By Chase Waite, Staff Reporter
The best writing advice the author J. Michael Straczynski ever received came from the late television producer Rod Serling, the legendary host of The Twilight Zone anthology series.
“Never let them stop you from telling the story you want to tell.” The other piece of advice, Straczynski recalled, was to “cut every third adjective” – though, he admits he’s still working on that today.
Persistence was the key theme of Straczynski’s talk on Apr. 11, when he was hosted by the CSUDH English Department as the featured speaker of the 2024 Patricia Eliet Memorial Lecture Series. For the past four decades, Straczynski has enchanted audiences as a playwright, comic book writer, screenwriter, journalist, and television showrunner – just to name a few gigs. He has spun webs for Marvel Comics’ Amazing Spider-Man series and smashed box offices with the fabled hammer of Thor, and now, he wants the next generation of writers and creators to know they can make worlds their own, too.
“Every single one of you can be whatever you choose to be, and no matter what, I want all of you to get up and keep fighting because each one of you here stands out,” said Straczynski in his opening address to the audience inside the Loker Student Union Ballroom.
Straczynski’s writing has been lauded by critics for its depth, creativity, and intricate storytelling. During his visit to CSUDH, he wanted people to know that grit and the determination to succeed despite obstacles can make all the difference in life.
English professor Randy Cauthen said he wanted Straczynski for this year’s Lecture Series because The New York Times best-selling author has always been forthright and committed to the craft.
“He is just such a true character, and he really just doesn’t let anyone bother him,” Cauthen said. “He doesn’t much care for rules, and he’s an icon for me in terms of how hard he works and how many different challenges he takes on for himself.”
Straczynski’s relationship with “the rules” has never been a good one. As a student at San Diego State University in the mid-1970s, he bluffed his way into two writing courses taught by the late writer Norman Corwin, known as the “Poet Laureate of Radio.” Although he risked expulsion, Straczynski’s gamble paid off and Corwin would become a lifelong friend and mentor. For Straczynski, it was an early lesson in the value of taking risks.
“I don’t know what I would have done if I wasn’t in Norman’s class,” Straczynski recalled. “He made me the best writer I could be, and even though I was a student in his class, as a teacher assistant, I could have never learned more values in my life.”
After leaving SDSU, landed gigs as a writer for some of the 1980s most iconic animated series, including He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and The Real Ghostbusters. Working on these projects boosted his confidence, enough for him to take another risk and contact the late science fiction writer Harlan Ellison. According to Straczynski, it wasn’t exactly the warmest interaction.
“Harlan always left his number in his books, and I called it one day, like, and bleep, the phone answers and he shouts, ‘yeah, what do you want?” Straczynski said. “I asked one of the worst questions of, ‘what can I do to be a better writer?’, and he told me, ‘don’t write shit’.”
Like Corwin, Ellison and Straczynski would become close friends. Straczynski told Ellison later that the phone call made him reevaluate his career.
When writing for film and television, Straczynski explained that the key was to focus on a character.
“I want to see, feel, hear, and understand my character for any story I want to write,” Straczynski said. “This is how you make it work, and this is what makes the writer come out of anyone’s shy soul.”
That tip helped Straczynski a lot when he landed gigs writing for some of Marvel’s most popular characters, including Spider-Man and Thor.
Straczynski started writing for Spider-Man in 2001, and he is regarded by some critics as one of the most influential in the character’s long history. During his tenure, Straczynski explored the personal life of Peter Parker, Spider-Man’s true identity. He also introduced new storylines and characters that helped to revitalize the franchise.
For the legendary “God of Thunder,” he dived deep into Norse mythology to redefine the character for a new generation of readers. His work would influence how Thor was later portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film franchise.
“I felt I cared less about what people wanted to see than rather what I want them to see,” Straczynski said. “These heroes had more potential than they already established, and I wanted the audience to see them in a whole new shape, which would lead to them falling in love with the characters even more.”
Third-year history student Janice Jean called Straczynski an “amazing writer,” and she was thrilled that he stopped by CSUDH to share his story with the Toro Nation.
“I know how much he has gone through and he desired his flowers,” Jean said. “I couldn’t be happier that Dominguez Hills got him to come and visit.”
Straczynski concluded the presentation by answering a question from The Bulletin regarding the most effective way to connect with an audience.
“Look in different perspectives and take away your ego from the story,” Straczynski advised. “Asking for help can also guide you into becoming better, and any critics are there to help you write and speak in a more authentic manner.”
