Scott Sparling

I started writing to Julie before I ever met her. This was back in the 90s. Every year I’d apply for a fellowship. And every year, I’d lose. So I’d write her, griping about the process and just generally complaining. And she’d actually write back – not some form reply, but personal, friendly letters. I was thrilled to make contact with someone in the arts, so I kept it up.

Then in the 2000s, Julie worked briefly where I worked. I was introduced to Julie by my boss, who said, “This is the guy who writes you those crank letters every year.”

Julie looked at me, kinda blinked, and then her face totally lit up. “You’re the guy!!” Or she might have said, “You’re the fucking guy!!” And smiled with that contagious delight. After that we became friends.

She made you feel more alive, that’s how I’d describe her. What a gift. I want to hang on to that.