Boat Harbour author Judy Parkinson has recently released her fourth novel, The Sinkhole, a psychological thriller set in contemporary Sydney with intriguing flashbacks to the 1960s and 1970s. The novel centers on Lucille Wainwright, a woman who has lost 59 years of memory and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her past—only to discover information that threatens both herself and those around her.
Parkinson’s latest work follows her previous novels, Krystal, An Uncommon Alliance, and Missing in Red. Known for her vivid character-driven storytelling, she draws inspiration from both the beauty of her surroundings in Boat Harbour and the challenges of chronic insomnia.
In discussing her creative process, Parkinson revealed that her fascination with memory loss stems from the short story of Rip Van Winkle, a character who sleeps for 20 years. She compares Lucille’s amnesia to a similar form of long-term sleep, offering readers a poignant exploration of identity and the danger of unearthing forgotten truths.
Reflecting on her writing career, Parkinson shared that her passion for storytelling began at a young age. She recalls writing stories at the age of seven, capturing the words as they came to her. By age 11, she was already immersed in essay writing and enjoyed expressing her creativity through the written word.
In her 30s, Parkinson expanded her skills by joining a writing group and exploring scriptwriting for television. She successfully completed two full-length movie scripts, including Who Needs Enemies?, which was optioned by JP International Productions, though the project was ultimately canceled.
After a brief hiatus from writing, Parkinson turned to novel writing, where she continues to focus on crafting complex, realistic characters. “I try to make my characters real and diverse by putting myself into their skins when I write their dialogue,” she explained. “A writer must do more than just describe how they look—their actions add to the substance of their characters.”
For aspiring writers, Parkinson offers candid advice: “Don’t ever think you’ll be rich. It’s a very competitive field with thousands of writers trying to get their books published. The only motive you must have is your love of writing. Nothing else. There are disappointments that even the most prestigious writers have faced. Getting a traditional publisher is like finding the pot of gold. Most authors self-publish these days, which isn’t easy and requires a lot of patience. Writing the novel is the easy part; publishing and marketing are the hard parts.”
Parkinson’s The Sinkhole is now available for readers seeking a thought-provoking psychological thriller that delves deep into the complexities of memory, identity, and the secrets of the past.
