What is Obsidian and why should writers use it?

Obsidian is a free, Markdown-based note-taking app that helps writers organize and interlink their ideas. Unlike word processors, it gives you complete control over your files, improves structure and focus, and supports a long-term, sustainable writing workflow.

Do I need to know Markdown to use this book?

No prior Markdown knowledge is required. The book walks you through the basics and provides ready-to-use templates to get you started quickly.

Is this system for fiction or non-fiction writers?

Both. Whether you're outlining a novel or a nonfiction manuscript, you can adapt the system to your writing style and needs.

Can I use this system if I already use Scrivener or Google Docs?

Some writers use Obsidian only for world building or a series Bible/wiki. Others use it as a complete replacement for Google Docs, Word, or Scrivener. When used as a complete writing system, you can reduce fragmentation by organizing your work in one place.

What’s included in The Writer’s Guide to Obsidian?

You’ll get a step-by-step system, customizable templates, example vault structures, and advanced tips for version control, project tracking, and building a sustainable creative workflow.

Announcing The Writer’s Guide to Obsidian: A Practical System for Authors

clean desk with The Writer's Guide to Obsidian on display

📘 The Writer’s Guide to Obsidian: A Practical System for Authors

I’m excited to announce my first non-fiction release under the P.D. Workman name — The Writer’s Guide to Obsidian is for authors who want to write their books using Obsidian, the powerful markdown-based note-taking app.

Over the past year, my blog posts on using Obsidian for writing have become some of the most visited pages on my website. Writers are hungry for a practical, flexible system they can truly make their own.

So, I pulled everything together into one book:
👉 The Writer’s Guide to Obsidian

Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or both, this guide will help you use Obsidian to:

Set up a foolproof folder structure that scales from single books to entire series
Master the art of brainstorming with Obsidian’s Canvas feature
Streamline your development process using the Snowflake Method templates
Track characters, timelines, and plot threads with powerful YAML properties
Compile and export your manuscript seamlessly to any format
Integrate research, notes, and world-building into one cohesive system
Manage revisions without losing track of versions or progress

Perfect for writers who want to:

Stop worrying about file corruption and lost work
Create a sustainable system for series writing
Integrate research and world-building seamlessly
Track complex plots and character arcs effortlessly
Work faster without sacrificing quality
Own their writing process completely

🔖 Preorder Now

📘 Preorder The Writer’s Guide to Obsidian here
Available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover editions.

🧠 Why Obsidian for Writers?

Obsidian is more than a note-taking tool — it’s a full-featured writing system. It’s especially helpful for authors who want:

Full ownership and control of their files
A sustainable, organized writing workflow
Tools for linking, outlining, and tracking large writing projects

No experience with Markdown? No problem. The book includes beginner-friendly tutorials and ready-to-use templates.

Digital Download – PD Workman Writer’s Vault

Unlock the Full Power of Obsidian for Writers ✍️

The PD Workman Writer Vault is the hands-on companion to The Writer’s Guide to Obsidian. Whether you’re experimenting with new workflows or building the foundation of your own book or series vault, this ready-to-use setup gives you everything you need to hit the ground running.

Inside the vault, you’ll find:

Pre-installed plugins & CSS snippets
Exclusive Longform workflow steps that:
- Strip out checkboxes & callouts for clean exports
- Compile only the chapters you choose
- Compile your manuscript directly into DOCX & EPUB formats using custom CSS and templates
A Markdown cheat sheet for quick reference
Practical Longform exercises to build your confidence

📂 Your shortcut to mastering Obsidian as a writing tool — without the frustration of starting from a blank vault.

Use it to experiment safely, or as the blueprint for your own full-fledged writing vault.

Stop Wrestling with Setup. Start Writing.

PD Workman's Writer's Vault for Obsidian digital download

BUY NOW

✍️ More Writing & Productivity Tips

While you wait for the book release, dive into some of my most popular articles on Obsidian, writing workflows, and productivity:

P.D. Workman Authorpreneur

P.D. Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author and multi-award winner, renowned for her prolific output of over 100 published works that span various genres. With a knack for crafting page-turners, Workman captivates readers with everything from cozy mysteries like the Auntie Clem's Bakery series to gripping young adult and suspense novels. Her stories resonate deeply as she masterfully weaves sensitive themes—such as childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction—into compelling narratives that evoke a powerful emotional response. Readers are drawn to her unique voice and empathetic portrayal of complex issues. With each new release, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling blend of thought-provoking storytelling and relatable characters that define P.D. Workman’s brand as an author of unforgettable page-turners—gripping tales that leave a lasting impact long after the last page is turned.

See Full Bio

Mystery and suspense fiction Young adult crime thrillers Character-driven storytelling Cozy Mysteries Mental health and trauma in fiction Resilience and personal growth themes Indie publishing Writing craft and novel development Obsidian for writers and authors Forensic and medical thriller research Social issues in contemporary fiction Psychological thrillers Traditional mysteries Police procedural mysteries Characters with disabilities

Chris

November 9, 2025 at 9:35 am

Hi Ms. Workman,

Are you using a MacBook? If so, with your extensive work, stored in Obsidian, which Mac do you use and how much RAM and SSD? I’m preparing to make the switch over to Obsidian and want to ensure I purchase the right hardware. I have several books and research to move over from Scrivener, Ulysses, Word, and iA Writer. I wasn’t sure how resource intensive Obsidian once you create a large database. In all, I have about 500,000 words across several projects.

Thank you for your time and patience.

Chris Robinson

P.D. Workman
November 9, 2025 at 2:19 pm

Obsidian is not resource intensive when dealing with thousands of md files. It can jam up if you overload the plugins, most notably if you try to use make.md to produce a “snippet” view of your novel like you get in Scrivener.

I use Obsidian on two computers, a 2020 MacBook Air with 8 Gb memory and M1 chip, and a 2018 Mac Mini with 16 Gb memory and i3 chip.

I have vaults with up to 47 books (including omnibuses) of 80,000+ words in multiple drafts.