Do you write while you are reading?
When you come across a new word, a word you like, maybe just an interesting phrase or idea, do you stop and write it down? Do you make notes in the margin, put an asterisk in the corner of the page? Or do you to prefer to just read and not let anything disrupt the fun of reading.
What kind of reader are you? A jotter(jot things down), an underliner, a margin marker, pleasure reader, what???
[question posted by makingpots]
responses and comments:
shockedYou mean a LIBRARY book? I never write in my library books, even my personal library. I will jot things down, or highlight in my bible or study books! winkrasp [Irishfrndly65]
I don't write in my books, but I do sometimes jot things down in my notebook; or more often I put a piece of paper in the page and come back to it later. [p1kef1sh]
well, i am a history fanatic and i am reading a history book on the civil war and came across a name i had heard of before. the name was archibald gracie and i also remembered that name from the sinking of the titanic. turns out the father was in the civil war and the son was on the titanic. interesting. [cher913]
Very interesting!! I think history fanatics are often the most interesting people to converse with, this is an example of why I feel that way. Thanks for sharing, cher913. [makingpots]
The only time I underline or bookmark a page is when I am reading the Bible. [whiteheather39]
I underline a lot in my bible, whiteheather39. [makingpots]
I like to read and I am also a writer myself, so when I read something interesting or somethings which inspires me in my own writing, I always write it down in my notebook. I know from experience that if I don't write it down straight away, I just forget about it. I my notebook I keep the texts that I didn't finish yet and the ideas that I didn't start writing about yet. When I read something interesting I rarely make notes in the book itself, I find that too confusing, and I prefer to use my notebook instead. [Porcospino]
Haha, I can relate. I know myself too and must write down if I want to remember. [makingpots]
Yes I stop and write things down, look things up and highlight things. It can be fun to be inspired to write but it can also be frustrating when you want to finish the read. What way do you learn best, and how do you absorb stories and info to your brain? [earthmother]
I feel frustrated to interupt what I'm reading. I've learned to take quick notes that will lead me back to what I want to revisit. I rarely stop what I am reading to go look something up, my thoughts would end up going in too many directions. [makingpots]
It depends on what I am reading. When I am reading something like an Eric Jerome Dickey novel, or some other romance, I just read along and enjoy it. If there is a word that I don't understand, which is rare, I use context clues to figure out what it means. And if it bugs me enough, I remember the word until I feel like getting up and getting the dictionary. But, if I am reading something for self-improvement, I like to make brackets in the passage around sentences that impress me favorably, or that I want to remember. That way, when I re-read the book, I am reminded of the passage. I also may make separate notes in a notebook, especially if the book is asking me questions to which the answers I want to remember. [drknlvly6781]
Lol, that is why I stopped using highlighters for those kind of books! I had a book, "All you can do is all you can do" by Art Williams. That book had so many passages that impressed me, there are entire pages in there that I have highlighted! Then the ink soaked through to the other side, making it difficult to read. After that experience, I just started putting brackets around the first and last words of the passage I want to indicate. [drknlvly6781]
I am everything, I guess LOL. In my student years, when I can't afford to buy books, I borrow from the school library and read and read and read whatever interesting books I can find. Since I can't "murder" them with underlines, I would just usually stop and jot down great quotes that made so much sense to me. Sometimes, I use those quotes as starter points to write my essays. I still have those notebooks somewhere. When I feel lazy, I just make a teeny-tiny triangle fold at the bottom of the page and remind myself to go back to it later. Sometimes I do, sometimes I forget :p But now that I can finally afford my own books, I usually read with a yellow or green dermatograph pencil (you know the one with the string which you pull to take out the next layer that covers the "lead"?) beside me so I can easily highlight quotes I like. I have books literally peppered with highlights especially the non-fiction ones :) [writermom8]
Hi, writermom8. I use favorites quotes as jumping off points for essays I write too. I've always called those pencils china markers - I don't even know why. [makingpots]
First let me say that I'm NOT a HUGE book reader except for the Bible or baby and kids books that I normally read to my daughter. I do often come across words, phrases or anything interesting and I have a special notebook pad specially for that. I don't write in the Bible or other books, I would feel disorganized if I do that. I may be far from the most organized person in the world, but I'm also far from the worst. And I also have a scrap book that I use for just about anything. I think I have slopping handwriting, maybe coz I write too fast and don't care how it looks. Yeah, I think that's it. Oh yeah..I'm sure that's it. [miraclefreebies]
Sloping handwriting. Lol Me too. I think I'm just cross-eyed. Lol [curlyandcute]
I'm probably a highligher, only if the book is mine of course. If I discover a new word, I'd look it up in the dictionary almost immediately. If there is an interesting point made, I will highlight it. If it is a library book, I'd probably read it through without doing any of this. [SydneyHazelton]
Hi, SydneyHazelton. Thanks for responding. [makingpots]
Hi makingpots. To me, what I do would depend on the typer of book that I am reading. For example a thriller may have me so engrossed, or any other work of fiction for that matter, so I just continue to read until the last page. If I am reading the Bible then I have many verses that are highlighted and lots of annotations in the margins etc. My books on art, I do not mark. So generally, no, I am not a marker of books. Good post. Blessings [cynthiann]
No, I don't so I treasure what I have. Last year, a dear friend of mine died and her daughters insisted that I choose about 1 dozen books from her vast collection. I chose books that I normally would not buy because of cost restraints and these included the books on art. I know so little but love art.Blessings [cynthiann]
I never take notes in my books. At the most I will write something on a post-it note to put in my book. If something really strikes me than I'll write it down in one of my journals. [allyoftherain]
What did we all do before post-it notes? eh? [makingpots]
no when i read i get to immersed in my book to be distracted by making notes. [anklesmash]
Total immersion is best. [makingpots]
I don't exactly know what i am.I think it may be decided by the book I read.Normally,when I read novel or magazines,i do little to write down,just read~~~however if I encountered with some books with the knowledge I interested in,i will be a totally jotter. [seaphoebe]
That's me exactly. Hi, seaphoebe. Welcome to myLot. [makingpots]
I would never EVER write in a book, or highlight anything. I have notebooks that I write in. I usually do this for inspirational books I am reading. I take notes when I watch Joyce Meyer online. I even came up with a couple of poems from those notes. The only other books I take notes from are books on writing. Obviously I am trying to learn things. But I am also the secretary of our writers' group and I post inspirational quotes on our blog, so I am always taking down notes of things I think will inspire other writers. But I also write down information that I will need when I plan to start submitting my novel to agents and publishers. I remember the good old days, back in the days of Archie Bunker, Bob Hope and Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts... my father would write down some of the jokes. I don't know whether he ever used any of them in his speeches (he probably did); he was always asked to give speeches and he was always telling jokes. Who knows if they were his or somebody elses? lol [patgalca]
Hi, patgalca. Good luck when you start submitting those manuscripts. :) [makingpots]
Lately I am writing things down things that I might be able to use in writing articles, etc, I find that if I don't I do not remember and then I never get to write the stories that I want to write. I alwys to right though, just not those stories. [winterose]
Hi, winterose. You seem to stay busy with writing articles. [makingpots]
Hi Pots how are u well to be honest, i am one who READ READ And READ if i like some word, phrase or sentence, i might reasd it 2-3 times and enjoy it but i dont like to mark, underline or make the margins at book, i believe that book should remain neat and clean. and to be honest, if i encounter a new or difficult word, i ponder on it and if dictionary is near me, i willcheck it out, otherwise skip and go on LOL Take care [cupid74]
happy yeah i believe books have their dignity must be adhered take care [cupid74]
Well if you were to see my many non-fiction books that I real that are of a self-help or inspirational type you would find a lot of it underlined...if one passage is of particular interest will even do a star type mark next to it...and yes often even mark a passage with that yellow highlighter type marker [pyewacket]
Hi, pyewacket. I think I would love to see you book collection. [makingpots]
Ah...Let's see...I'm a jotter...an underliner/highlighter, margin marker and a pleasure reader (usually with second reads). If I'm reading my bible, it's strictly for study purposes...so I have these highlighters that I use to highlight passages ---blue for nice things God did or for weird events, and orange for mean things God did like killings and the flood... When I'm reading fiction books, I circle word mistakes and make notations in the margin when there's something contradictory or to make mean comments like "Boring--shouldn't take 60 pages to get some real action going...For God's sake pinch him on the bum or something! lol Then for nonfiction books...I underline, highlight and add notes in the margin citing my own similar experiences or my disagreements with/and my opinions in addition to what was said..... [penny78]
Hi, penny78. I'm glad you had a good time in the gallery and garden. No, it is not my pottery. Gary and Daphne Hatcher are two of my all time favorite potters. I absolutely dream of living and working in their studio. And my favorite part of the dream is always walking through Daphne's garden to get to the studio. I do not have their permission to use Gary's picture as my avatar so I list him as the artist and put a connection to their website. I will likely change this avatar soon. I'm glad someone enjoyed it while it was up. [makingpots]
i read for pleasure. if i see a new word i try to find out what it means. same thing i do on mylot. i just ask them what the word means. sometimes i get an answer sometimes i don't . u are never too old to learn something new & i like to. [ANTIQUELADY]
Never too old to learn! Absolutely! [makingpots]
I'm on the computer (or at least near it) most of the day, and usually have the Notepad or sticky notes program open. So when I hear a song I'm interested in or a news item I want to check out more, I just make a quick note in the document. Of course, the problem is these little notes tend to add up to a long document, and I rarely make it through the entire document and all the things listed on it. [Idlewild]
That's a good system, Idlewild. [makingpots]
Whenever i encounter a new word, i try to jot it down and add to my vocabulary..=) [gracie04]
Well, I do write down the words I come across that I don't know the meaning of. Earlier I used to read a lot of novels and I used not only to write them down but also look them up in the dictionary then and there so that the meaning is clear and I would have a better understanding of the context. It is a slow process but this is how I improved my English. [cybersoft01]
It is a great way to improve your English. [makingpots]
hello making pots...sometimes i do write some words i encounter..especially if i dont know the meaning of it...but usually i stopped and look for a dictionary so that i can understand fully well what im reading... [vanities]
Interesting to hear from people who will stop and find the dictionary, and others who don't want their reading interupted. [makingpots]
I never write in my books, but I often have an pad of paper on which I take notes if I feel inspired. :-) Derek [derek_a]
I like that...... if you feel inspired. :) [makingpots]
Hi makingpots! When I was still in school, I am all of the three--the jotter, the underliner and the margin marker. But now, I am a pleasure reader. Really don't bother with remembering those wise or witty phrases, I just try to enjoy them and savor it until it last in my memory. Besides, I will surely forget where I jotted it down or to whom I lent the book after I read it.sad Take care and have a nice day! lovelots..faith210 [faith210]
Besides, I will surely forget where I jotted it down lol Pleasure reader [makingpots]
It all depends on what I'm reading. Sometimes, the compulsion to write things down as I'm reading takes over and I just have to get the words down. Other times, though, these feelings don't strike me and I'm able to read undisturbed. This happens to me more when I'm reading a book that is non-fiction, or a piece of fiction that carries a strong message. [explorations]
It depends on what I'm reading too, explorations. [makingpots]
i usually jot down unfamiliar words then i look for the meaning of it in my pocket dictionary. but that routine pisses me off cause it's a waste of time to flip and flip pages of the dictionary. i can't enjoy reading in that way too. because of that, i've bought an electronic pocket dictionary which is very easy to use compared to a my handy pocket dictionary. it's a lil bit costly but very helpful. [chris20]
I bet that is very handy, chris20. [makingpots]
My mom is like that. Whenever she is sitting to read something, even if it's a newspaper, she would have the dictionary on one side and her little bound book on the other. She has an enviable collection there, built up over years of diligence and it certainly has helped me too. but I don't do it…rather I try to remember the word and look it up later. That way, many words are lost, but I don't want to interrupt my reading. [sudiptacallingu]
I admire people like your mom. But I understand people who don't like to interupt their reading. [makingpots]
i like using the outsides of the page, to far left and right, also, whenever you read anything have something near by to write with. If you are reading online, google notebook comes in handy as well as a sticky note program, sticky notes offline too! :) [staylor29a11ab]
you know, it's so great to have google, you can use google documents, google notebook, and so many other things, and gmail is the best email service around. I keep everything in my google! have a great weekend! [staylor29a11ab]
All the time. I get ideas, see a cool word, the phrase, whatever, so I have to write it down in my notebook. (Whichever is closest) Write in the book? Horrors, no!! Then I'd have to see that mark every time I reread that page. They personally offend me. They weren't there when I bought the book, they aren't supposed to be there now. Besides, logically, if you mark in the book you still aren't going to be able to find the page unless you wrote that down somewhere else. So why do it? It also reduces the resale value, in case you don't want it anymore. [snowcat46]
Horrors!! Hahaha You make a good point, snowcat46. You aren't going to be able to find the page again. happy [makingpots]
That depends on why I am reading. If I am studying I will jot down things in the margin, and I might also take some notes, and jot down the page and paragraph for reference. If I am reading for enjoyment I might just mark where I left off when I have to put the book down. [OreoCookie3]
Hi, OreoCookie3. Yes, it depends why I am reading too. [makingpots]
Yah,I like to write down when ever I encounter any new word or phrases.But..I don't want to write any thing on book.I don't even underline while reading.I just pause a while ,take a look to that new word,note down in my notebook,trying to remember the word,and moving ahead.this is my style of reading. [suman2008]
That is good style, suman2008. [makingpots]
Yes I do like to write down phrases, quotes, or just about anything that I like in a book. I usually take notes on books and movies as well because I try to draw inspiration off of everything. I like to write down new words to hopefully use them in the future in some of my own works. [jambi462]
That is great to try and draw inspiration off of everything. [makingpots]
If I am reading fiction for pleasure, then I'm not very likely to stop and write things down--though I do always keep a notebook for interesting tidbits that I encounter each day. So I might stop to write down a word combination that seems interesting, a quote I like, and interesting fact, or anything that the book reminds me of. I will often look words up if I need to, or write them down in my notebook to look up later. If I'm reading poetry for pleasure (or school), then I tend to write in the margins. I look up words a lot, even ones I think I know, and write down the definitions--since the connotations can lend meaning to the piece. I was borrowing a book once, and I wanted so badly to write in the margins that I ended up photocopying nearly the whole thing so I'd have my own pages on which to write. I have an abundance of post-it notes that I keep with me when I'm reading books that aren't mine, so I can write notes with the text. This is mostly the case for books I read for the purposes of studying, but I have done it with books I read for fun and will probably continue to do so when I'm out of school (when I'm reading things that are critical--like essays, science articles, etc.) I like reading, and I like interacting with the text. I feel that taking notes and actually taking the time to admire it in pieces is part of that for me--I think jotting things down helps me notice things I like more and also helps me learn. But I'm also happy with totally escaping into a book and not feeling any obligation to take notes! [nerdytina]
I like reading, and I like interacting with the text. I feel that taking notes and actually taking the time to admire it in pieces is part of that for me--I think jotting things down helps me notice things I like more and also helps me learn. But I'm also happy with totally escaping into a book and not feeling any obligation to take notes! I totally agree! [makingpots]
The only time I write things down when I'm reading is if I'm doing it for school or for some other type of assignment or a Bible study or something. Other that, when I am just reading for pleasure, I don't write things down. When I am doing a study, I usually highlight things and write in the margin. Highlighting is good, but it is better to make some notes in the margin to remember why you highlighted it. That was just the way I studied in college and it seems to work for me! [coxjamir]
Hi, coxjamir. That's good you found what works for you. [makingpots]
If there is a quote or something that impresses me...then I take time to jot it down. I have never writting in a book.....so I really just read for pleasure unless there is something outstanding to make note of. [jillhill]
I like to jot down quotes that impress me too. [makingpots]
All of the above! I do just about any of those you mentioned. I write in margins, I underline, I scribble, I take notes on paper, and I just read without marking up anything. I'll add one more thing to the reading discussion, and it's a question back to you. How many reading books do you have open in progress, on any given day? I'm sure I have upwards of 5 or 6. [Jellen]
Good question, Jellen. Five or 6 on any given day, wow. Just one at a time for me, except for when I'm study for school.... which I haven't done in several years. [makingpots]
It has been more recently that I have started jotting more things down. I will have a notepad near me when I am reading something that may have formulas or ideas I want to have easy access to. [UtopianIdealist]
I always have a notebook (journal) with me when I'm reading too. Actually, I always have a journal with me. [makingpots]
i wont mark in the book.. that would kill me!! but i will write it down or pause and go look up the word real quick if its bugging me that i dont know it [moonlitmagikchild]
Yes, it seems a lot of people can't bring themselves to write in a book. [makingpots]
When I was a teenager and I was doing my English Ordinary level exam I used to keep a copybook with me and trying to jot down every new word and expression that I encountered. Nowadays i do read for leisure mostly. Therefore I don't fel to mark each new word. Though I do research what it means. © ronaldinu 2009 – the more people I meet – the more I love my dog. [ronaldinu]
The last word that I did not know what it means was the word tad which means small [ronaldinu]
I like to keep books clean.When reading anything about English, I will jot new words or phrases that I've never seen before down.When reading Chinese books(Chinese is my native language), I also jot down some difficult words that I could pronounce correctly.I dont always do so. Most of time I am a pleasure reader. [sweetyethot]
Pleasure reading is great! [makingpots]
I don't make notes when im reading, unless it is studying. I prefer to get myself lost in whatever I am reading. [meggan79]
It is fun to get lost in whatever you are reading. [makingpots]
You betcha do write while I am reading? When I come across a new word, especially one I don't know the meaning of, a word you like, maybe just an interesting phrase or idea, I stop and go directly to dictionary.com to learn the meaning of it. For instance I have had some folks respond to discussions that I have started and they write words in their response that I don't understand, I immediately open another window and go to dictionary.com to look up the word. I also do that when I am writing reviews or drawing other pieces of art. [hdjohnson]
Ah, yes you have a good system. [makingpots]
I write in books! I highlite, and all kinds of things actually. like if I dont know a word I'l highlight it, and then write the definition in the book; in the back mind you. I rarely write in the margines. And i totally perfer to buy the book instead of go to the library, especially if its a popular one. My books usually get crumpled and thrown around...and its disrespectful to the book, but what can I do I have two little ones under the age of three and they enjoy books as much as me. They can't read but the hold the book like they can. My two year old can recognize words like, the, and, as, it, top, and simple words like that so he will point them out to me. its cute. I love diving into a great story, and my kids are doing the same now. Theres no reason why i shouldn't write in my books, or highlight in them, their mine, and I enjoy them that way. Its more of an interaction kind of thing, you know? [juveriam786]
I understand the interaction aspect. I too prefer to buy my book. But there are some of my books I like to keep unmarked and in good condition. Books signed by the author or first edition books, etc. [makingpots]
YES! Although I am an avid reader I don't seem to remember the things in the books after I first finsih reading as I loathe to disruptthe book to get a notepad or dictionary. I am generally a pleasure reader but I see things that me when I am writing essays. [bossladdy]
most of the time i would use a highlighter pen to highlight the important points. to make it more readable and reader friendly, i write them out in another note book in points. which would be easier for me to do revision for exams. Margin market is good as well because is easy to read back where the points were point. :) [lovesummer]
Hey Pots! The only time I write things down while reading is when I am dissecting a novel for school. In my own time, I prefer to keep reading if the novel interests me. I'll stop to think sometimes about what the author is trying to say in certain situations, but that's it. I like trying to find all the symbolism myself. I guess I consider myself a pleasure reader. wink Did you pick up a copy of The Glass Castle Yet? [steflane]
Yay! Hope you like it. happy I'm good pots, how are you? [steflane]
i am sort of a pleasure reader,i donot jot words downbut i do try and store it in my memory,so that at some opportune moment,i can vomit it out. [riyasam]
lol vomit it out. [makingpots]
Mostly I am a pleasure reader. If I were to jot something down it would be on paper outside of the book. I wouldn't want to mar the book. It would hinder someone elses enjoyment, be a distraction for the next reader of the book. [ersmommy1]
I agree. I only mark books that I'm sure will not be read by another. [makingpots]
it depends on the kind of book i am reading. if i am reading a novel or a short story then i would just read through it without taking down any notes, unless it is something that would really strike me, like an inspiratiion but if i am reading an informative subject like how to make money in the internet then i take down notes and even mark the words and phrases with a highlighter or underline it with a pencil with a ruler. [tigerdragon]
I ALWAYS underline, something funny, smart, good metaphor, sad........i cant read without a pencil. All books are mine (i dont like library books) so i have all freedom to write in them. Like that, for me, books looks much more personal and read. Dont you agree? [Jasna88]
Yeah, library books somehow dont give the same feeling, you always must be careful not to write in them, spill something on page, your hands must be clean so you sdont leave some mark etc etc. Almost taking away of us all joy oh reading, instead making us concentrate on something else, much les important. Happy Myloting and reading my friends! [Jasna88]
I love to write down ideas and phrases when I am reading. It helps me remember the thought I had. Sometimes I write little journal entries or something about what the lines I wrote down or they inspire something of my own to write. [Jezebella]
That's an excellent habit to have, Jezebella. I do a similar thing but not as often as I used to. [makingpots]
LOL, I write while I'm writing. I often make notes in the margins about other ideas I get so I remember to go back to them later. I will read something in a magazine that will set my brain in motion and I'll write a response of sorts, kind of like reflective writing. [Canellita]
Hey, that's a great idea...... [makingpots]
Most of my reading is online. If I like something or want to remember it I will copy and paste it to my notebook. I bookmark a lot to go back and read again later. [curlyandcute]
Yes, we all seem to be reading more and more online. Welcome to myLot, curlyandcute. [makingpots]
Well, it certainly depends on what I'm reading. However I mostly read to learn something instead of for enjoyment purposed only. So I do underline and may possibly take notes in addition to that. I have to write it down because it's not too often I will go back through and look at the book again. But sometimes I do want to remember things to discuss with my husband later. [simplyshawn]
I sometimes do. Problem is I have written too many of them I can't remember how to use each of them. LOL! confused As English is not my native language so I have plenty of words and phrases I don't understand. That is why it is important for me to write them down whenever I read something new. When I was doing my masters my book has got plenty of vocabulary notes on the margins. rasp If I didn't do it, I would be lost. surrender [Jemina]
I used to be an obsessive jotter and used to jot in every intriguing word and phrases. But recently, I have come out of it to some extent. even though i kinda type in my cell phone new, catchy things but its not the same. Those were the days when I used to carry note book with me always. happy [mimpi1911]