you should keep a commonplace book (& how)

What Is a Commonplace Book?

A commonplace book is a flexible notebook for collecting things that interest you: facts, quotes, ideas, recipes, notes, drawings, and other inspirations.

Unlike a diary, it doesn’t need to focus on your daily life or feelings, and there’s no requirement to write in it on a schedule. The creator finds that this lower-pressure approach makes it easier to write regularly without overthinking.

Over time, a commonplace book can become a record of what you’re drawn to. Reviewing your ideas and inspirations may help you notice patterns and learn more about yourself.

Tips for Keeping a Commonplace Book

• Think of yourself as a detective investigating your own life. Record what catches your attention and treat it as a clue about your interests.
• Write down things that seem only “kind of interesting.” Small facts and moments can be easy to forget, but meaningful to revisit later.
• Keep the book nearby, such as in your bag, so you can capture ideas during small gaps in the day.
• Use it however you like: combine writing and sketches, add class notes or marginal drawings, and collect useful information.
• Choose an inexpensive, practical notebook. A low-stakes book can feel easier to use freely, especially for drawing.
• Personalize or decorate the cover to make the book feel inviting and distinctly yours.
• If you prefer digital tools, choose a platform that suits what you collect:
  • Pinterest works well for image-based inspiration and organized private boards.
  • Tumblr supports images, writing, audio, and video, with customizable blogs and a searchable archive.
  • Substack can suit writers, though the creator notes it may be less suitable for private collections.
  • A phone’s Notes app is convenient, but may be less useful for browsing and organizing different kinds of material.

Notable People, Places, and Products

• Speaker: Crystal, creator of Oddly Specific Crystal.
• Notebooks: The creator’s recent commonplace books are from Muji.
• Digital platforms: Pinterest, Tumblr, Substack, and a phone’s Notes app.
• Historical commonplace-book keepers mentioned: Leonardo da Vinci, Mark Twain, Virginia Woolf, and Isaac Newton.