I gave myself the 250 word limit to give myself permission to write and publish small bits. Short would be ok.
But a curious thing happened along the way. Many times I found myself having to cut articles down to fit within 250 words. I didn’t expect that, but I started to learn the importance and power of editing. I know I’m too wordy (also when I speak). So the 250 word limit helped me focus the content.
Sometimes I spent longer editing that I did writing. I think that’s a good thing. Many great writers talk about the importance of editing, removing unnecessary words and explanations, and honing the final product.
I have not always kept 250 words, but when I go above, I do so with intention.
“If you eliminate the unnecessary words, the reader will have time to catch his breath and to think.”
– Ernest Hemmingway
“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story. The second draft is you telling the story to someone else.”
– Stephen King
“The more you leave out, the more powerful it will be.”
– Raymond Carver
