47 Comments

One of my favorites, Jillian. I'm partial to your coverage of people who still live a notebook-entered life in the midst of the digital age. Also, unrelated, but I thought you might find it of interest: my real last name is Karbowski, shortened to Karbo by my Polish émigré Dad. It means someone who makes "karbs" -- that is, notes.

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I love it! What a great last name!

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I love this! I have been taking notes in bad Russian for years. It’s perfect for work meetings when you’re sitting next to people. Sometimes my notes say: “I’m bored” over and over. My colleagues are none the wiser.

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I laughed out loud at this comment! So relatable.

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Buying his book! Great interview, and I loved both clips.

PS: I still haven't gotten up the nerve to interview anyone, especially someone whom I admire. so kudos! :)

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Hurrah! I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

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Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm halfway through Roland's book. These notes and interviews are so insightful and he's so humble to boot. He's actually the reason I found out about you and your Substack 'therefore' I am grateful to you both for existing and producing out of your love for the things I also love. Thank you.

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I love an inside look into a writer's process and Allen's is especially exciting. I'm grateful to have you here, Jordan!

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I've been tempted to buy the book and come close to it so many times!

This was a beautiful insight, Jillian. Rushing to my local bookstore now. :)

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Yay!

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AAAaaaaaaah, this is so great! Thanks Jillian! I've been away, and wasn't able to read it till now. I've seen that clip of the South Park writers before, and it's a good one. So basic, but so true. And of course, I've known for a while now that I have to get The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper. This is what they call a "no-brainer".

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I got this book for Christmas last year and hoovered the whole thing up, sitting there among torn up gift wrapping. Even the bits you'd think would be boring aren't boring

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That’s the magic of great storytelling💫

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Such a great interview, thanks for doing this

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Adding Roland Allen's book to my reading list! And considering getting a third fountain pen with red ink in addition to my black and blue ones........ but will read the book first.

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I have three fountain pens with black, purple, and green ink. I love the look of blue and red, but purple and green are my first loves. I hope you enjoy Allen’s book!

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How I love this Noted! So inspiring to see the way someone you personally met and interviewed uses a journal.

Plus, Roly is now the second person I know with this semi-unique nickname. (The first is my hubby).

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Right?! I was so inspired by Roly’s notes too. I kept saying—this is amazing! I have to share this with EVERYONE!

And how funny! It’s such a great name.

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The private notes phenomenon is so interesting. That we encrypt stuff so that no one can ever read it. And yet still it must be written!

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It’s true. I’ve been keeping track of all the ways people disguise their notes. Maybe I’ll write an article or a post about it.

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And encrypt the entire post!

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This is so what I needed to see. Thank you for this interview.

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You’re very welcome, Shanti!💛

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Bad Polish! GENIUS trick! 🙌

I’ve been sooooo tempted by this book for ages. Gonna write to Santa… 😁

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Carolyn Terry

I just started getting your posts a few days ago, and imagine my surprise at seeing this article about Roland Allen’s book, which is sitting next to me , only 3 books down on my “Read These Next” pile!

Yesterday or Saturday you posted an article on 5 art journalists’ styles. I loved it and went back later in the day to re-read it and can’t find it. I looked in Substack posts, and your website, but no luck. Can you tell me where I might find it again? Thank you, Carolyn T..

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Welcome, Carolyn! I think you mean this post: https://jillianhess.substack.com/p/how-5-of-noteds-readers-create-with

All posts are on my homepage in reverse chronological order. Just hit the "Noted" logo at the top of the post.

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Fabulous piece, thank you!

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Thanks, J.T.!

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Wow!

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I was impressed with his notes too.

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Fantastic and fascinating interview, Jillian!

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Thanks, Jolene!

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