A week late, but you don’t care! Here’s episode 104 of Sonitotum with Matthew Wayne Selznick, the podcast about making stuff (mostly writing), finding success as we each define it for ourselves, and staying healthy and sane in the process!

This is a solo episode in which I share how I’m using Obsidian, a knowledge management application, as a replacement for both Scrivener and story bible / worldbuilding software as I conceive and write my next novel, Shadow of the Outsider.

This episode was recorded on July 10, 2024.

Links and Topics Mentioned in This Episode

• Scrivener is arguably the most popular software for writers, with yWriter being a free and lightweight alternative.
• Obsidian is a free, cross-platform knowledge management application with tremendous flexibility balanced with broad compatibility and underlying simplicity.
• Other knowledge management applications include Notion, Microsoft OneNote, or Tana, but there are many others. It’s a rapidly growing niche.
• The people behind Obsidian previously created Dynalist, which I’ve talked about before. It’s a simple but flexible outlining and list making tool.
•  Obsidian uses plain text markdown files for maximum compatibility and future-proofing, but you don’t need to learn it to use it in Obsidian!
• SyncThing, with the companion tool SyncTrayzor, is an excellent free tool for syncing files across devices.
• Pandoc is a universal document converter that, through the use of a plugin, integrates with Obsidian.
• Excalidraw is an open-source infinite virtual whiteboard that, through the use of a plugin, integrates with Obsidian.
• I like to hear typewriter sounds when I’m writing on my computer. I use Mechvibes for that!
• Let me know if you’re interested in an online course detailing exactly how to install, set up, and use Obsidian just like I’m using it as a writing and storyworld bible application.
• My latest work of fiction is “Reggie vs Kaiju Storm Dragon Squidbat.”
• The giveaway of the chapbook edition of “Reggie vs Kaiju Storm Dragon Squidbat” sponsored by J. C. Hutchins has a winner!
• My day job always has a part to play in what’s news. Perhaps there’s something I can help you with?
• Big thanks to my Multiversalists patron community, including J. C. Hutchins, Zoë Kohen Ley, Jim Lewinson, Amelia Bowen, Ted Leonhardt, and Charles Anderson! I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my patrons. If Sonitotum with Matthew Wayne Selznick brings you joy, become a patron!
  • Every month net earnings from my Multiversalist patron memberships is at least $100, I will donate 10% to 826 National in support of literacy and creative writing advocacy for children. Let’s go!
  • Patron members get the uncut, unedited edition of every episode of Sonitotum. For this episode, that includes sixteen minutes of extra content just for them!