Still Floating: 40 Years of Pennywise contributor Mercedes M. Yardley

My first memory of Mercedes is from the 2016 Stoker Awards banquet in Las Vegas. It was my first big convention and I was completely overwhelmed and feeling every bit of imposter syndrome. I went to the banquet, not really knowing anybody, and sat at a table with a few other people who looked as shell-shocked as I felt.

When they announced Little Dead Red as a winner, Mercedes went up, graciously accepted the award, then returned to her table which happened to be just a couple over from my own. As the ceremony went on, Mercedes sat quietly, staring at the amazing haunted house award, crying. It hit me at that moment just how special the Bram Stoker Award is.

We became friends over the years and I was sure she would add a unique and somehow beautiful perspective to Still Floating. Her essay, "A Dark Bouquet," does just that, it is wonderful.

Bio:

Mercedes M. Yardley is a whimsical dark fantasist. She is the author of numerous works including Darling, the Stabby Award-winning Apocalyptic Montessa and Nuclear Lulu: A Tale of Atomic Love, Pretty Little Dead Girls, Detritus in Love, and Nameless. She is a three-time Bram Stoker Award winner for Little Dead Red, Love is a Crematorium, and “Fracture.” Mercedes lives and works in Las Vegas. You can find her at mercedesmyardley.com.