Page 47 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL5

led by the late author Rong Wong- sawan. I later realized that every book is useful. We only need to learn whatever we can from each.When did you change from being a critic to a novel writer?I wrote literary reviews for 17 years. When Kukrit Pramoj, the found- er of Siam Rath, passed away, I moved to write for Sakulthai maga- zine. Supat Sawatdirak, the editor, urged me to write a novel. I started with short stories.My first novel published in Sakulthai was Baan Rai Duangjai Rak. I wrote 19 episodes at once and the day after 20 episodes. Working as a literary critic helped me under- stand the process of novel writing and how to create an interesting character. I learned through reading and experience.Your husband, Sitthichai Sangkrajang (Dolsith Bangkom- bang), is a respected literary trans- lator who translates classics and long and difficult novels. How does he support your writing?Support in the case of reading. I can’t help Sitthichai in his translation work, but I‘ve been inspired by books he has translated. Sitthichai’s readers are not mainstream readers. He always selects interesting but difficult books to translate. He plays an important role to me as a critic. He reads and criticizes my work. He loves saying this part is weird, this part is funny. Nonetheless, he approves of my work and I appreciate his acknowledgement.You can get along well with both progressive and conservative writ- ers. How do you combine different ideas and create your own?It happens naturally. I used to read romance novels and then had a chance to read novels written by progressive writers. I enjoyed attending studentvolunteer camps held upcountry. When writing, I follow the old style of romance novels and add new ideas. Ruengdej Chantarakiri, a veteran editor, once told me that our society lacks a middle person. There are lots of extremists on the left and right. I volunteer myself as one.I stay close to many respected writers such as Supat Sawatdirak, Krisna Asokesin and Khunying Kulasap Ketmankit. I feel that I can’t say anything to harm their reputations. I learned how they work and how they think. I learned about their backgrounds and realized the reasons behind the writing. On the other hand,my sisters and many young writers were arrested on political charges. I understand people on both sides. I want both to be friends. My books are for both sides.Are you interested in art as well? I once met you by chance at a mu- seum in the US.Only visiting. At that time I helped Professor Jetana Nakvachara on a research project, “Poetry: Intellectual power in contemporary society”. Due to the project, I had an opportunity to learn more about different types of art such as decoration, music and performing arts. Prof Jetana conduct-Elite+ 45