Time & Location
Oct 01, 2026, 6:30 PM
Union Ave Books, 517 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA
About the event
KNOXVILLE, TN — September 20, 2026 — The Knoxville Writers Guild will welcome bestselling author, educator, and publishing professional Clay Stafford for its October program, The Architecture of Suspense, an engaging and practical exploration of what keeps readers turning pages.
Stafford is the founder of Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference, Killer Nashville University, and Killer Nashville Magazine, organizations dedicated to supporting writers of mystery, suspense, and other genres. His October presentation will look beyond traditional cliffhangers and plot twists to examine the fundamental elements that create compelling, page-turning stories.
The Architecture of Suspense
Why do readers stay up all night telling themselves, “Just one more chapter”?
According to Stafford, the answer isn't necessarily bigger explosions, shocking twists, or elaborate cliffhangers. It's suspense—and suspense can be created in virtually any kind of story.
During this fast-paced, practical session, Stafford will reveal the underlying principles writers can use to create irresistible curiosity, build tension,…