# let's start a Commonplace Book! 📖 journaling for writers  ## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=0s) - A [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] is a notebook where one records interesting facts, quotes, and things that inspire them, which has been a joy for writers to use [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=0s). - The concept of a commonplace book is not new, as it has been mentioned in the [[A Series of Unfortunate Events | Series of Unfortunate Events]] books, where the character Count Olaf keeps one [(00:00:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=37s). - The idea of a commonplace book originated in the [[Renaissance]], where readers would transcribe classical fragments in notebooks, bringing ancient writings into conversation with their own lives [(00:01:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=98s). - Famous writers such as John Milton, who wrote [[Paradise Lost]], and Sir [[Arthur Conan Doyle]], who gave a commonplace book to the character Sherlock Holmes, have used commonplace books [(00:01:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=107s). - A commonplace book is a personal intellectual database where one extracts, orders, and records particular phrases or passages in notebooks, which can be useful in various discursive contexts [(00:02:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=135s). - Many famous people, including [[Donna Tartt | Donna Tart]], have kept commonplace notebooks, which serve as a collection of disjointed pieces, similar to an artist's sketchbook [(00:02:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=149s). - [[Virginia Woolf]], a famous journalist, describes [[Commonplace book | commonplacing]] as taking down old notebooks and writing down the names of great writers, copying out passages from the classics, and making lists of books to be read [(00:03:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=182s). - The practice of commonplacing fell out of style as printed material became more accessible to a broader audience, but it remains a useful method of journaling and documenting one's thoughts and quotes [(00:02:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=126s). - A commonplace book is a notebook where the owner records interesting facts, quotes, and inspiring things, with the goal of creating a treasury of loved things that might later inform their work as a writer [(00:03:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=203s). - The approach to commonplacing involves writing down quotes, passages, and facts that make one feel inspired, and this practice can be done throughout one's life, even in digital forms [(00:03:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=210s). - Commonplacing can be a helpful tool for writers, especially when struggling with a project, as it allows them to collect and reflect on bits and pieces of information that might be useful [(00:03:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=221s). - The practice of commonplacing can be done in various ways, such as writing in notebooks, taking screenshots, or saving notes in digital apps, but having a single notebook for this purpose can be beneficial [(00:03:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=238s). - The ideal [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] should have numbers, and other desirable features might include a specific color, such as green [(00:05:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=306s). - The process of creating a commonplace book involves finding a suitable notebook, indexing it, and writing down interesting things, which can help create a space for reflection and inspiration [(00:04:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=281s). - The practice of commonplacing can be a lifelong habit, and many people may already be doing it in some form without realizing it, as evidenced by the fact that the writer has been doing it since childhood [(00:04:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=240s). - The writer plans to document their commonplace book journey, starting with finding a suitable notebook, and hopes to use this practice to inform their work as a writer [(00:04:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=298s). ## Finding a notebook [(00:05:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=334s) - A trip was made to a store called Milligram in Rondle Mall to find a notebook for a [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]], but it's mentioned that one doesn't necessarily need to buy a new notebook, as something already at home or even a phone could be used [(00:05:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=336s). - The goal was to find a notebook with numbered pages and an index, and after browsing through the available options, a Molin M SK notebook was chosen, which has a section for writing down quotes and another section for thoughts about the quotes [(00:06:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=370s). - The notebook was purchased during a sale, and upon returning home, the process of selecting quotes to include in the commonplace book began, with one of the first quotes chosen being from Sylvia Plath's "[[The Bell Jar]]" [(00:06:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=386s). - The quote from "The Bell Jar" is about a fig tree and is a favorite of many people, and it would likely be categorized under the topic of adulthood or coming of age [(00:07:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=456s). - However, the commonplace book was started with the topic of art, as research is being conducted for a novel called "Project Spiegel tent", which explores themes related to art [(00:07:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=465s). - The first quote included in the commonplace book is from [[Hayao Miyazaki]], and it's about his experience of watching "Haku Jadan", Japan's first full-length animated film in color, and how it made him realize his love for the pure and earnest world of film [(00:08:02)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=482s). - Miyazaki's quote is about how he was inspired by the film to affirm the world rather than negate it, and it's seen as an important quote for understanding his work and views on animation [(00:09:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=543s). ## Finding quotes [(00:09:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=578s) - The process of documenting things in a Common Place book has been enjoyable, feeling slow, meditative, and not too stringent, unlike other writing challenges or routines [(00:09:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=579s). - Writing with a mechanical pencil is preferred as it reduces stress and makes mistakes slightly less permanent, although it can be more difficult to read than pen [(00:10:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=615s). - A challenge of maintaining a Common Place book is selecting only one or two quotes from favorite pieces of media, such as limiting quotes from [[Hayao Miyazaki]] to two or three [(00:10:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=636s). - Quotes from various sources, including "[[The Secret History]]" and "[[The Perks of Being a Wallflower (film) | The Perks of Being a Wallflower]]", have been chosen for inclusion in the Common Place book, with themes including art, love, and sadness [(00:11:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=671s). - The quote "We accept the love we think we deserve" from "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" resonates and will be included under the theme of love, while another quote from the same book will be included under the theme of sadness [(00:11:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=719s). - A quote from Dante's "[[Inferno (Dante) | Inferno]]" describing the gates of hell has been chosen for inclusion, as well as a quote from Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" [(00:12:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=753s). - The Common Place book will serve as a collection of meaningful quotes and passages, allowing for reflection on their significance and impact [(00:12:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=743s). - A [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] is a collection of quotes, passages, and ideas that inspire and influence one's writing, with the goal of creating a personalized repository of knowledge and inspiration [(00:13:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=784s). - Quotes from notable authors, such as [[Oscar Wilde]], can be included in the commonplace book, along with personal reflections and insights [(00:13:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=791s). - Historical books, like "[[Ghost Empire (book) | Ghost Empire]]" by [[Richard Fidler]], can also be a rich source of inspiration, with quotes and passages that highlight the human experience and the passage of time [(00:13:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=804s). - The story of the [[Column of Constantine]], a pillar in [[Istanbul]] that has survived for centuries, is a powerful metaphor for resilience and endurance [(00:13:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=809s). - Poetry can also be included in the commonplace book, with favorite poems like Sylvia Plath's "[[Mad Girl's Love Song]]" providing a source of inspiration and comfort [(00:15:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=901s). - Essays and reviews, such as those found in "[[The Anthropocene Reviewed]]" by [[John Green]], can also be included, with topics ranging from sunsets to vulnerability and the human experience [(00:15:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=926s). - The idea of vulnerability is a recurring theme, with the notion that embracing vulnerability is necessary to truly experience and appreciate beauty [(00:16:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=981s). - The [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] can be a space for personal reflection and growth, where one can explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism [(00:16:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=989s). - The concept of giving something five stars is discussed, with the realization that nothing is perfect, yet some things can be considered perfect in their own right, such as a beautiful sunset [(00:16:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1005s). - The idea of appreciating imperfections and finding beauty in them is explored, as exemplified by the appreciation of a sunset [(00:16:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=998s). - The process of re-evaluating one's perspective and learning to appreciate the beauty in things, even if they are not perfect, is touched upon [(00:16:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1001s). ## Conclusion [(00:16:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1015s) - The process of creating a [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] has been a joyful and nostalgic experience, reminiscent of writing down quotes from novels and snippets of poetry as a teenager [(00:16:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1017s). - The experience has been almost healing, allowing for slowing down and rereading passages from favorite books, and picking out one or two quotes from each to include in the commonplace book [(00:17:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1048s). - The approach to building a library is mindful and sustainable, with a focus on buying physical books slowly and not overconsuming, while still reading a lot of ebooks and library books [(00:17:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1054s). - The commonplace book will continue to be added to over the next few weeks and months, with plans to check in and share progress [(00:18:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1104s). - The video concludes with a thank you to patrons on [[Patreon]], who support the channel and receive bonus content, including a book club, private Discord server, and writing updates [(00:18:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1114s). - The Patreon page is available for those who want to support the work, with a link in the video description [(00:18:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1133s). - The [[Commonplace book | commonplace book]] will include quotes from favorite authors and books, such as Susanna Clarke's works, which have a special section on the bookshelves [(00:18:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lmuTVtIWuU&t=1094s).