Curio Writing Technique: Getting Started

words to know

commonplace book—a central archive of gathered sources for study under specified topical groupings

curio writing—a creative writing technique that helps your visualize vague or abstract ideas about your needs and goals through reflective thinking, meaning thinking about one’s own thoughts

related commonplace topics

• aesthetics of Everyday Living

• creativity

• persuasion

Our central tool here at My Purple Dress is curio writing. Distinct and separate from day-to-day planning, the curio writing technique will help you visualize vague or abstract ideas about your needs and goals.

The regular practice of curio writing will help you build personal resolve and keep a peaceful outlook as you make decisions and commemorate through all of life’s moments.

How do I start?

First, let’s create what is called a commonplace book. This will house your ideas and reflect what you encounter as you move about your Everyday Living.

What is a Commonplace Book?

A commonplace book (see video) is a central archive of gathered sources for study under specified topical groupings. They are often filled with personal annotations of the snippets.

Throughout history—from Marcus Aurelius to Ronald Reagan—we see people using the practice to supplement conversation and other pursuits. These books are sometimes referred to as literary scrapbooks. The designs range from collage-like or diagrammed sections to linear audit trails of findings.

Today, you might hashtag or hyperlink to organize your content topics in social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Thoughtful curation helps you participate in the larger conversations. Social reach and trending of posts bring your commonplacing full circle.

As you read and travel, gather notable or inspiring excerpts and illustrations and keep them sorted into specific areas of interest, such as music history, friendship, or antiquing. Annotate as you go, and then, use your paired thoughts as guideposts through your own writing journey.

Why keep a Commonplace Book?

The regular practice of keeping a commonplace book helps you generate more distinct writing, with your prior reflections blooming into original creative works. Your commonplace book mediates the many transactions between your world and your writing. The process involves reflective thinking, meaning thinking about one’s own thoughts, feelings, actions, and experiences. Over time, you encapsulate your own voice, reduce your anxiety around producing, and draw out more unified ideas.

Final Thoughts

Life can become hectic. For many of us, the idea of linear and structured planning and personal writing can seem overwhelming. That’s the challenge we are going to explore here. Soon, you’ll move from a commonplace book to your own greater works. This is what we term curio writing. So, let’s work together.