let's start a Commonplace Book! 📖 journaling for writers

[@christy-anne-jones]

Hello! I edited and re-exported this a bazillion times very late on sunday night--if there's a spelling error anywhere in this video, do not tell me

[@nikifoster2410]

I think I have to go search for that Moleskin journal!

[@mariisabelle6502]

I would love if you did an update on your commonplace book in a few months, the quotes that you chose are absolutely beautiful and I'm 100% going to look into the books you've mentioned in this video, they all sound great.

[@Miss13Beefy]

I have something similar to this. I call it my ugly journal. I write whatever I'm thinking down and don't worry about how it sounds or the spelling of anything. I just write when I feel the need. Sometimes music quotes end up in it, passages from novels, snippets from things friends have said. It's really fun and beautiful. I loved watching you get so excited about everything you loved, and who doesn't love an excuse to buy a new notebook!

[@JackieLynwood]

That fig tree quote (and Sylvia Plath in general) was my whole personality in high school!

[@Ignez777]

I had commonplace book all this time and didn't even know! They're mostly quotes from songs, but I also wrote down poems and book excerpts. Really nice to learn about a new thing~

[@tonydeluna8095]

I love the sound of your voice on Sunday mornings. So cozy and very heart warming. It’s so welcoming!

[@MemphisJones]

Love how excited you became as you pulled together your fav quotes 💕

[@fairy7101]

I loved hearing the quotes you chose to include ❤

[@authorclarekauter]

I love the idea of having a ‘sketchbook’ for writing! Finally something to do with all the quotes I’ve collected over the years…

[@francineh.7825]

I use my commonplace book for all of the random information I find interesting. Such as scientific information, or information about a certain animal or bird, or I'll describe how the setting sun was shining on my trees. I will also do little drawings in it or put in poems, music lyrics. Pretty much anything and everything can go in mine.

[@ashtree1016]

I love the Fig Tree metaphor in the Bell Jar too. It always touches me emotionally. ❤

[@Tania_Doodlezilla_Vincent]

This is so lovely. You’ve inspired me to make one of these for my daughter. I’m pregnant now but I’m going to buy a notebook and write to her and jot down quotes I love. Hopefully when she’s older she’ll discover it. ❤

[@incaseofasteroid13]

I need a full audiobook read by you gosh I love your voce!!!!!!

[@samonamission_]

You can also use erasable pens (frixion pens from Pilot for example). To have the flexibility to change things, but also be able to read the text better. Love them for calendars (and for editing printed drafts of my novel) too!

[@christinacreech1974]

I think you might have changed my life with an erasable pen. I had no idea, it was a thing!

[@samonamission_]

@christinacreech1974 It was a game changer when I first discovered them too ;)

[@banrions]

Those ones are great! They’re not super effective on a lot of writing but def works and usable and helpful.

[@thursdayaddams5564]

I got obsessed with the idea of commonplace books several months ago, and I’ve been slowly filling up my own. I’m not putting a lot of effort into organization, but it’s full of quotes, thoughts, word definitions, and information I’ll want to come back to. I’ve enjoyed it so far. I’d love to see an update of your progress down the road.

[@dawngrrrl]

I did this throughout childhood and adolescence but didn't know the term "commonplace book" until like a month ago and the concept flooded me with nostalgia. I have a normal journal but haven't had a commonplace book since high school. Thanks to this video I'm going to start one on January 1st, so thank you!

[@Pipapisca]

I started using commonplace books a few years ago, but really messy, just random quotes, lyrics, words/conversations with friends... like really messy. Lately I use it to organize and summarize ideas and quotes after reading a book, so I go back to every tag and copy quotes and annotate the thoughts (if any haha). A few days ago I watched someone using a kind of commonplace system, like in her diary/journal, she wrote her own thoughts and she called it input, like thoughts and ideas from within herself, and the output part was reflections and ideas she got from books, songs, movies... from outsiders. So like, she mixed her diary and a commonplace and created a new journaling thing, were she shows how we become our own versions acknowledging what inspires us to build our morals and growth. It's fun, writers/readers just will find their own systems and create different ways to just keep writing 🤭

[@MrNyathi1]

It's so worthwhile. I have a fascination with traditional proverbs, and keep a digital commonplace book of proverbs from around the world, organised by theme.

[@LalAxCrazyMe]

I love the commonplacing in Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

[@ruwuyi]

wowee!! i was just doing some research on commonplacing and wondering if you were gonna upload this week >< you are an angel, hope your week goes amazingly well 💖

[@christy-anne-jones]

Thank you so much!! I hope you have an amazing week too 💛💛

[@Tinahgirl83]

I’ve always done this as well. Quotes, lyrics, entire poems, writing ideas, lines of dialogue, setting ideas - really anything that strikes my fancy. I don’t limit myself though. If I have a book with lots of quotes I love, they all go in. I think all the things we love can have meaning, even in large amounts. I can’t write out an entire novel, but I can have all my favorite quotes (looking at you, Dorian Gray). I find that when out of context on the page, even if my head knows where they fit in the story, I allow myself to look at them as beautiful words that can spark something in my mind, if that makes sense.

[@TheCoookieCrumb]

I finally got my new notebook to start my commonplace book! I chose the Leuchtturm1917 Ruled. It has numbered pages and two built in index pages at the beginning! I also like that it has acid free paper because I want to write with graphite. It's a bit pricey but the quality is excellent. I think it will hold up while I fill it and still be in good enough shape to live a second life as a reference book. 😊

[@valeriemaldonado1758]

Your love for each quote is infectious! Love this video.😊

[@kida4star]

I would love to see how your commonplace book continues to grow. I have wanted to start one for a while, but it always seemed so amorphous. I appreciate you walking us through how you started yours!

[@RidetoEnglishwithDM]

Love all your videos ❤

[@amycherrix6432]

Inspired. My home office is one giant commonplace collection. I’m running out of wall space. 😂 Perhaps it’s time to transfer these treasures to a commonplace book.

[@keerdeereads]

I am constantly adding to my TBR when watching your videos. I love how excited you get and I need to read these books you’re pulling the quotes from!

[@camilaines7440]

i tend to get really excited about quotes and sometimes it makes me feel kinda childlish, but watching this video has made me feel so happy. thank u christy, your content is one of my favorite corners of youtube

[@dedalusfire]

This video was so inspiring, Christy. I've seen videos and content in commonplace books, but none transmitted as much joy and curiosity as this one. Have a lovely Sunday

[@torreymanz]

Thanks for this video, Christy! I had a commonplace notebook when I was younger without realizing it. Also, I recently purchased a beautiful handmade journal from a young artist/bookbinder but hadn't quite figured out what I wanted to use it for. Now I know! Thank you so much for the inspiration. ❤

[@WheresMyTea]

Ah! I'm so glad you found commonplacing! Yes, it seems like it would suit you very well. 💜

[@Nao-fo8sc]

I didn't know about commonplace books. Thank you so much for making this video. It's such a beautiful idea!

[@DarrianChamblee]

I love a good commonplace book video and this was such a joy to watch because you mentioned some of my favorite quotes from literature that I haven't touched since I was in undergrad. But also, because you helped me come up with a potential book title for the second book in my duology lmao.

[@MsGloomyLamp]

So cool that I've done that intuitively since being a teenager, and now I know it has a name:) Thanks for consistent Sunday uploads, I always have something to look forward to, and you always inspire me to write!

[@studycats123]

Oh, girl, I'm so grateful for your videos ❤ so calming, but informative and inspiring 😊 just perfect! 💚

[@Renagade14]

Is it fate that my last therapist recited that exact Sylvia Plath quote to me? I remember struggling with what to do with my life, as there are so many things that interest me, and that quote struck me so deeply. Thank you for reminding me of it!

[@noamheller4043]

That Ocean Vuong quote.... my heart 😢

[@mxrphy_290]

Thank you for the video and for sharing. I love your videos in general but especially this one. You've spent so much time talking about your love for these quotes which stands out since you know many of them by heart. I hope that people (including me) can quote your books just like that too one day.

[@ryancoulter4797]

Yay! Your videos are always a treat. ❤

[@xerosolar307]

I also got a lot of suggested videos on Commonplace books, had no idea what they were months ago, and I'm glad you make this video with your own version of it, others were split into themes or topics or categories, and that felt really awkward, but seeing yours split into emotions and concepts and abstract spaces (like hell) gives me better ideas on how to fill mine, loved the video and love the quotes you're gathering!!

[@nematarot]

This was such a sweet and lovely video! Journaling is such a powerful personal medium. I start every journal with two or three pages left blank for an "epigraph," where I can put quotes. I also take notes on what I'm drinking and listening to, particularly if the songs contain synchronicities while I'm listening. I've also put in dried flowers, bird feathers and dragonfly wings. What else? Sometimes beautiful pieces of packaging from things like chocolates (the wrappers from Chocolove chocolate bars have poems on the inside) thank you cards from etsy sellers, even cardstock soaked with my favorite perfumes and essential oils, so that I can remember in the future what scents I was wearing 🧪💕

[@TheCoookieCrumb]

I LOVE this! ❤ What a beautiful way of documenting all the little things that catch our hearts and minds. To honor them and spend a little bit more time with them. This video was so joyful and your enthusiasm was so infectious. I cant wait to start a commonplace book of my own! There's gona be quotes, pictures of my fave paintings. Thoughts on my favorite movies and books. Gratitudes, wonderments, ideas, recipes, doodles! All the good things in life! I'd love to see an update on yours down the road, too!

[@katmoons]

This was such a fun video! Thank you Christy!!! I’m off to find my own common place book, so inspired by your delight.

[@medsm3113]

Wow! The way you just say quotes from the top of your head ♡

[@christinacreech1974]

I think this is going to be my next project with my journal and ask for one for Christmas instead of just thought dumping like I tend to do in my journals

[@IanStreet]

I might give this journaling idea a go. My favorite essay in ‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’ is the essay on ‘Auld Lange Syne’. Maybe I can start there.

[@Studio_Daze]

You could always have several commonplace books going at once for different topics. I have one for poetry, one for philosophy, one for novels, and I want to start one for history, but as usual, there's so much I want to do (all at once it seems!) and the feeling of so very little time to accomplish it and enjoy it all.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Very interesting method!

[@priscillamontoya]

Not only did I get notification of this video today, but my copy of A Year in Tokyo arrived! So excited to get into it. Thanks for all you do.

[@thedylanconen]

I find your videos so enjoyable, thank you so much for making them!

[@jordanseifert4640]

In my opinion, one of your most inspiring videos! The idea of a commonplace book is very interesting and something I should definitely pick up. Keep the cozy vibes coming Christy! Lord knows we need them now more than ever, God bless everyone!

[@rimshascorner]

I also am a mindful buyer of books, so happy to find someone to relate to, thank you.

[@bluecologie2962]

Just a couple random nonfiction recommendations since you enjoyed The Anthropocene Reviewed: 1.) Living in the Anthropocene: Earth in the Age of Humans (collection of essays from people of many walks of life and professions) 2.) Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction and Under a White Sky Also, just wanted to say thanks for the warm spark of inspiration your content always gives me!

[@brontekelleghan6353]

Hi Christy!

[@lucysmith7658]

Thank you Christy for introducing me to the concept of a Commonplace Book! I love this and will be staring an ‘official’ one now! Please do update us on your Commonplace Book ❤️

[@TheNymphidia]

I love fountain pens and always use them for writing. Sadly, Moleskin is not the best paper for fountain pen inks. But they do have lovely notebooks 😊

[@raniafarah9003]

I also in my teenage years i copied quotes into my diary and now i do screenshot of quotes but i didn't know about commonplacing before this video but that inspired to also dedicate a notebook to it and i know exactly what would be my first qoute it's a passage written by Gibran Khalil Gibran Do not love half lovers it's just so beautiful that i want to apply in my life

[@ATWTlover4ever1]

I seem to have inadvertently created several commonplace scrapbooks? Back in my early twenties I started a scrapbook filled with art and quotes and poetry I loved. I had fun creating themes for each layout (i.e. romance, sketches, out of the book photography etc.) I like to flip through the pages whenever I want to feel inspired. I'm nearly finished with my third scrapbook of this kind. I'd like to think my scrapbooking style has advanced in the last decade. The layouts feel more sophisticated now, the quote selection more poignant. But after watching this video I realized I've already been doing this via a much more visual format.

[@natassiatavares4568]

I would love love love a what’s on my phone video! You look like someone who has niche writing apps! Hope you get to see this. Amazing video as always ^^

[@circleofleaves2676]

Hi Christy. I've been really enjoying using book annotation tabs. I don't write/underline in my books (personal choice), but I love using annotation tabs. Tabbing makes it so easy to find your favourite quotes, which you can add to your commonplace book.

[@martellc1008]

Thanks for the tips your comment and her video convinced me to start more than one commonplace book! 😊🎉

[@rimshascorner]

make more videos about your quote collection. It is so lovely

[@gmacdaddy24]

I just read Prufrock!! I loved that same line so much, too!

[@ReadingNymph]

This is such a lovely concept, I now need to do this 😍

[@summoner2100]

I do love the style of your videos.

[@megreads9]

I would like to use and learn from common book journals, I think it's a great utility for writers like us because it helps us to memorize the idea and write down every idea that might be useful for our writing. Great Christy, I love that you are working hard for your your dreams, I wish I could come back to writing but my country now is in war and we can barely could do things.

[@JS-ms5uv]

Imagine my delight to see this pop up! In my Kokuyo Perpanep (I'm obsessed with quality paper) commonplace book is a quote from you!! From your video, An Ode to the City of Ginkgo Leaves, which I felt was one of the most beautiful writings I had ever heard. A journal never felt right, too much like just reporting on what I did, but a commonplace book captured who I am deep inside. Organizing my book presented a struggle, but I decided to separate what I saved into two categories. One written on pages beginning at the western "front" of the book, the other began at the Japanese "front". When they meet, I will begin another. Another lovely essay... thank you.

[@karenraycosta]

Such a lovely Sunday morning treat! Thank you for creating space for learning and writing and books in our chaotic world. ❤

[@EmilynWood]

Just subscribed. This inspired me! Thank you for sharing the beautiful quotes.

[@thefriesofLockeLamora]

First heard of it from Ruby Granger. Then I realised I've been doing it most of my adult life but I just called it mini journalling

[@____wicked.witch.of.the.words_]

Loved this video ❤ and the idea of a commonplace book is very intriguing 🧐 ❤❤❤

[@everausten]

Lovley ✨

[@PiperBerney]

I can so relate to this hunger for beautiful words - every notebook and app is a museum of them. I guess I’ve sort of been doing this over the last 10 years, in that I have several journals for quotes, thoughts, and travel logs, all mashed up together - so a disorganised kind of commonplacing? 😅

[@bookscorpion]

when i saw her pair a moleskine with a fountain pen all i could think was "oh nooo"

[@snappy-star-disco]

hey christy, i loved this video, another banger as usual. but respectfully, i disagree w ur sentiment that u shouldnt "overcrowd" ur journal w 2 many miyazaki quotes. i think u should write as many of his quotes as u like. why would u limit ur joy by not having as many quotes of ur fav artist as youd like? (sorry if i sounded rude)

[@leslieshE]

Ahh notebooks are life 😂❤

[@hananebouslahi1433]

great idea thankk youuu

[@simplyshelbs16]

Never heard of this term, but I've apparently been doing this for years 😂😂 I just thought it was messy journaling lol! Before putting fragments in a legit journal, I did it on sticky notes that I kept losing

[@DeathKnellPresents]

I love this! - but… Commonplace books are not just quotes. The idea was mostly for retraining ideas as heard or overheard and building your own knowledge base around it. (As a writer) you may actually get more out of it, if you write/journal about the quote and how it makes you feel.

[@esmeloadesu]

Very inspiring, thanks!

[@terezap3927]

Me listening to the quote about the eye ("The eye, alone in its socket, doesn't even know, there is another one...") and thinking: I wish. Wouldn't THAT be nice? 😅

[@tomas5376]

Much of my life surrounds quotes from Alan Watts. Another wonderful source is the book Johnathon Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

[@AbiofPellinor]

I've seen these around so much! But I know I would spend too much time trying to make it aesthetic so I'm not even going to try haha

[@AnaGuillenBachs]

Have you tried the Artist way by Julia Cameron? I really recommend It. It is transformative.

[@christy-anne-jones]

Indeed I have! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIDRYX-pjNJ7d8k (I did not compete it though 😅😅 would love to try again when I have more energy!)

[@drawrobot]

I’m usually snacking around 2. I eat a big breakfast then two small meals. Letting myself get hungry before I eat.

[@valentinainthelines]

how do you memorize all these quotes?! i've been trying to start a commonplace book just so i can remember what i read better. i remember concepts but never the actual words. i'm terrible at remembering song lyrics too lol

[@tljjazzy]

I noticed you looked at them and wanted to note I really like my MD Midori but you can’t lose with Moleskine. $100 for a notebook 😳

[@Lilyofwords]

Basically a Pinterest board but with more words

[@kylaelbaespeleta]

...when all the waves rolled by like scrolls of silver; and, by their soft, suffusing seethings, made what seemed a silvery silence, not a solitude... - Moby Dick, Herman Melville

[@emmavangrieken]

Christy! How can I send you my book???

[@harrylew]

Moleskine notebook, fountain pen . . . whoops, could be a recipe for tragedy.

[@homemakerhobbit4372]

You keep talking about "limiting yourself" to a certain number of quotes. Why? It's YOUR book. Let this be the one place where you feel no eyes upon you.

[@ikonographics]

And then you discover that Moleskines are the worst notebooks for fountain pens.....

[@vedhagalaxy]

:]

[@Not_necessarily_in_that_order]

Too chatty? Too much "just talking as I think." Missing your cozy, nonchatty videos lately. Otherwise, good luck with your commonplacing journey!