Interview: Thalia Henry talks about Sorry Rock

Thalia Henry lives in Tāmaki Makaurau and grew up in the coastal town of Karitāne, Otago. Sorry Rock is her second novel. Her debut, Beneath Pale Water, inspired by the South Island high country, won a Gold Award at the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) in the Australia / New Zealand Best Regional Fiction category. Thalia’s work has also appeared in UK and New Zealand anthologies, including Botanical Short Stories (The History Press). She has also developed work for the stage. Thalia talks to NZ Booklovers.

Tell us a little about Sorry Rock.

Sorry Rock is set in Te Henga (Bethells Beach) on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island and in the Northern Territory of Australia. These two contrasting landscapes share an iron-rich geology, creating Te Henga’s striking black sand and the deep red ochre for which the Northern Territory is known.

The story is told through the alternating perspectives of a New Zealand family, though its central protagonist is a teenage boy named Ned. A key theme is the impact of adults’ actions on young people.

What inspired you to write this book?

The title of this work is derived from the term “Sorry Rocks”, sometimes used by tourists to describe rocks taken from Uluru and later returned out of remorse, often accompanied by letters of apology. Learning about these returns reminded me of similar occurrences in Aotearoa New Zealand. I was inspired to write a story that, at its heart, centres on a single rock, but is ultimately about a beachside family who have experienced loss, made mistakes, and are working towards healing.

What research was involved?

Research for Sorry Rock involved locational research and cultural consultation. I visited Alice Springs and Uluru during the earliest drafting stages, then consulted with Aboriginal readers including Emu Lewis (Frank & Co Manuscript Service, Melbourne), Meg Friel (On Time Typing, Editing and Proofreading, Darwin), and Richard King, General Manager of the APY organisation, which represents Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Anangu, the traditional custodians of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

This week, I am looking forward to posting copies of the book to Australia. I am more grateful than I can express to these readers and to the organisations and individuals who made these connections possible. I have done my utmost to ensure the story is as respectful as it can be, particularly in its portrayal of Australia and its communities.

What was your routine or process when writing this book?

When I first started writing this manuscript, I would wake early each morning and write for an hour before cycling to work. I was rigid about this routine, and it helped me maintain momentum. I am a slow writer, and usually this effort would result in between 0 and 400 words a day.

While the first draft was underway, I also had my son, Darby. Writing then became a matter of finding pockets of opportunity wherever I could. I kept the intent of persistence, while letting go of any expectation of structure.

If a soundtrack were made to accompany this book, name a song or two you would include.

Drive by Bic Runga.

If your book were made into a movie, who would you like to see playing the lead characters?

If she were 19 years old, Margaret Qualley could play Alice (she’s the actress from the Netflix series Maid). And New Zealand actress - the talented Kayleigh Haworth would pull off Candice with flair.

I can’t think of any ideas for the two tweenage boy characters (one earnest and the other very cheeky).

What did you enjoy most about writing Sorry Rock?

I always love writing the first draft, when you're free to make mistakes and move through the creative process without worrying too much about everything that will need fixing later. I enjoyed that stage the most, and in the later drafts I particularly appreciated the support and encouragement I received from friends and readers.

What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?

This coming Saturday (8 August), there will be a launch at Time Out Bookstore. The launch space sits at the top of a beautiful rainbow staircase. As Sorry Rock is a very visual story, I've prepared a PowerPoint presentation and a set of sandy-ground complimentary bookmarks.

For me, the moment that brings the most joy is seeing the book for the first time, opening the box, and picking it up as a real object. The cover art is by UK artist Hazel McNab. It is a linocut set in Cornwall that reminds me of Te Henga. If you look closely, you'll notice a small orange rock in the foreground.

The main celebration at the launch will be the opportunity to thank people.

What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?

The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey. Told from the perspective of a magpie, it’s just so unique and wonderful (but also very dark).

What's next on the agenda for you?

This book has taken me nine years to write, and I want to take the chance to reset before rushing into anything new. For now, I'm focusing on promoting the book. I've lined up an author talk at Rānui Library, as well as a creative writing workshop on landscape writing with a memoir group at Titirangi Library. We'll be exploring how place, local settings, and personal connections to the environment can shape creative work. Copies of the book will also be available at the Te Henga Farm Shop.

Who knows what else might come next. It'll be a new journey to figure that out.

Cloud Ink Press

More info at www.thaliahenry.com