# Using Diaries and Journals as Source Material for Zettelkasten Notes  ## Metadata - Author: [[Writing by Bob Doto]] [[Bob Doto]] - Full Title: Using Diaries and Journals as Source Material for Zettelkasten Notes - Category: #articles - Date: 2023-06-29 - URL: https://writing.bobdoto.computer/using-diaries-and-journals-as-source-material-for-zettelkasten-notes/ ## Highlights added 2023-06-29 - The trick with incorporating a personal journal into your zettelkasten practice is that it, unlike media sources you will typically engage with, has been created by you, often rough in writing, loose in organization, sans indexable markers. By contrast, the media sources we refer ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h4384bkz50ytd04mjt9q0nhc)) - Note: [[Zettelkasten]] and [[Sketchbooks]] - Adding unique identifiers has the additional benefit of making it possible to create literature notes (aka reference or bibliographic notes) off of your journals, which will function as personal indexes of your own work ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h438d8gep1g9r11w358bt7s7)) - However, when we remember that *anything* can be a source for ideas contained in main notes, that all sources of equal inspiration are treated equally, and that a personal journal is nothing more than a potential source of inspiration for notes, then their inclusion makes perfect sense. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h438mfx33hpmj8grj2087rmn)) - By appending volume numbers, page numbers, and/or dates to your journals, you will dramatically increase the use-value of these typically unsearchable thought records, turning writing that's often loose and personal into something more particular ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01h438mxh3kdccz18ypwqkzj9q))