The Art of the Word Surgeon

Why 80,000 words is no excuse for a single wasted sentence

Between my two nonfiction books and the Sean McPherson series, I wrote short stories. Some won contests, others found homes in anthologies. Most importantly, they taught me the discipline of the word surgeon.

When I transitioned to novels, the 80,000‑word canvas felt like ultimate freedom. But I quickly learned that more space can tempt a writer into less precision. So I’m circling back to what short stories taught me: the economy of expression.

It’s not just about cutting words; it’s about making every word earn its place.

Every sentence must deepen character or drive the plot. If a word doesn’t move the story forward, it’s gone. What remains must be sharp, intentional, and essential.