Why I love Obsidian for writing novels and fiction worldbuilding
Entertainment
Introduction
As the new year begins, I've found myself diving deeper into conversations about the tools we use for writing and worldbuilding. Recently, during one of my morning writing sessions with friends, we explored various platforms—many opting for traditional systems like Google Docs or Word documents. However, I discovered a powerful tool called Obsidian that's transformed my approach to writing novels. After sharing my experience, I felt inspired to provide a walkthrough of how I've customized Obsidian for my writing needs. This may just spark some inspiration for your own writing journey.
The Need for an Organized, Flexible Tool
For years, I've struggled with consistency in my writing. Investing in paid tools wasn't practical—months often passed where I wasn’t using them while still footing the bill. Therefore, I sought a flexible, free tool that would allow me to create in my own way, without being forced into someone else’s process. I appreciated simplicity, focusing on writing rather than getting distracted by colorful designs. Obsidian caught my attention for its versatility, functioning as both a writing space and a Wiki where I could organize my thoughts, mood boards, and character details seamlessly.
Setting Up in Obsidian
After some thorough testing, here's an overview of how I've organized my writing projects within Obsidian, using one of my novels titled Days of Marry and Bright as an example:
Mood Boards and Visual Organization
A significant feature I've created in Obsidian is a mood board. This allows me to curate images, whether they are AI-generated art or visuals from Google, directly into my workspace. I integrate elements like Pinterest boards, music links, and research notes, all in one cohesive area. The platform enables me to add sticky notes, resize them, and position them however I wish, which is incredibly useful for brainstorming visual ideas.
I also maintain dedicated canvases for various aspects of my story, such as characters, creatures, and locations. Each character, for instance, starts as a note where I describe them, and once that note gets too lengthy, I can easily convert it into a standalone document.
Scene Organization with Kanban Boards
For organizing scenes, I utilize Kanban boards within Obsidian. With the ability to create multiple columns, I list elements of my three-act structure. Every scene can be turned into a card, making it straightforward to rearrange them as the story progresses. This visual layout helps me keep track of what happens in each segment and enables me to see the story’s structure at a glance.
Note-taking and Interlinking
One of the features I appreciate greatly is the note-taking capabilities. I've created folders for chapters, notes, characters, creatures, and other random ideas. Having the ability to interlink these notes with a simple bracket system allows me to create a living document that breathes life into my fictional world. This method serves as a built-in Wiki, linking characters and places effortlessly.
Furthermore, I’ve integrated community plugins that enhance the workflow—plugins for file exploration, kanban boards, and spell check. I also enjoy using Obsidian’s typing mode, which centers my cursor in the document, making for a more focused writing experience.
Collaboration with AI
An exciting feature is the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT, which I utilize as a brainstorming assistant. This functionality provides instant ideas for character development or scene enhancements while writing, effectively acting as my creative co-pilot. Whether I need three funny interruptions in a chapter or detailed descriptions of flowers, AI assistance has become invaluable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Obsidian has significantly improved my writing process by providing a flexible, organized, and visually engaging workspace. As I continue to explore its capabilities, I look forward to enhancing my world-building experience further. I encourage fellow writers to give Obsidian a try, experiment with the tools available, and share your thoughts. Together, we can inspire each other in our creative journeys!
Keywords
- Obsidian
- Writing
- Worldbuilding
- Mood Boards
- Kanban Boards
- Scene Organization
- Note-taking
- Interlinking
- AI Tools
- Brainstorming
FAQ
1. What is Obsidian?
Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base tool that functions as a note-taking platform, allowing users to create interconnected documents. It enhances organization and brainstorming for writers and creators.
2. Is Obsidian free to use?
Yes, Obsidian offers a free version, which includes most features essential for writing and organizing projects. There are paid options available for additional features, but many users find the free version sufficient.
3. Can I integrate AI tools into Obsidian?
Absolutely! Obsidian allows integration with AI tools like ChatGPT, enabling you to use them for brainstorming and ideation while writing.
4. How does the Kanban board feature work in Obsidian?
The Kanban board feature lets you create panels with columns for organizing scenes or elements of your story. You can add, move, and manage cards easily, making it a versatile project management tool.
5. What plugins should I consider for Obsidian?
Some recommended plugins include file explorer for better navigation and organization, kanban boards for structuring scenes, and image converters for optimizing visuals in your notes. Explore the community plugins for more tailored options.
