Book description
Forget everything you think you know about writing guides. Timothy Hickson's On Writing and Worldbuilding isn't another list of vague "rules" - it's a masterclass in actionable craft, perfectly delivered as an audiobook. Listen to him unpack why those "show don't tell" tips often fail, and how to actually weave exposition into your narrative like a hidden seam, not a clumsy infodump. He makes complex ideas feel effortlessly clear, like explaining how a villain's specific economic grievance (not just "they're evil") drives the plot, or why a magic system's rules must serve the story, not the other way around.
What truly shines is his focus on the specific. Instead of "build a good world," he dissects how empires actually rise and fall - the trade routes, the communication breakdowns, the tiny details that make a collapsing society feel real. You'll hear him analyze a single sentence that reveals a character's hidden fear, or how a seemingly minor marketplace scene can foreshadow a kingdom's collapse. The "How Empires Fall" section alone is worth the price of admission - it's not history, it's practical storytelling anatomy.
And the exclusive planning section? Pure gold. Hickson walks you through his actual process, making the intimidating "how do I start?" feel manageable. The audiobook format is perfect here; you hear the passion, the clarity, the "aha!" moments as he explains concepts like soft vs. hard magic systems with examples from beloved stories. It's not just advice - it's a conversation with a writer who's been where you are, cutting through the noise to give you the tools you actually need. If you've ever felt stuck writing, this isn't just helpful - it's the guide you've been waiting for, delivered with warmth and razor-sharp insight. Don't just read it; listen to it. Your next draft will thank you.
Dr. Cocktail
ListenBook's intuitive design and thoughtful features have made my audiobook experience delightful. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If youβre looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Burst Nibbler
ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook library in my pocket. Organized and easily accessible.
Kawaii Red
ποΈπ§ Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads β this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ποΈπ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories. The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Killer Curio
ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem. Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. ππ
Pixy Mox
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ
Nutmeg
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It keeps me entertained and motivated during exercise. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
ManManMan
I'm addicted to the personalized recommendations β it's like the app knows me! Audiobook enthusiasts, gather around! This app's exceptional features, from audio filters to robust support, have transformed my daily routines into storytelling moments. ππ§ The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Mantis Queen
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend! Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
ThreadTraveler
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Storm Master
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
MythMaker
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. As an audiobook aficionado, this app is a dream come true. Its support for various formats and effortless navigation make it my perfect reading companion. ππ§ Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
RZR
ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique.
Prometheus
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling β all thanks to this app. Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app is your new best friend. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. Listening statistics are a great motivator. Love this feature!
Doz Killer
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Baby Brown
The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fun and interactive way to connect. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night. This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout. This audiobook was neither good nor bad - simply average. The narrator's delivery was professional but uninspired, and the recording quality was clean though not exceptional. It provided satisfactory entertainment without standing out from similar titles.
Killah Goose
I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. Audiobooks made simple β this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. ListenBookβs interface is clean and intuitive. Itβs a joy to use.
Fist Wizard
I'm hooked on this app's intuitive features β from chapters to playback controls. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation.
Santa's Little Helper
I've started a book club with my friends, and this app has been our go-to source for titles. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about 'reading' books! The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily. The audio quality is excellent, and the interface is intuitive. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Aqua Diva
π Elevating everyday moments β this app adds an extra layer of magic to every aspect of my day. πβ¨ The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening.
Video Game Heroine
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a testament to its innovation. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my daily routines more enriching and rewarding. Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a perfect match.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience