The Write Stuff

Sudarampai Soonthornrangsri writes a Sudsapda magazine column called "Love Expert" and Thossapol Sanunwong pens another feature called "Make-up Story".

Both say they express their personal views and attitudes in their columns rather than doing traditional reporting. But they add that they do enough research to make sure their opinions are grounded in fact.

"I don't go out for interviews, then come back [to the office] to transcribe the tape and write," says Sudarampai who has been working as a freelance columnist for Sudsapda for two years.

"It's an independent work in a way," she says, because she doesn't have to go to the office and can choose her working hours to write her "Love Expert" column.

But it's not entirely an independent job, says Thossapol, a make-up artist by trade.

"I'm constantly looking for information and spend a lot of time writing and polishing before deadlines," Thossapol says. "While I don't have to go to the office and can choose my working hours, I still must work."

Shouldering responsibility, looking for material and doing researching are essential skills for columnists.

"A columnist can't fabricate stories," says Sudarampai.

"Every word appearing in your column is your responsibility. They can be interpreted incorrectly if they aren't clear and you don't write precisely."

Columnists are held to the same ethical standards as reporters.

"You must be sincere and truthful," Sudarampai says, adding that she can't simply write whatever she wants when responding to readers' letters.

She discusses topics with psychologists and writes in a manner that addresses people who are experienced in love as well as those who are inexperienced.

"Talking to different kinds of people raises different perspectives about love," says Sudarampai.

Columnists have different writing styles and structures. Sudarampai says a columnist's voice differentiates him or her from the other writers in the magazine or field and helps attract readers.

"I use strong and direct language in my column. It sounds rough and harsh, but makes my writing unique," Sudarampai says.

She adds that a columnist shouldn't write in a predictable fashion.

"It kills readers' curiosity and makes them bored."

And, a good columnist knows his or her audience.

"Always remember who your readers are, their age and gender, when writing your column," she advises.

Thai writers often don't earn much.

Thossapol says beginning columnists earn Bt1,000 or less for a brief article.

"It depends on a columnist's speciality and the length of the column," he says. Thossapol has been working part-time as a columnist for one year.

Both Sudarampai and Thossapol earn Bt2,000 for their columns, which run about half a page in the magazine.

"It's not a lot, but enough for me," says Sudarampai, whose fulltime gig is working as a public-relations director for Leo Burnett. "I feel happy to share knowledge and experience with the readers."

Beginning columnists often have a hard time landing jobs and initially have their work rejected. Time management can be a problem; some people don't have the personal drive of the ideas. And many feel the anxiety as the deadline approaches.

"There are lots of new columnists these days, but don't be discouraged. Just have fun when writing," Thossapol says. "Be open to new ideas, find your style and don't give up easily."

Sudarampai says the way to land a job is to submit your work.

"Don't wait for the chance. Just go and grab it. Study the magazine. Learn its style and submit your work. Magazine editors love to have new writers presenting their ideas."

By Nisanuch Doungto

Special to The Nation