Chuckberry J. Pascual is a novelist, translator, and scholar. He has written novels, short story collections, and books of literary criticism, including The Vanished, A Country of Corpses, and Mars, Zombies Are Coming! He teaches literature and creative writing at the University of Santo Tomas and holds a PhD in Creative Writing in Filipino from the University of the Philippines. Some of his books are available in English and Greek, and as an audio edition via Serye FM.
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Mars, May Zombie and its sequel, Mars, Maraming Zombie, form a rare and original duology set in a dystopian Philippines. Written with distinctly Filipino wit through its bakla humor and pop culture references, the books pull readers in through a casual, conversational tone. It presents an alternate reality—one where the almost three-year lockdown persisted. And also, may zombies! The familiarity of the references makes the story both relatable to Filipinos and entertaining.
CREATIVE writing professor Chuckberry Pascual veers away from his typical young adult fiction in “Daddy,” a novella that unpacks the connotations of the term through the uncertainties of queer midlife.
The story follows Ryan, a 44-year-old queer man, caught between his sexuality, family, work, and relationships.
Ryan’s flawed, indecisive, and insecure character stems from his stagnation in both career and love life. He often finds himself left behind by younger, more accomplished colleagues and overlooked by potential partners due to his age.
The sense of inadequacy and self-doubt is evident across the novella’s 50 pages. Ryan reluctantly wrestles with the reality of growing older and its impact on his identity and relationships.
Chuckberry Pascual is a Filipino author, fictionist, and playwright. Since 2022, he has successfully published Bayan ng mga Bangkay, a collection of short stories; Ang Nawawalang Barangay, a supernatural mystery novel; and the young adult/zombie/dystopian series Mars May Zombie! His recently released novella Daddy marks his foray into realist fiction, while remaining true to his roots in queer storytelling. Pascual also works as a translator and university professor.
In this spotlight feature, Pascual discusses his latest book, his journey to becoming a published author, his writing process, why he writes in the queer, horror, and young adult spaces, and more.
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Translation and adaptation rights
Nida G. Ramirez: [email protected]
