If you’re struggling with reading, it’s not just you. The average human apparently now has a shorter attention span than a goldfish. Reading comprehension and endurance are becoming particularly noticeable in college students.

Whether online or in person, your tactic should always be the same: work to your strengths. Will it sometimes feel a little uncomfortable? Maybe. But there’s a big difference between momentarily stepping out of your comfort zone and “no way in hell am I ever doing that.” It may take time to learn.

Regardless of how true this phenomenon is or not, the concept of the junior novel nonetheless has a strong message: That a career in writing requires that you keep writing. Instant or overnight success is not an appropriate dream to chase, neither for reality nor for our own wellbeing.