Rebecca Perry: Literary Influences from Lorca to O'Hara 2026

Rebecca Perry, the acclaimed poet, reveals her literary influences from childhood to adulthood, including Spike Milligan, fairytales, Lorca, and Frank O'Hara. In this exclusive interview, she shares how these writers shaped her creative voice and her relationship with language.

Early Reading Memories

Perry's earliest reading memory is of Spike Milligan's 'On the Ning Nang Nong' at age five, sitting on the floor of her shared bedroom. She recalls the joy and rhythm of the poem, which sparked her love for playful language.

Her favorite book growing up was a collection of fairytales in a big yellow hardback. She was entranced by stories like 'The Little Mermaid' and especially loved the Scottish tale 'The Black Bull of Norroway', which she says has been under the surface of everything she's ever written.

The Book That Changed Her as a Teenager

Studying Federico García Lorca's 'Collected Plays' for GCSE drama led Perry to his poetry. She describes the moment she read 'City That Does Not Sleep' as a bolt of lightning, particularly the lines about the alligator quiet beneath the stars. This experience transformed her understanding of what poetry could do.

The Writer Who Changed Her Mind

Discovering Frank O'Hara was a revelation. Perry notes that all the poetry she'd studied before felt deeply serious, almost untouchable. O'Hara's work felt alive and accessible, making her realize that poetry could embrace everyday life.

The Book That Made Her Want to Be a Writer

Perry admits that no single book made her want to be a writer. She has written for as long as she can remember. As an adult, she realized that ordinary people can write books if they're lucky, and she decided to try. This pragmatic approach highlights her natural inclination toward writing.

Comparison of Influences

Key Takeaways

• Early exposure to playful poetry can foster a lifelong love of language.
• Fairytales often leave deep subconscious influences on writers.
• Lorca's work can be a transformative literary experience for teenagers.
• Frank O'Hara's style demonstrates that poetry can be casual and immediate.
• Writers often feel compelled to write from an early age, not necessarily due to a single book.

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