Exploring Commonplace Books

(re-post)

My Early Modern Literature and Culture course (aka Shakespeare's Sister) at Marylhurst University introduced me to commonplace books this term.  These books have been around for centuries, and they may be a great choice for you to record important passages from books, personal reflections, or observations, or the occasional sketch or two.  Thinking back to the diaries of family members that I remember coming across as a child, I suspect I've seen these before without recognizing them for what they were.


I love the idea of the commonplace book, and I will certainly recommend the practice.  In fact, people often ask me how to become a better writer, and this may become one of the tools I talk about in the future--e.g. reading, writing, and living.  For years, I used to carry a writer's notebook.  I remember taking mental notes of characters or dialogue from public places, and these daily snapshots would usually end up in my trusty notebook.  (When I considered a law enforcement career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, pocket notebooks took on a whole different kind of purpose in recording notes on techniques and...people.)  Today, I rely on my camera to remind me of important scenes or landscapes.  Conveying a strong, sharp sense of place in my fiction is tremendously important to me, and this method works well.  When recording dialogue, I usually take notes on electronic devices, but I do occasionally use old-fashioned notebooks or journals.  The digital audio recorder can also be helpful.

For taking notes on passages of writing that are personally important, I use many different approaches daily.  Much to my mother's disappointment, I tend to highlight essential passages in traditional books.  I also enjoy using the "highlighting" feature found in eBooks.  For a writer, even published articles can be a way to remember favorite quotes, as this article is a single example.  Applications such as Evernote are also a great way to record important information along these lines.  (You can even record You Tube videos!)  In short, then, I won't be changing how I take notes insofar as this experience is concerned, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a valuable experience.  I would add that the commonplace exercise helps enhance attention to detail within works. It also offers fascinating insights into how my note-taking methods could be improved and strengthened.

So, when it comes to commonplace books, these are great tools for the present, and they have the potential of providing glimpses and insights of the "hidden transcripts" of those who lived before us.  Are they something I will personally continue?  Probably not, but the fault lies with me alone. I really can't stand my own handwriting.  If this doesn't present a challenge for you personally, go for it!  

(Here are some additional examples of commonplace books from Pinterest.)