Transform How You Collect, Connect, and Create with Ideas
A comprehensive online course for writers, creatives, and lifelong learners who want to build a personal system for collecting quotes, ideas, and reflections.
Transform How You Collect, Connect, and Create with Ideas
A comprehensive online course for writers, creatives, and lifelong learners who want to build a personal system for collecting quotes, ideas, and reflections.
The Art of Commonplacing
Transform How You Collect, Connect, and Create with Ideas
A comprehensive online course for writers, creatives, and lifelong learners who want to build a personal system for collecting quotes, ideas, and reflections.
Transform How You Collect, Connect, and Create with Ideas
A comprehensive online course for writers, creatives, and lifelong learners who want to build a personal system for collecting quotes, ideas, and reflections.
About This Course
Most people consume content passively and forget it. Commonplacing offers a timeless solution: a personal system for collecting quotes, ideas, and reflections that spark creativity and deepen thinking.
Through short video lessons, interactive exercises, and reflection prompts, you'll build your own commonplace book—digital or handwritten—and establish a sustainable practice that enhances your creativity, thinking, and knowledge retention.
By the end of this course, you'll have a meaningful collection of ideas and a tool that will serve your intellectual and creative life for years to come.
Rich Historical Tradition
Learn from centuries of commonplacers, from Marcus Aurelius to Ryan Holiday
Personalized System
Design a commonplace system that fits your unique needs and preferences
30-Day Challenge
Build a sustainable habit with our structured 30-day commonplacing challenge
Ready-to-Use Templates
Access templates for both digital and analog commonplacing approaches
About This Course
Most people consume content passively and forget it. Commonplacing offers a timeless solution: a personal system for collecting quotes, ideas, and reflections that spark creativity and deepen thinking.
Through short video lessons, interactive exercises, and reflection prompts, you'll build your own commonplace book—digital or handwritten—and establish a sustainable practice that enhances your creativity, thinking, and knowledge retention.
By the end of this course, you'll have a meaningful collection of ideas and a tool that will serve your intellectual and creative life for years to come.
Rich Historical Tradition
Learn from centuries of commonplacers, from Marcus Aurelius to Ryan Holiday
Personalized System
Design a commonplace system that fits your unique needs and preferences
30-Day Challenge
Build a sustainable habit with our structured 30-day commonplacing challenge
Ready-to-Use Templates
Access templates for both digital and analog commonplacing approaches
Most people consume content passively and forget it. Commonplacing offers a timeless solution: a personal system for collecting quotes, ideas, and reflections that spark creativity and deepen thinking.
Through short video lessons, interactive exercises, and reflection prompts, you'll build your own commonplace book—digital or handwritten—and establish a sustainable practice that enhances your creativity, thinking, and knowledge retention.
By the end of this course, you'll have a meaningful collection of ideas and a tool that will serve your intellectual and creative life for years to come.
Rich Historical Tradition
Learn from centuries of commonplacers, from Marcus Aurelius to Ryan Holiday
Personalized System
Design a commonplace system that fits your unique needs and preferences
30-Day Challenge
Build a sustainable habit with our structured 30-day commonplacing challenge
Ready-to-Use Templates
Access templates for both digital and analog commonplacing approaches
Most people consume content passively and forget it. Commonplacing offers a timeless solution: a personal system for collecting quotes, ideas, and reflections that spark creativity and deepen thinking.
Through short video lessons, interactive exercises, and reflection prompts, you'll build your own commonplace book—digital or handwritten—and establish a sustainable practice that enhances your creativity, thinking, and knowledge retention.
By the end of this course, you'll have a meaningful collection of ideas and a tool that will serve your intellectual and creative life for years to come.
Rich Historical Tradition
Learn from centuries of commonplacers, from Marcus Aurelius to Ryan Holiday
Personalized System
Design a commonplace system that fits your unique needs and preferences
30-Day Challenge
Build a sustainable habit with our structured 30-day commonplacing challenge
Ready-to-Use Templates
Access templates for both digital and analog commonplacing approaches
Rich Historical Tradition
Learn from centuries of commonplacers, from Marcus Aurelius to Ryan Holiday
Personalized System
Design a commonplace system that fits your unique needs and preferences
30-Day Challenge
Build a sustainable habit with our structured 30-day commonplacing challenge
Ready-to-Use Templates
Access templates for both digital and analog commonplacing approaches
Course Curriculum
A comprehensive journey through the art and practice of commonplacing, from historical foundations to practical implementation.
Module 1: Foundations of Commonplacing
Lesson 1: What is a Commonplace Book?
Explore the definition, historical origins, and modern applications of commonplace books.
Lesson 2: The Benefits of Commonplacing
Discover the intellectual, creative, and personal development benefits of maintaining a commonplace book.
Lesson 3: Famous Commonplacers Through History
Learn from the approaches of notable practitioners from ancient times to the present day.
Module 2: Designing Your Commonplace System
Lesson 1: Digital vs. Analog Approaches
Compare physical notebooks and digital tools to choose the right medium for your needs.
Lesson 2: Organizational Systems
Explore different methods for organizing your commonplace book, from thematic to chronological approaches.
Lesson 3: Setting Up Your Commonplace Book
Get practical guidance on configuring your chosen system for optimal use.
Module 3: The Art of Collection
Lesson 1: Active Reading and Listening
Develop techniques for mindful engagement with books, articles, podcasts, and conversations.
Lesson 2: Effective Capture Methods
Learn efficient ways to capture valuable content from various sources.
Lesson 3: Developing Discernment
Cultivate the ability to recognize what's worth keeping in your commonplace book.
Module 4: Organization and Retrieval
Lesson 1: Categorization Strategies
Develop effective categories that grow with your commonplace practice.
Lesson 2: Indexing and Cross-Referencing
Create connections between entries to build a network of knowledge.
Lesson 3: Retrieval Systems
Design for future findability and effective use of your collected material.
Module 5: Integration and Application
Lesson 1: Building a Sustainable Practice
Create a commonplacing routine that fits into your life and lasts.
Lesson 2: Using Your Commonplace Book
Apply your collected material in creative work and intellectual pursuits.
Lesson 3: The Evolving Commonplace Book
Adapt your system as your interests and needs change over time.
Module 6: The 30-Day Commonplace Challenge
Week 1: Establishing the Foundation
Set up your system and begin your collection with guided daily activities.
Week 2: Expanding Your Collection
Diversify your sources and content types with structured prompts.
Week 3: Making Connections
Develop the habit of connecting ideas across your commonplace book.
Week 4: Building Sustainability
Integrate commonplacing into your daily life for long-term practice.
Course Curriculum
A comprehensive journey through the art and practice of commonplacing, from historical foundations to practical implementation.
Module 1: Foundations of Commonplacing
Lesson 1: What is a Commonplace Book?
Explore the definition, historical origins, and modern applications of commonplace books.
Lesson 2: The Benefits of Commonplacing
Discover the intellectual, creative, and personal development benefits of maintaining a commonplace book.
Lesson 3: Famous Commonplacers Through History
Learn from the approaches of notable practitioners from ancient times to the present day.
Module 2: Designing Your Commonplace System
Lesson 1: Digital vs. Analog Approaches
Compare physical notebooks and digital tools to choose the right medium for your needs.
Lesson 2: Organizational Systems
Explore different methods for organizing your commonplace book, from thematic to chronological approaches.
Lesson 3: Setting Up Your Commonplace Book
Get practical guidance on configuring your chosen system for optimal use.
Module 3: The Art of Collection
Lesson 1: Active Reading and Listening
Develop techniques for mindful engagement with books, articles, podcasts, and conversations.
Lesson 2: Effective Capture Methods
Learn efficient ways to capture valuable content from various sources.
Lesson 3: Developing Discernment
Cultivate the ability to recognize what's worth keeping in your commonplace book.
Module 4: Organization and Retrieval
Lesson 1: Categorization Strategies
Develop effective categories that grow with your commonplace practice.
Lesson 2: Indexing and Cross-Referencing
Create connections between entries to build a network of knowledge.
Lesson 3: Retrieval Systems
Design for future findability and effective use of your collected material.
Module 5: Integration and Application
Lesson 1: Building a Sustainable Practice
Create a commonplacing routine that fits into your life and lasts.
Lesson 2: Using Your Commonplace Book
Apply your collected material in creative work and intellectual pursuits.
Lesson 3: The Evolving Commonplace Book
Adapt your system as your interests and needs change over time.
Module 6: The 30-Day Commonplace Challenge
Week 1: Establishing the Foundation
Set up your system and begin your collection with guided daily activities.
Week 2: Expanding Your Collection
Diversify your sources and content types with structured prompts.
Week 3: Making Connections
Develop the habit of connecting ideas across your commonplace book.
Week 4: Building Sustainability
Integrate commonplacing into your daily life for long-term practice.
Module 1: Foundations of Commonplacing
Lesson 1: What is a Commonplace Book?
Explore the definition, historical origins, and modern applications of commonplace books.
Lesson 2: The Benefits of Commonplacing
Discover the intellectual, creative, and personal development benefits of maintaining a commonplace book.
Lesson 3: Famous Commonplacers Through History
Learn from the approaches of notable practitioners from ancient times to the present day.
Module 1: Foundations of Commonplacing
Lesson 1: What is a Commonplace Book?
Explore the definition, historical origins, and modern applications of commonplace books.
Lesson 2: The Benefits of Commonplacing
Discover the intellectual, creative, and personal development benefits of maintaining a commonplace book.
Lesson 3: Famous Commonplacers Through History
Learn from the approaches of notable practitioners from ancient times to the present day.
Lesson 1: What is a Commonplace Book?
Explore the definition, historical origins, and modern applications of commonplace books.
Lesson 2: The Benefits of Commonplacing
Discover the intellectual, creative, and personal development benefits of maintaining a commonplace book.
Lesson 3: Famous Commonplacers Through History
Learn from the approaches of notable practitioners from ancient times to the present day.
Module 2: Designing Your Commonplace System
Lesson 1: Digital vs. Analog Approaches
Compare physical notebooks and digital tools to choose the right medium for your needs.
Lesson 2: Organizational Systems
Explore different methods for organizing your commonplace book, from thematic to chronological approaches.
Lesson 3: Setting Up Your Commonplace Book
Get practical guidance on configuring your chosen system for optimal use.
Module 2: Designing Your Commonplace System
Lesson 1: Digital vs. Analog Approaches
Compare physical notebooks and digital tools to choose the right medium for your needs.
Lesson 2: Organizational Systems
Explore different methods for organizing your commonplace book, from thematic to chronological approaches.
Lesson 3: Setting Up Your Commonplace Book
Get practical guidance on configuring your chosen system for optimal use.
Lesson 1: Digital vs. Analog Approaches
Compare physical notebooks and digital tools to choose the right medium for your needs.
Lesson 2: Organizational Systems
Explore different methods for organizing your commonplace book, from thematic to chronological approaches.
Lesson 3: Setting Up Your Commonplace Book
Get practical guidance on configuring your chosen system for optimal use.
Module 3: The Art of Collection
Lesson 1: Active Reading and Listening
Develop techniques for mindful engagement with books, articles, podcasts, and conversations.
Lesson 2: Effective Capture Methods
Learn efficient ways to capture valuable content from various sources.
Lesson 3: Developing Discernment
Cultivate the ability to recognize what's worth keeping in your commonplace book.
Module 3: The Art of Collection
Lesson 1: Active Reading and Listening
Develop techniques for mindful engagement with books, articles, podcasts, and conversations.
Lesson 2: Effective Capture Methods
Learn efficient ways to capture valuable content from various sources.
Lesson 3: Developing Discernment
Cultivate the ability to recognize what's worth keeping in your commonplace book.
Lesson 1: Active Reading and Listening
Develop techniques for mindful engagement with books, articles, podcasts, and conversations.
Lesson 2: Effective Capture Methods
Learn efficient ways to capture valuable content from various sources.
Lesson 3: Developing Discernment
Cultivate the ability to recognize what's worth keeping in your commonplace book.
Module 4: Organization and Retrieval
Lesson 1: Categorization Strategies
Develop effective categories that grow with your commonplace practice.
Lesson 2: Indexing and Cross-Referencing
Create connections between entries to build a network of knowledge.
Lesson 3: Retrieval Systems
Design for future findability and effective use of your collected material.
Module 4: Organization and Retrieval
Lesson 1: Categorization Strategies
Develop effective categories that grow with your commonplace practice.
Lesson 2: Indexing and Cross-Referencing
Create connections between entries to build a network of knowledge.
Lesson 3: Retrieval Systems
Design for future findability and effective use of your collected material.
Lesson 1: Categorization Strategies
Develop effective categories that grow with your commonplace practice.
Lesson 2: Indexing and Cross-Referencing
Create connections between entries to build a network of knowledge.
Lesson 3: Retrieval Systems
Design for future findability and effective use of your collected material.
Module 5: Integration and Application
Lesson 1: Building a Sustainable Practice
Create a commonplacing routine that fits into your life and lasts.
Lesson 2: Using Your Commonplace Book
Apply your collected material in creative work and intellectual pursuits.
Lesson 3: The Evolving Commonplace Book
Adapt your system as your interests and needs change over time.
Module 5: Integration and Application
Lesson 1: Building a Sustainable Practice
Create a commonplacing routine that fits into your life and lasts.
Lesson 2: Using Your Commonplace Book
Apply your collected material in creative work and intellectual pursuits.
Lesson 3: The Evolving Commonplace Book
Adapt your system as your interests and needs change over time.
Lesson 1: Building a Sustainable Practice
Create a commonplacing routine that fits into your life and lasts.
Lesson 2: Using Your Commonplace Book
Apply your collected material in creative work and intellectual pursuits.
Lesson 3: The Evolving Commonplace Book
Adapt your system as your interests and needs change over time.
Module 6: The 30-Day Commonplace Challenge
Week 1: Establishing the Foundation
Set up your system and begin your collection with guided daily activities.
Week 2: Expanding Your Collection
Diversify your sources and content types with structured prompts.
Week 3: Making Connections
Develop the habit of connecting ideas across your commonplace book.
Week 4: Building Sustainability
Integrate commonplacing into your daily life for long-term practice.
Module 6: The 30-Day Commonplace Challenge
Week 1: Establishing the Foundation
Set up your system and begin your collection with guided daily activities.
Week 2: Expanding Your Collection
Diversify your sources and content types with structured prompts.
Week 3: Making Connections
Develop the habit of connecting ideas across your commonplace book.
Week 4: Building Sustainability
Integrate commonplacing into your daily life for long-term practice.
Week 1: Establishing the Foundation
Set up your system and begin your collection with guided daily activities.
Week 2: Expanding Your Collection
Diversify your sources and content types with structured prompts.
Week 3: Making Connections
Develop the habit of connecting ideas across your commonplace book.
Week 4: Building Sustainability
Integrate commonplacing into your daily life for long-term practice.
Course Features
Video Lessons
Short, focused video lessons (5-10 minutes each) with visual demonstrations and examples
Interactive Exercises
Guided practice activities after each lesson to apply what you've learned
Templates & Resources
Digital and physical templates to jumpstart your commonplace practice
30-Day Challenge
Structured daily activities to build your commonplacing habit
Reflection Prompts
Thoughtful questions to deepen your understanding and personalize your practice
Lifetime Access
Return to the course materials anytime as your practice evolves
Course Features
Video Lessons
Short, focused video lessons (5-10 minutes each) with visual demonstrations and examples
Interactive Exercises
Guided practice activities after each lesson to apply what you've learned
Templates & Resources
Digital and physical templates to jumpstart your commonplace practice
30-Day Challenge
Structured daily activities to build your commonplacing habit
Reflection Prompts
Thoughtful questions to deepen your understanding and personalize your practice
Lifetime Access
Return to the course materials anytime as your practice evolves
Video Lessons
Short, focused video lessons (5-10 minutes each) with visual demonstrations and examples
Interactive Exercises
Guided practice activities after each lesson to apply what you've learned
Templates & Resources
Digital and physical templates to jumpstart your commonplace practice
30-Day Challenge
Structured daily activities to build your commonplacing habit
Reflection Prompts
Thoughtful questions to deepen your understanding and personalize your practice
Lifetime Access
Return to the course materials anytime as your practice evolves
Video Lessons
Short, focused video lessons (5-10 minutes each) with visual demonstrations and examples
Interactive Exercises
Guided practice activities after each lesson to apply what you've learned
Templates & Resources
Digital and physical templates to jumpstart your commonplace practice
30-Day Challenge
Structured daily activities to build your commonplacing habit
Reflection Prompts
Thoughtful questions to deepen your understanding and personalize your practice
Lifetime Access
Return to the course materials anytime as your practice evolves
Your Instructor
Alexandra Richards
Writer, Educator & Commonplace Enthusiast
Alexandra has maintained a commonplace book for over 15 years, using it to fuel her writing, teaching, and creative projects. With a background in literature and information science, she brings both scholarly knowledge and practical experience to this course.
Her approach to commonplacing combines traditional methods with modern digital tools, making this timeless practice accessible to contemporary learners. Alexandra has taught workshops on commonplacing at universities, writing conferences, and online platforms.
Your Instructor
Alexandra Richards
Writer, Educator & Commonplace Enthusiast
Alexandra has maintained a commonplace book for over 15 years, using it to fuel her writing, teaching, and creative projects. With a background in literature and information science, she brings both scholarly knowledge and practical experience to this course.
Her approach to commonplacing combines traditional methods with modern digital tools, making this timeless practice accessible to contemporary learners. Alexandra has taught workshops on commonplacing at universities, writing conferences, and online platforms.
Alexandra Richards
Writer, Educator & Commonplace Enthusiast
Alexandra has maintained a commonplace book for over 15 years, using it to fuel her writing, teaching, and creative projects. With a background in literature and information science, she brings both scholarly knowledge and practical experience to this course.
Her approach to commonplacing combines traditional methods with modern digital tools, making this timeless practice accessible to contemporary learners. Alexandra has taught workshops on commonplacing at universities, writing conferences, and online platforms.
Alexandra Richards
Writer, Educator & Commonplace Enthusiast
Alexandra has maintained a commonplace book for over 15 years, using it to fuel her writing, teaching, and creative projects. With a background in literature and information science, she brings both scholarly knowledge and practical experience to this course.
Her approach to commonplacing combines traditional methods with modern digital tools, making this timeless practice accessible to contemporary learners. Alexandra has taught workshops on commonplacing at universities, writing conferences, and online platforms.
What Students Are Saying
What Students Are Saying
Course Pricing
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you're not satisfied with the course after completing the first two modules, we'll refund your purchase. No questions asked.
Course Pricing
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you're not satisfied with the course after completing the first two modules, we'll refund your purchase. No questions asked.
Self-Guided
- Full access to all course modules
- Interactive exercises
- Digital templates (Notion, Obsidian)
- Physical templates (PDF)
- 30-Day Challenge materials
- Lifetime access to course updates
Premium
- Everything in Self-Guided
- Community access for 6 months
- Monthly Q&A sessions
- Additional advanced templates
- Personal commonplace review
- Certificate of completion
Team/Institutional
- Access for multiple users
- Custom implementation guidance
- Group workshops
- Tailored templates
- Progress tracking
- Dedicated support
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you're not satisfied with the course after completing the first two modules, we'll refund your purchase. No questions asked.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If you're not satisfied with the course after completing the first two modules, we'll refund your purchase. No questions asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have access to the course?
You have lifetime access to the course materials. Once you enroll, you can access the content anytime and return to it as your practice evolves.
Do I need any special materials or software?
For the physical approach, you'll need a notebook and writing implements. For digital approaches, we provide templates for free tools like Notion and Obsidian, but you can adapt the methods to any tool you prefer.
How much time should I dedicate to this course?
The course is self-paced, but we recommend setting aside 2-3 hours per week for lessons and exercises, plus 10-15 minutes daily for the 30-Day Challenge.
Is this course only for writers?
Not at all! While writers benefit greatly from commonplacing, the course is designed for anyone who wants to retain more from what they read, make connections between ideas, and build a personal knowledge system.
What if I've never kept a commonplace book before?
This course is designed for beginners and experienced commonplacers alike. We start with the basics and gradually introduce more advanced concepts and techniques.
Can I get feedback on my commonplace book?
The Premium tier includes a personal review of your commonplace system. Self-Guided students can upgrade to receive this benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have access to the course?
You have lifetime access to the course materials. Once you enroll, you can access the content anytime and return to it as your practice evolves.
Do I need any special materials or software?
For the physical approach, you'll need a notebook and writing implements. For digital approaches, we provide templates for free tools like Notion and Obsidian, but you can adapt the methods to any tool you prefer.
How much time should I dedicate to this course?
The course is self-paced, but we recommend setting aside 2-3 hours per week for lessons and exercises, plus 10-15 minutes daily for the 30-Day Challenge.
Is this course only for writers?
Not at all! While writers benefit greatly from commonplacing, the course is designed for anyone who wants to retain more from what they read, make connections between ideas, and build a personal knowledge system.
What if I've never kept a commonplace book before?
This course is designed for beginners and experienced commonplacers alike. We start with the basics and gradually introduce more advanced concepts and techniques.
Can I get feedback on my commonplace book?
The Premium tier includes a personal review of your commonplace system. Self-Guided students can upgrade to receive this benefit.
How long do I have access to the course?
You have lifetime access to the course materials. Once you enroll, you can access the content anytime and return to it as your practice evolves.
Do I need any special materials or software?
For the physical approach, you'll need a notebook and writing implements. For digital approaches, we provide templates for free tools like Notion and Obsidian, but you can adapt the methods to any tool you prefer.
How much time should I dedicate to this course?
The course is self-paced, but we recommend setting aside 2-3 hours per week for lessons and exercises, plus 10-15 minutes daily for the 30-Day Challenge.
Is this course only for writers?
Not at all! While writers benefit greatly from commonplacing, the course is designed for anyone who wants to retain more from what they read, make connections between ideas, and build a personal knowledge system.
What if I've never kept a commonplace book before?
This course is designed for beginners and experienced commonplacers alike. We start with the basics and gradually introduce more advanced concepts and techniques.
Can I get feedback on my commonplace book?
The Premium tier includes a personal review of your commonplace system. Self-Guided students can upgrade to receive this benefit.
How long do I have access to the course?
You have lifetime access to the course materials. Once you enroll, you can access the content anytime and return to it as your practice evolves.
Do I need any special materials or software?
For the physical approach, you'll need a notebook and writing implements. For digital approaches, we provide templates for free tools like Notion and Obsidian, but you can adapt the methods to any tool you prefer.
How much time should I dedicate to this course?
The course is self-paced, but we recommend setting aside 2-3 hours per week for lessons and exercises, plus 10-15 minutes daily for the 30-Day Challenge.
Is this course only for writers?
Not at all! While writers benefit greatly from commonplacing, the course is designed for anyone who wants to retain more from what they read, make connections between ideas, and build a personal knowledge system.
What if I've never kept a commonplace book before?
This course is designed for beginners and experienced commonplacers alike. We start with the basics and gradually introduce more advanced concepts and techniques.
Can I get feedback on my commonplace book?
The Premium tier includes a personal review of your commonplace system. Self-Guided students can upgrade to receive this benefit.
Ready to Transform How You Collect and Connect Ideas?
Join "The Art of Commonplacing" today and build a personal system that enhances your creativity, thinking, and knowledge retention.
Ready to Transform How You Collect and Connect Ideas?
Join "The Art of Commonplacing" today and build a personal system that enhances your creativity, thinking, and knowledge retention.
