Much good stuff here, Matthew! I have made several attempts over the years, but I have never been able to stick with a commonplace journal. However, what you've presented here makes me want to give it another go! It would be another helpful tool for seeing themes in my reading and interests and for developing my writing practice.
Thanks so much, Katy! It took me years to find a mode of commonplacing (let's make that a verb) that actually stuck. I think way too much is made of so-called "correct" ways of keeping a notebook, when all that matters is that when you want to find that line you loved in a book you read years ago, it's not a totally impossible task.
Just wanted to say your own writing is lovely. I’m a notecard person, and I find little quotes scattered around my desk, tucked into another book or my Bible, in an unused handbag. Maybe I’d be better off with a book? I’m not sure. A different kind of pleasure, I suppose.
Thank you so much, Cheryl! Regarding the keeping of a Book of Books (or not):
This whole essay only came out of the fact that I keep a notebook and was able to read all of these quotations together in one place and recognise the strange relations that emerge between them. So that's one for the "pro" column, I guess.
On the other hand, your scattered notes approach is that you get to use whatever's around; I'm constantly kicking myself when I realise I've left my Book of Books somewhere other than where I'm reading. I also love the idea that you get to find beautiful quotes serendipitied throughout your life.
Much good stuff here, Matthew! I have made several attempts over the years, but I have never been able to stick with a commonplace journal. However, what you've presented here makes me want to give it another go! It would be another helpful tool for seeing themes in my reading and interests and for developing my writing practice.
Thanks so much, Katy! It took me years to find a mode of commonplacing (let's make that a verb) that actually stuck. I think way too much is made of so-called "correct" ways of keeping a notebook, when all that matters is that when you want to find that line you loved in a book you read years ago, it's not a totally impossible task.
Just wanted to say your own writing is lovely. I’m a notecard person, and I find little quotes scattered around my desk, tucked into another book or my Bible, in an unused handbag. Maybe I’d be better off with a book? I’m not sure. A different kind of pleasure, I suppose.
Thank you so much, Cheryl! Regarding the keeping of a Book of Books (or not):
This whole essay only came out of the fact that I keep a notebook and was able to read all of these quotations together in one place and recognise the strange relations that emerge between them. So that's one for the "pro" column, I guess.
On the other hand, your scattered notes approach is that you get to use whatever's around; I'm constantly kicking myself when I realise I've left my Book of Books somewhere other than where I'm reading. I also love the idea that you get to find beautiful quotes serendipitied throughout your life.