There are no rules when it comes to word count for the chapters length. It can be shorter or longer depending on what that chapter needs. This works well for others, not for me.
If I write a chapter that is 2.2K long the next chapter has to a bit around that word count. Doesn’t matter if the chapter needs to be shorter or longer based on what is crucial for the plot. I feel weird making the chapter word counts random numbers. It lacks perfection and a tight-knit structure.
I think it’s more of a “what if someone sees this someday” and it’s not perfect. But that is a major issue that can hold me back even if I never get to that point. If I do, then I still need to write like nobody will ever read until they do.
So, I might change that. I am a stickler for uniformity when it comes to word counts, which sucks so much. I am comfortable, but I am also uncomfortable at times.
Does what I am saying make sense? Thoughts and feelings?
I don’t bother with word counts, although I keep it in the back of my mind that a book of this genre needs to be around 90k words.
But I understand that feeling of accomplishment when you keep track, and then realize how much you wrote at the end of the day. It feels so good to be productive, and tracking your word count is a good measure of productivity.
My problem isn’t tracking it. It’s that the word count needs to be so close together and not random numbers.
Let’s say it’s 2,350 for one chapter, the next chapter has to at least a bit higher or lower than the last chapter’s word count.
I believe I do that because of all the things I was taught from writing and how I instinctively follow a pattern even while doing my own thing. Along with I am impatient and get exhausted easily.
Why do you want uniformity? I suggest turning off the word count - do any of the authors you read hit exactly, idk, 2k words per chapter? Probably not. A chapters length is dictated by the chapters content - I’ve had chapters as long as 7k and as short as 50 words.
right, yeah, so take away the option to track the word count. turn your word counter off. if you can’t see how many words there are you can’t obsess over making the word counts uniform.