Kootenai River in NW Montana, near Canadian Border

Kootenai River in NW Montana, near Canadian Border
photo by Gene Tunick of Eureka, Montana

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Tip O'Day for Writers #137

Guest blogger Megan Held on daily goals.

Don't aim for a minimum word count.

When it comes to writing, don't create a word count target. This may stress out the natural writing flow by making a writer add unnecessary details. A word count should be a guideline, not a must reach.

Most novels for adults are between 60,000-100,000 words, the larger amount being more for fantasy or epics. This is a great range to aim for. Always aim lower because if you exceed that amount it is a great feeling. Once you edit, you can add details needed and eliminate details not needed. But, remember, just write and conclude when the novel needs to.

To learn more about Megan, see her blog at http://meganheld.blogspot.com/

Dixon says - I agree one shouldn't create an info dump, simply in order to meet a self-imposed word count. That would be a very, very, very, very, very bad, awful, insidious, cruel, dangerous and unethical thing to do, accomplish or actuate.

On the other hand, some of us frail humans need daily goals and weekly deadlines to keep us focused on our craft. Sometimes I feel that, without my critique group, I wouldn't get a thing accomplished.

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