How to Create a Literary Journal for Notes & Annotations
plus A Literary Journaling Challenge for You
Book Coven is a free virtual book club dedicated to empowering members through literature as a tool for both personal and collective liberation. learn more
Hello, Book Coven!
Recently, I shared a short guide to annotating and note-taking,
I want to build on that and share a powerful practice that can deepen your reading experience and transform how you engage with books—creating a literary journal.
This isn’t just about taking notes; it’s about building a personal archive of thoughts, connections, and discoveries—a place where your reading life becomes more intentional, reflective, and alive.
What Is a Literary Journal?
A literary journal is a dedicated space where you can:
• Record annotations & reflections on books you’re reading.
• Track themes, quotes, and insights that stand out to you.
• Explore personal connections to the material.
• Develop a deeper understanding of ideas, authors, and literary movements.
• Store creative inspiration sparked by your reading.
How to Create One
Your journal can be anything that works for you—a physical notebook, a digital document, a notes app, or even a combination of different formats.
Here’s how to set it up:
1. Choose Your Format
• Physical notebook – Perfect for handwritten notes, sketches, and a more immersive experience.
• Digital journal – A Google Doc, Notion, or Evernote for easy searching and organization.
• Hybrid approach – A mix of digital and physical (e.g., a paper notebook for reflections + a digital file for quotes).
2. Create Sections (Optional but Helpful!)
• Book Title & Author – Keep track of what you’re reading.
• Key Themes & Takeaways – What’s the book really about?
• Quotes & Passages – Lines that resonate with you.
• Personal Reflections – How does this book connect to your life, beliefs, or creative work?
• Words to Look Up – I like to jot down words I don’t know so I can look them up later without interrupting my reading.
• Emotional Reactions – Not just what I think, but what I feel while reading.
• Chapter-by-Chapter Notes – I prefer sectioning my notes by chapters so I can track my thoughts as the book unfolds.
Go Beyond Notes: Creative Exploration
Your literary journal doesn’t have to be just text—it can be a space for creative expression, too.
Here are some ways to make it uniquely yours:
• Doodles & Mind Maps – Draw connections between ideas or sketch images inspired by the book.
• Short Reflective Writing – Write personal responses to a book, a scene, or a character.
• Book-Inspired Prompts – Try answering questions like, “If you could write a letter to a character, what would you say?”
A Reminder: Make It Your Own
Some people love structured notes; others prefer freeform journaling. There’s no wrong way to do this. Whether you jot down quick bullet points, write full essays, or mix art and text, your literary journal should be something that inspires and serves you.
A Literary Journaling Challenge for You
This week, I invite you to experiment with your literary journal in a new way. Choose one (or both!) of these challenges:
1. The Word Collector Challenge
• While reading, jot down at least five unfamiliar or intriguing words.
• Instead of just looking them up, try guessing their meaning based on context first.
• Once you’ve found the definition, write a sentence using the word in your own way.
• Share your favorite new word in the comments!
2. The Reflection Challenge
• Choose a passage from your current read that made you feel something—joy, frustration, curiosity, grief.
• Copy the passage into your journal and write a short reflection:
• Why did it move you?
• Does it connect to your own experiences or beliefs?
• What questions does it leave you with?
• If you’re comfortable, share your passage and thoughts with us in the comments!
This challenge is about deepening your connection to books and making your reading experience more interactive.
Let’s share and inspire each other!
Happy reading & journaling,
Juliet
BOOK COVEN
Welcome to Book Coven— Book Coven is a free virtual book club dedicated to empowering members through literature as a tool for both personal and collective liberation.
I’m so grateful you’re here. This is more than just a book club; it’s a Coven for those who believe in the power of literature to create change, heal, challenge, and transform. Whether you’re here to deepen your personal journey or to connect with a community dedicated to collective liberation, you are in the right place.
Rooted in Literary Activism At its core, Book Coven is about more than books—it’s about action. We believe literature has the power to spark change, and we are committed to using this space to amplify urgent causes, share calls to action, and keep each other informed. Together, we engage with stories that challenge systems, honor voices too often silenced, and imagine new possibilities for ourselves and our communities.
Join us
What You Can Expect
As part of the Book Coven community, you’ll receive:
• Monthly Reads – One book each month (with extended time for longer reads when needed).
• Curated Book Guides – Reflection prompts, discussion questions, reading schedules, and deeper resources to enrich your experience.
• A Private Chat Space – Ongoing conversations, insights, and support.
• Monthly Virtual Gatherings – Discussions where we come together to share thoughts, questions, and reflections.
• Guest Author Visits – Whenever possible, we invite the authors of our chosen books to join us for conversations.
• Polls to Help Shape Our Selections – You’ll get a say in what we read next.
• Event Announcements – Be the first to hear about upcoming virtual and in-person gatherings.
Note: You’ll receive the registration link for each virtual meeting directly in your monthly book guide.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to read, reflect, and grow alongside you.
With appreciation and solidarity,
Juliet Diaz (Founder of Book Coven)
By Juliet Diaz:
Juliet Diaz is an Indigenous Taino and first-generation Cuban American, as well as an award-winning and internationally bestselling author and literary activist. Her writing is rooted in liberatory and decolonial themes, empowering others to reclaim their voices, align with their truth, and embrace their innate magic and humanity.
As the founder of the Literary Craft Society, she leads a revolutionary writing community dedicated to fostering change, healing, and liberation through the transformative power of words.
Her works, including Witchery: Embrace the Witch Within, Plant Witchery, The Altar Within, the Seasons of the Witch Oracle Deck series, and the Earthcraft Oracle Deck, have inspired thousands across the world to create meaningful change within themselves and their communities.
I have my own newsletter:
A monthly community newsletter: The Altar Within—notes on life, magic, and liberation.
“Writing is a way of making sense of the world, of uncovering what’s hidden and reclaiming what’s ours. Here, I share reflections on life, the unseen forces that shape us, and the ongoing work of liberation—personal and collective. No fluff, no pretenses—just honest writing as a tool for deeper understanding and transformation.”
I love doing this. Even if it’s just keeping quotes from a book I like. What a great idea of writing down words I don’t know to look them up later. I adore new words. And also recording how it made me feel… I usually take pretty structured notes. Thanks for the ideas!
This looks interesting and fun! Never thought of starting a journal like this!