Adventures From a Life of Writing: Finding Success in Journalism, Politics, and Entertainment

A Princeton Writes Dinner Conversation with Joe Seldner, former creative director for actor Tom Hanks and former chief speechwriter for New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine

Just how transferrable are writing skills? Can a good journalist be a good speechwriter? Can an opinion writer cover hard news? Is good academic writing at odds with good creative writing? Join Joe Seldner, a writer for all seasons, for a discussion of these and other questions.

Joe Seldner has wielded his pen in a wide range of fields. A Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist, he has produced movies for HBO and others, served as creative director for actor Tom Hanks and as chief speechwriter for former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, and influenced public perceptions as an opinion writer during a 30-year career. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Magazine, and dozens of other publications. He has been a regular blogger for the Huffington Post and other platforms, as well as a senior communications advisor for various private and public organizations and individuals. He holds an MBA from Yale and degrees in journalism and psychology from Columbia.