Writing Tip of the Week: There’s No “Right” Length

One of the most common questions we hear from writers is deceptively simple: How long should my story be?

And beneath that question is usually something else entirely: How much is enough?

We’ve asked ourselves that same question more times than we can count. Early on, we believed longer meant more meaningful. If we could just include one more detail, one more explanation, one more insight, the story would finally feel complete and worthy of being shared.

What we eventually learned is that length doesn’t create impact. Intention does.

Some of the most powerful stories we’ve encountered unfold in a single moment, a few well-chosen sentences, or one clear realization. They linger not because they explain everything, but because they leave space for the reader to feel something and recognize themselves in it.

When we stopped writing to prove the depth of our experience and started writing to honor it, our stories became lighter, sharper, and more generous. We learned to listen for the moment when the story had said what it needed to say and to trust that moment enough to stop.

Sometimes, adding more actually distances the reader. It answers questions they weren’t asking. It fills silence that was doing important work.

Less isn’t a lack of effort. It’s a choice. And when made with care, it gives your story room to breathe.

Storytelling tips to guide your writing:

1.     Focus on impact, not word count.

2.     One clear takeaway is enough.

3.     Stop when the story has landed. Don’t overexplain.

Sometimes less gives your story more room to breathe.

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