The Tech Behind My Novels: Choosing Between Typora, Obsidian, and Scrivener
This morning, Microsoft asked me if I would recommend Windows. This may sound like heresy, but I said I was a promoter, and explained why.
I've only willingly had three Windows computers. I built my first computer in 1998, and not knowing any better I installed Windows. Then I built my next Windows computer in 2018. Then in March 2024, I bought my current daily driver, a Dell XPS 13-inch. From 1998 to 2009, I preferred to run Linux in various flavors. Because of Scrivener, I turned to Apple from 2009 to 2024. But I think I've said that before. But as I said last week, I'm switching back to Windows from Apple.
My computer naming convention includes the year I built or bought the device. I bought my last Apple laptop (an M1 MBP) in 2020. Heck, I built my previous Windows computer in 2019 as a rebuild of the 2018 computer but for Flight Simulator 2020. I'm gobsmacked about how fast the 20s have gone. I put a lot of money into technology in the 20s.
This past week, I've been experimenting with Typora for writing, taking a break from Scrivener. I even added to a fantasy RPG draft I've been noodling on. It's got bits of FATE, FUDGE, Savage Worlds and Traveller—all the games I adore. Typora's cool, but a bit too simple for my taste.
Next week, I'm giving Obsidian a whirl. I've dabbled with it before, but I'm diving in deeper this time. And guess what? I'm bringing back aText into my writing tool kit, so I'm not missing out on much from Scrivener. ProWritingAid works both with Typora and Obsidian.
Oh, and I tried...