a detailed explanation on how i annotate

to those who have been asking, here's for you.

TABBING SYSTEM

my tabbing system differs in each book since i usually look out for themes or social issues that surround it. there are, however, consistent tabs that i like to observe - these are usually emotions, characterization, remarkable scenes, and well-written prose.

WRITING ON PAGES

while comments that enunciate my emotional state for emphasized passages (which are underlined, not highlighted) are enjoyable, i also like to write thought-provoking questions to improve my ability to comprehend. in short, i write like a literary scholar or a wattpad reader. nothing in between.

ON MARGINS

for short, casual comments, i write them on the margins. it may feel illegal at first (based on experience) but it eventually gets better. trust me on this.

ON STICKY NOTES

lengthy, intriguing comments are written on sticky notes. these commonly include character-study, points for reflection, foreshadowing, topics open for discussions or debates, and pivotal details that drive the whole plot. i usually let them stick out from the pages either on top or the side.

MORE ANNOTATING TIPS

the following are practical tips that i found useful when i was still discovering my style of annotating:

1. pencils or friction pens as alternatives

when you are new to annotating, it is normal to fear erasures, misspelled words, and unorganized thoughts. so, pencils or friction pens are very helpful as you practice being more spontaneous.

2. use pencil for tabbing systems

as i read a book, i discover certain elements and themes that i would like to look back on in the future. since i usually do not know what i want to look for in my current read, i use pencil in structuring my tabbing system.

3. the power of (clear) sticky notes.

if you think you will regret writing on your book, try putting sticky notes all over the pages when you write. the clear ones look like you wrote on them. this way, you can appreciate the joy of annotating without fully committing to it.

4. the more butchered the book looks, the better

i do not know about you, but when my book looks bulky and butchered after i read, (which of course includes a broken spine) i tend to appreciate it more. these qualities indicate how much i love it that i had to pick it up multiple times. these also give the book more character. so do not be afraid to personalize your book, a pristine copy is always available in the market.

5. overcoming unfamiliar terms

especially with classics, i often encounter unintelligible words that sometimes ruin my connection with the book or its message. to overcome this, i encircle such terms and write their denotative meaning. i found this very effective in widening my vocabulary.

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