The rise of the 'Adderall novel': How our attention spans are changing the way authors write
- Posted on April 28, 2026
- By Los Angeles Times
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- 1 min read
In brief
Contemporary literature is experiencing a significant shift in narrative structure as authors adapt to modern reading habits and shortened attention spans. The 'Adderall novel' phenomenon represents a growing preference for fragmented, minimalist prose over traditional lengthy narratives. Through insights from acclaimed novelists exploring this trend, we examine how digital culture, cognitive patterns, and reader expectations are fundamentally reshaping literary composition and what this means for the future of publishing.
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The rise of the 'Adderall novel': How our attention spans are changing the way authors write
Why the latest literary trend favors short, punchy prose over epics. Novelists Anika Jade Levy and Jenny Offill weigh in.
