My big.problem Is how to re-use those quotes? How to search and find them to emebed into.my daily writing? I have a lot of commonplace books full of writings but I can't recall them or find when I need. How did you resolve this problem?
You could create a box with index cards or keep a notebook as well for an index.
When you write a quote, write an “identifier” on the back or front in the corner somewhere. If the quote had to do with virtue you would write “virtue.” On the back also write the book, author and page.
Then on a separate index card
You would write:
Virtue
Plato, “The Republic” pg. 117
This card would go under V in your
card box. If you find another quote from a different book that refers to virtue simply place it under your last recording:
Virtue
Plato, “The Republic” pg. 117
Aristotle, “Politics” pg. 134
If you want it to be more searchable you could put all of this into an excel sheet.
Wonderful question and I can't wait to see how Jillian addresses it. I've tried creating an Index in my notebooks but that's time-consuming and I haven't done it well.
What a lovely idea, Jillian! I like to set what I call “SAFE goals” — simple, achievable, forgiving, and easy! — so my SAFE goal for September is to do my best to keep up with this 30-day challenge (whoops, I mean opportunity!) even while cutting myself some slack. Focus on the pleasure, not the guilt!
Helen, I'd love to see more of your notes! But, of course, only do what feels right for you. Also: I'm going to share your "SAFE goals" framework with my students--we all need a bit more self-forgiveness.
Commonplace books were the inspiration for my favorite teaching technique, Connection Notebooks, and I have always wanted to keep a quote-based notebook. Glad to have this challenge as a way to get started.
I've written many quotes from your books and Chronicle articles in my commonplace books over the years. I'd be so honored if you participated in the CBC.
Aw, thanks, that's nice. This is real mutual admiration society then, because your Substack is my favorite one on this platform. Your format of centering each post on different authors was the inspiration for my own Substack!
Locke spent his life trying to design the perfect commonplace book. He's a hero of the form! I didn't know it was his birthday, so this feels especially appropriate.
You could create a box with index cards or keep a notebook as well for an index.
When you write a quote, write an “identifier” on the back or front in the corner somewhere. If the quote had to do with virtue you would write “virtue.” On the back also write the book, author and page.
Then on a separate index card
You would write:
Virtue
Plato, “The Republic” pg. 117
This card would go under V in your
card box. If you find another quote from a different book that refers to virtue simply place it under your last recording:
Virtue
Plato, “The Republic” pg. 117
Aristotle, “Politics” pg. 134
If you want it to be more searchable you could put all of this into an excel sheet.
I’m happily anticipating this opportunity, Jillian —for some reason, this word motivates me personally more than the word “challenge” :-)—and am realizing how much the keeping of a commonplace book can contribute to one of what I consider the four essential connections of the Heartspoken life — the connection with ourselves. Now it’s feeling like more of a journey of discovery!
I agree. A "challenge" just doesn't seem right for this activity, which I imagine will be communal and joyful. And, I agree, commonplace books are remarkable tools for self-discovery. I'm glad we can all inspire each other on the journey.
I have a beautiful little book that is perfect! In the past, I have written comments on scraps of paper and pin them on the fridge with magnets. I save really good fortune cookie messages too!
Your September challenge is one I would like to try. During the Covid lockdowns (UK) I started transferring notes on my phone app to a hardback notebook. I need to find time to do it again - I’m a year behind at least!
GASP! I've tried to keep one since reading one of your posts about commonplace books and kept forgetting. This is a great challenge to build a habit, i am so excited!
This sounds soooooo wonderful!! I'm excited to be a part of it! My notes are all over the place and then mostly going missing. I look forward to developing an actual practice!
Keeping commonplaces always seemed like a solitary, private activity. I love this idea of sharing them!
Also, I’m reading the series of Matthew Shardlake mysteries, set in Tudor England, and noticed that HE uses commonplace books in his work. He’s a lawyer…
Aloha Jillian! I pressed Subscribe in your posts about joining the Commonplace Book Club. However, the reply says that I cannot subscribe in the app. Can you send me the link to pay you for a subscription? I posted a quote today.
I think you’ll have to log on using your computer—or a web browser on your phone. Substack hasn’t made upgrading available on the app. Let me know if that doesn’t work and I’ll see if I can find a link.
I started keeping notes to practice different styles of handwriting. The first time I didn't know what to write. Then I started finding more and more quotes I wanted to save. I've stopped doing this, but am going to start again with this month with everyone here. We will see what presents itself to me!
OMG this is so exciting! I can't wait! I'm so there! I've been keeping a commonplace book for a few years now but have never tried writing a quote a day. I'm in!
That looks very exciting! I wish I could afford a subscription right now but maybe in the future. I am an avid commonplace book keeper, though I never knew what they were called.
I like Lichtenberg's concept of 'waste books' compared to the proper ledger but 'commonplace works' too 😊
Hi Beth, Lichtenberg's "waste books" are fantastic! I'd love for you to participate--send me an email at notedbee@gmail.com and I'll comp you for a few months.
My big.problem Is how to re-use those quotes? How to search and find them to emebed into.my daily writing? I have a lot of commonplace books full of writings but I can't recall them or find when I need. How did you resolve this problem?
I have a lot of ideas! I'll address it in Noted post this month :)
The answer more obvious is "go digital" ok I use Obsidian for my notes but I still prefer paper.. so what? :-D
Sounds great Jillian! Keep me updated
You could create a box with index cards or keep a notebook as well for an index.
When you write a quote, write an “identifier” on the back or front in the corner somewhere. If the quote had to do with virtue you would write “virtue.” On the back also write the book, author and page.
Then on a separate index card
You would write:
Virtue
Plato, “The Republic” pg. 117
This card would go under V in your
card box. If you find another quote from a different book that refers to virtue simply place it under your last recording:
Virtue
Plato, “The Republic” pg. 117
Aristotle, “Politics” pg. 134
If you want it to be more searchable you could put all of this into an excel sheet.
Wonderful question and I can't wait to see how Jillian addresses it. I've tried creating an Index in my notebooks but that's time-consuming and I haven't done it well.
me too Alessio.
What a lovely idea, Jillian! I like to set what I call “SAFE goals” — simple, achievable, forgiving, and easy! — so my SAFE goal for September is to do my best to keep up with this 30-day challenge (whoops, I mean opportunity!) even while cutting myself some slack. Focus on the pleasure, not the guilt!
Helen, I'd love to see more of your notes! But, of course, only do what feels right for you. Also: I'm going to share your "SAFE goals" framework with my students--we all need a bit more self-forgiveness.
Commonplace books were the inspiration for my favorite teaching technique, Connection Notebooks, and I have always wanted to keep a quote-based notebook. Glad to have this challenge as a way to get started.
I've written many quotes from your books and Chronicle articles in my commonplace books over the years. I'd be so honored if you participated in the CBC.
Aw, thanks, that's nice. This is real mutual admiration society then, because your Substack is my favorite one on this platform. Your format of centering each post on different authors was the inspiration for my own Substack!
That's very nice to hear. And I'm very happy to have met you on this platform!
Love the idea! And you’re announcing this on the birthday of one of my favorite Commonplace Keepers - John Locke! ❤️
Locke spent his life trying to design the perfect commonplace book. He's a hero of the form! I didn't know it was his birthday, so this feels especially appropriate.
You could create a box with index cards or keep a notebook as well for an index.
When you write a quote, write an “identifier” on the back or front in the corner somewhere. If the quote had to do with virtue you would write “virtue.” On the back also write the book, author and page.
Then on a separate index card
You would write:
Virtue
Plato, “The Republic” pg. 117
This card would go under V in your
card box. If you find another quote from a different book that refers to virtue simply place it under your last recording:
Virtue
Plato, “The Republic” pg. 117
Aristotle, “Politics” pg. 134
If you want it to be more searchable you could put all of this into an excel sheet.
I’m happily anticipating this opportunity, Jillian —for some reason, this word motivates me personally more than the word “challenge” :-)—and am realizing how much the keeping of a commonplace book can contribute to one of what I consider the four essential connections of the Heartspoken life — the connection with ourselves. Now it’s feeling like more of a journey of discovery!
I agree. A "challenge" just doesn't seem right for this activity, which I imagine will be communal and joyful. And, I agree, commonplace books are remarkable tools for self-discovery. I'm glad we can all inspire each other on the journey.
I have a beautiful little book that is perfect! In the past, I have written comments on scraps of paper and pin them on the fridge with magnets. I save really good fortune cookie messages too!
Hurrah! Scribblings pinned to the fridge would be a great addition to our communal commonplace book too!
Your September challenge is one I would like to try. During the Covid lockdowns (UK) I started transferring notes on my phone app to a hardback notebook. I need to find time to do it again - I’m a year behind at least!
I know the feeling! So glad you're going to join the club!
GASP! I've tried to keep one since reading one of your posts about commonplace books and kept forgetting. This is a great challenge to build a habit, i am so excited!
Meaghan--I'm obsessed with your notebooks! I can't wait to see more images from you!
☺️
This sounds soooooo wonderful!! I'm excited to be a part of it! My notes are all over the place and then mostly going missing. I look forward to developing an actual practice!
Thank you, Jane!! I'd love to see more of your notes! ❤️
Keeping commonplaces always seemed like a solitary, private activity. I love this idea of sharing them!
Also, I’m reading the series of Matthew Shardlake mysteries, set in Tudor England, and noticed that HE uses commonplace books in his work. He’s a lawyer…
Let’s go, commonplace book club!
Aloha Jillian! I pressed Subscribe in your posts about joining the Commonplace Book Club. However, the reply says that I cannot subscribe in the app. Can you send me the link to pay you for a subscription? I posted a quote today.
I think you’ll have to log on using your computer—or a web browser on your phone. Substack hasn’t made upgrading available on the app. Let me know if that doesn’t work and I’ll see if I can find a link.
I started keeping notes to practice different styles of handwriting. The first time I didn't know what to write. Then I started finding more and more quotes I wanted to save. I've stopped doing this, but am going to start again with this month with everyone here. We will see what presents itself to me!
I hope you'll share your different handwriting styles with us!
OMG this is so exciting! I can't wait! I'm so there! I've been keeping a commonplace book for a few years now but have never tried writing a quote a day. I'm in!
Yay!
That looks very exciting! I wish I could afford a subscription right now but maybe in the future. I am an avid commonplace book keeper, though I never knew what they were called.
I like Lichtenberg's concept of 'waste books' compared to the proper ledger but 'commonplace works' too 😊
Hi Beth, Lichtenberg's "waste books" are fantastic! I'd love for you to participate--send me an email at notedbee@gmail.com and I'll comp you for a few months.
🫂🫂🫂
This sounds amazing! I started my common place book a year or so ago and I haven't writtenin it since then. This will help me be more consistent!
Wonderful! So glad you'll participate, Victoria. I loved the image of your commonplace book that you sent me ;)