Untitled.

I felt that I was able to connect more to Sanders in "Writing from the Center." What I found most often throughout Sanders writing was his constant need to revert back to the stereotypical view that writer's must live in "splendid isolation" in order to publish masterpieces. By page 156 he was FINALLY able to accept his situation as a married family man. Now I say 'accept' only for lack of better word choice. He in fact loved his situation as a married family man and could not settle for anything less.

Phrases that particularly stuck out to me were his quote in his reference to Gary Snyder. "Snyder understands the VIRTUES OF SOLITUDE; but he also understands the VIRTUES OF COMPANIONSHIP." I believe he finally understands where his life has taken him and regardless of the fact that he has a wife and children he has become a very accomplished author. Life has its positive moments and its negative moments, but isn't that what makes it all so interesting? One can find their center and style by letting life and love take its course. (It may also help to always maintain a positive attitude for a positive attitude may in fact change your destiny ;) ) So many of the writers he admired turned away from loved ones for the sheer sake of success..."for joy will lull you to dullness..." an idea he is later able to dismiss.

He considers the true goal of a writer is to "understand who and where and what we are." All of these things will ultimately lead writers to finding their own unique style and place.