I started this practice because my sentences felt too long or too short sometimes. I wanted them just right. So I set a goal: 20-28 words per sentence, give or take a few.
The First Attempt
Grabbed my phone and wrote random thoughts in Notes app. But I kept counting words manually. Got super annoying fast. Sentences spilled over 40 words like spilled coffee.
Trying The Clipboard Trick
Next, I copied text into word counter websites. Pasted paragraphs and checked lengths. Found out I used too many “and” and “but”. Felt like untangling headphone wires.
Key lessons learned:
- Reading sentences aloud helps catch rambling
- Shorter subjects make trimming easier
- Commas become enemies past 25 words
The Breakthrough Moment
Started editing existing blog drafts as exercise. Hunted for sentences outside 15-30 range. Chopped long ones, beefed up short ones. Felt like Goldilocks finding perfect porridge.
After two weeks, muscle memory kicked in. Now I naturally pause around 25 words. Still double-check important posts though. Practice makes permanent not perfect.
