Question 19

I am stuck at 55k words in my romcom. I am struggling to continue. It's like I know what's next to be written but those words wouldn't come. I figured one of the reasons is because I'm scared of word count. Looking at my book, it can only get to 70k. Is that acceptable? Any advice?

You can find this mentor, Ingrid Pierce, here!

Good news: word counts on your first draft can make great markers of progress, but they don’t matter. With at least one big revision round ahead of you (and often more!), you’ll be enhancing your pacing, GMC, themes etc.

If you’re an under writer, you’ll find plenty of places to take the story deeper, often adding scenes and/or entire chapters. If you’re an over writer, you’ll find plenty of places to trim back so the heart of your story can shine through.

While you draft, just tell the story and worry about word counts later!

PS: 70k is exactly my word count goal for every first draft I write because I’m an under writer, so you’re doing great!