The Horror Writers Association mourns the loss of a foundational pillar not only for her contributions to the organization, but for her legacy. Chelsea Quinn Yarbro served as the HWA’s third president, and in the words of former HWA President, Lisa Morton, “as HWA’s first female President – at a time when women were still scarce in the genre – she blazed the trail that all of us who came later would follow, a trail she made clear with authority, wisdom, and grace. Like her character Saint Germain, she is a true immortal.”
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro (September 15, 1942 – August 31, 2025) was the recipient of the Grand Master award from the World Horror Association, a literary knighthood from the Transylvanian Society of Dracula, and Lifetime Achievement awards from both the Horror Writers Association and the World Fantasy Association. She was enrolled as a Living Legend by the International Horror Guild, the first woman so honored.
A prolific multi-genre writer of 100 published books and more than 110 short stories, Yarbro’s most famous creation was the 4,000 year-old vampire Count Saint-Germain. In addition to horror, she wrote science fiction, fantasy, mysteries, westerns, plays, musicals, and non-fiction. Her award-winning and influential works include Hôtel Transylvania and the entire Saint-Germain Cycle, False Dawn, Time of the Fourth Horseman, Ariosto, and the Charlie Spotted Moon mysteries.
“With the passing of Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, we mourn not only a monumental voice in horror and speculative fiction, but a luminous presence whose mastery of language and storytelling transcended genres. Over more than four decades, her body of work has captivated generations, reminding us that the enduring power of empathy is at the heart of truly haunting literature. The HWA honors her memory and the profound mark she leaves on our field,” said current HWA President, Angela Yuriko Smith.
“The horror community has lost a legendary voice. Chelsea Quinn Yarbro was a favorite writer to many, and she was also an inspiration and creative influence, particularly for the women writing in the genre. She will be missed,” HWA Chair of the Board, Lisa Kröger remarked.
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro leaves behind a legacy of literature and imagination, leadership and foundation that provides not only the HWA, but those within the genre and beyond to step forward into the future with confidence and light.
Our sincere condolences,
Board of Trustees, Senior Staff, and Volunteers
Horror Writers Association
