St. Cloud State University alumna Carissa Natalia Baconguis has won the Nine Syllables Press chapbook contest for her book of poetry “Sacred and Perishable”.
Baconguis graduated from SCSU in 2024 with a master’s degree in English. “Sacred and Perishable” was first written as a portion of her graduate thesis.
“I moved from the Philippines to Minnesota to explore different styles of writing and different perspectives to my own craft through SCSU’s Masters program, and I’m happy to see it bear fruit in this way,” she said. “It’s such a dream come true to get published.”
Baconguis is proud to be part of a rising number of Filipino voices in books. She aims to share her culture’s unique perspectives and experiences with those around the world.
“A lot of my poetic craft is tied to my identity as a Filipino; I am excited for what the future holds not only for me, but for other Filipino writers and readers,” Baconguis said. “I have many things I still want to do as a writer and as educator, and I’m sure this book would open many more doors for me.”
The chapbook, which is a collection ranging from about 20-40 pages, discusses the body as a medium of horror, and the work looks at how these horrors can continue to explore the intersections of cultural identity, gender, sexuality, and trauma.
It follows the fictional narrative of the friendship between Dian, a medical student, and Carlos, a shapeshifter.
“I’m amazed and proud of what Carissa has achieved with this quick turnaround to publication of a portion of her graduate thesis,” said Sarah Green, assistant professor of English at SCSU. “Being selected is a high honor, and Carissa is a great example of the high level of student talent that we are fortunate to attract and develop in the creative writing program at SCSU.”
“Sacred and Perishable” will be released later in 2025.
