The most recent trend in word count is economy. Picture books used to contain 1500+ worded stories. Now the publishers and agents say to keep word count under 1,000; even better if under 500! At the same time, you are supposed to “show” and not “tell” your story. Take a look at the pictorial example I have drawn up especially for this post for when you are writing how a character feels:
Does this add up to you?
In short, it is up to YOU as the writer to find that happy medium.
FYI, if anyone’s interested, Centipede Dragon, A Benevolent Creature clocks in at 704 words. Boo-YAH.