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It's a bit embarrassing to reveal, but I'll say it. Several novels sit by my bed, every one incompletely consumed. On my phone, I'm partway through 36 audio novels, which seems small alongside the forty-six digital books I've set aside on my digital device. This does not include the increasing collection of early copies beside my living room table, competing for blurbs, now that I work as a published novelist myself.

From Dogged Finishing to Deliberate Setting Aside

On the surface, these figures might seem to support recently expressed comments about current focus. An author observed recently how simple it is to distract a reader's attention when it is fragmented by social media and the 24-hour news. The author stated: “Perhaps as readers' attention spans evolve the writing will have to adjust with them.” But as someone who used to persistently finish every novel I picked up, I now consider it a personal freedom to stop reading a story that I'm not enjoying.

Our Finite Time and the Wealth of Choices

I do not believe that this practice is a result of a short attention span – more accurately it comes from the feeling of time slipping through my fingers. I've often been impressed by the Benedictine principle: “Hold the end every day before your eyes.” A different idea that we each have a just limited time on this planet was as shocking to me as to everyone. However at what previous moment in human history have we ever had such direct entry to so many incredible works of art, anytime we choose? A glut of riches awaits me in any bookshop and within any screen, and I strive to be purposeful about where I focus my attention. Might “not finishing” a story (term in the book world for Unfinished) be not just a indication of a weak mind, but a discerning one?

Reading for Understanding and Insight

Especially at a time when publishing (and therefore, acquisition) is still led by a specific group and its quandaries. While reading about people unlike our own lives can help to build the capacity for compassion, we also choose books to think about our individual experiences and position in the society. Before the books on the displays more accurately reflect the backgrounds, realities and concerns of prospective readers, it might be quite difficult to hold their interest.

Modern Writing and Reader Engagement

Naturally, some writers are skillfully crafting for the “modern interest”: the short style of certain recent novels, the tight fragments of additional writers, and the quick chapters of various contemporary titles are all a impressive demonstration for a more concise approach and style. Additionally there is plenty of craft guidance aimed at grabbing a reader: refine that first sentence, polish that start, elevate the drama (higher! further!) and, if creating mystery, introduce a mystery on the first page. This advice is all solid – a prospective representative, editor or buyer will spend only a few precious minutes determining whether or not to proceed. There is little reason in being contrary, like the individual on a class I joined who, when challenged about the narrative of their novel, stated that “it all becomes clear about 75% of the through the book”. Not a single author should put their reader through a series of difficult tasks in order to be understood.

Writing to Be Accessible and Giving Time

Yet I absolutely write to be comprehended, as to the extent as that is possible. On occasion that needs guiding the audience's interest, directing them through the story beat by efficient step. At other times, I've understood, insight demands patience – and I must allow my own self (along with other authors) the grace of wandering, of adding depth, of digressing, until I hit upon something authentic. A particular thinker makes the case for the fiction discovering innovative patterns and that, as opposed to the conventional dramatic arc, “different forms might enable us envision new approaches to create our narratives vital and authentic, persist in creating our novels original”.

Transformation of the Book and Contemporary Mediums

In that sense, each perspectives agree – the novel may have to evolve to suit the contemporary consumer, as it has constantly done since it originated in the historical period (in the form currently). It could be, like past writers, coming writers will revert to releasing in parts their books in publications. The next these creators may currently be sharing their writing, chapter by chapter, on online services like those visited by millions of monthly visitors. Genres change with the era and we should allow them.

More Than Limited Concentration

Yet do not assert that all changes are completely because of limited attention spans. Were that true, short story collections and very short stories would be regarded much more {commercial|profitable|marketable