselling author and professor, challenges the “follow your passion” narrative by offering a compelling alternative: build rare and valuable skills to gain career capital. In this candid interview with Clay Stafford, Newport discusses how focused, deep work—not social media or instant gratification—leads to a meaningful and sustainable writing career.
In this conversation, Joyce Carol Oates reflects on her new collection Flint Kill Creek, the evolving political relevance of her historical novel Butcher, and her enduring drive to experiment across genres. With insight into her writing process, teaching philosophy, and thoughts on literary career-building, Oates offers rare wisdom for writers navigating both inspiration and discipline.
Callan Wink talks about the winding journey to publishing Beartooth, the balance of writing part-time while guiding anglers in Montana, and why it's okay to put a manuscript in the drawer—just not forever.
Heather Graham joins Clay Stafford for a candid conversation about the business side of writing—from handling finances and choosing representation to navigating social media and protecting rights. With wit and wisdom, Heather shares lessons learned across her prolific career and offers invaluable advice to emerging writers.
Bestselling author Abbott Kahler joins Clay Stafford to discuss the intense research and writing process behind her new true crime book Eden Undone, sharing practical advice for writers of nonfiction and fiction alike—including the role of Scrivener, outlining, and writing techniques that bring history to life.
Sara Paretsky, trailblazing creator of V.I. Warshawski and founder of Sisters in Crime, talks with Clay Stafford about writing with purpose, amplifying unheard voices, and navigating complex social issues without losing narrative power—or hope.
Bestselling thriller authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson—known collectively as Andrews & Wilson—discuss their journey from solo careers to a powerhouse writing team. In this candid conversation, they reveal their creative process, how they manage co-authoring, and advice for writers considering collaboration.
Clay Stafford sits down with locked-room mystery author Tom Mead to discuss the intricacies of writing seemingly impossible crimes, the influence of stage magic and the Golden Age of detective fiction, and how modern readers can engage with this classic and complex genre.
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