By this I mean; you have a word count but if the fic works better with more or less words than you planned, you're willing to ditch the word count goal.

Personally I have a goal of 1000+ words but if I can say what I need to say in less words and it sounds more profound and efficient that way, I'll settle for less words.

Mainly because I get complaints that my chapters are good but too short so I try to hit above 600 words but personally I care more about the quality of my work than word count but if I can hit my word count goal and I'm satisfied with my work, I'm happy.

^ Lmao because that's exactly what I did! Literally my one shots and chapters used to be 600 words or less--700 at most. But I kept getting those, "this is so good, wish it was longer!" comments. Like you I'd rather be happy with the quality of the words than the quantity. But lately I've needed at least 1000 words to be satisfied with said quality.

^I know right? (lol) I still get that. Even if I do over 900 words I still get 'I loved this chapter, even if it was too short' and honestly sometimes there isn't anything more I would've added to it so I just let it go. If they think it's short, it's short but at least they liked it, right? (lol)

I don't generally pay attention to the word count when I'm writing. That idea just reminds me of writing essays for school or college. Instead, I finish a story or a chapter wherever feels natural to stop it.

@ktchenor I sometimes get that but not as much because usually I'm able to meet my 1000 word goal naturally. But yeah I agree, sometimes there just isn't anything else to add. Like I sometimes find the perfect way to end a chapter and i don't want to ruin it.

@Flicker I try not to but I usually do end up paying attention, at least a little. I can see how it would be off putting in that it reminds you of a college essay.