Talking Back to Your Books: The Personal Art of Annotation

🙋🏻‍♀️What is annotation?

Reading a physical book is just not the same anymore. Adding my thoughts and comments to a print book enhances the experience. It's as if the writer's thoughts and I are having a heart-to-heart.  

It's like I'm having a conversation with the book. Going beyond simply reading the words and interacting with a text in a more profound way. The process of making something new with existing art as the basis. With pens, highlighters, index tabs, and Post-its, I identify key elements, document my responses, and elaborate on my thinking. So, when I pick up a book post-annotation, it’s something uniquely personal—an artistic creation of my own.  

The experience is unforgettable, creating a unique item. It's as if it were a memento from an emotional journey through the narrative.  

🌞 What attracted me to annotation:

The books look so pretty and unique, a testament to an experience joining the author and the reader. When I saw pictures of annotated books on Pinterest, I wanted to create some of my own. I’m a voracious reader, and I prefer to hold on to my books. Then, I started watching videos detailing other people annotating, and I realized how annotating could help me become a better writer. Bonus!

Then, I became obsessed with the office supplies. Second only to my book obsession is my fascination with office supplies. Did you know they make sparkly highlighters? Mind. Blown. Post-its for musings, Washi tape for color, index tabs, and stickers galore.  

🎨Supplies I use:

• Washi tape

• Index tabs

• Highlighters and colorful pens

• Post-it notes

… and stickers. Lots and lots of stickers.  

🤔How do I annotate?

This is like asking, “how do I take a shower?” It’s different for each person. The answer is—however you want, as long as you smell good! So too with annotation—anyway you want, as long as you benefit from the experience.

🕰️The biggest problem I’ve encountered is making time. The most valuable resource we have is time. We have to decide—how we are going to spend that time. And dedicate that time to interacting with a book. Because it takes more intentional effort and brainpower, which has to be intentionally taken from something else.

📖Is it worth it?

As an author? Hell yeah. Pick your favorite book and annotate—what parts do you like best? What sentences make you react? How are you reacting, and how can I apply it to my work? Am I learning new words? Tropes? Structure? Annotation takes leisure reading to a whole new level.

It fuels my creativity by fueling my fire. And taking a look back at the book, rereading becomes even more magical.

✍️What do I look for when I annotate?

·       Quotes I find meaningful (nonfiction).

·       Quotes expressing thematic elements (fiction).

·       Goal, motivation, conflict elements.

·       Questions I have—what I want to learn/try.

·       What makes me laugh? Swoon? Rage?

·       How do I want to apply this idea/concept?

·       Who do I think will be interested in this?

💡Suggestions for getting started:

·       What book have you read a dozen times? Pull it out. If you’re familiar with it, it’ll be easier to note places where you react, etc. You’ll probably have fewer questions, but if you love the book, there must be something to learn, something that can be applied to your art.

·       Don’t worry about what style to use. Start out making a mess of it, and your style will come out as you go.

Resources

·       How to Annotate a Book Like a Pro by the Plant Based Bride https://youtu.be/_XxBTu2VGN8?si=bbem77kupLu8e39g

·       How to Annotate Your Very First Book by Sweet Tea to High Tea https://youtu.be/dLcsWkexb7Y?si=GBbkgyfqm_CAjzg9