Why A Dumb Read Is a Smart Idea

 

In an earlier post I mentioned how I'd benefitted from using the "instant version" technique: sitting down and writing a first version from beginning to end, even if messy, because it gives you a starting place.

Another useful trick I learned (but I can't remember when or from where) is to do a "dumb read." It's an easy trick and can prove to be really helpful. 

(Yes I know, "dumb read" sounds a little offensive but hey, I didn't name it.)

You see, often writers THINK they've explained something clearly when they actually haven't. This is like a person who thinks they're telling the greatest joke of all time and then gets upset when no one laughs. 

If you tell something, a joke or a story, it's your job to make sure the listener (or reader) gets it. And gets it easily.  If they don't get it, it's never their fault. It's on you for not telling it right. 

With a "dumb read" you take your finished version and put it away for a few days and then go back and try to read it as if you are a reader brand new to this story. 

I've used this trick many times and have always been surprised at how well it works. The problem areas will jump right out at you. Maybe you've used a term the reader won't know, or maybe you've messed up the order of things, or some detail contradicts something that comes later in the story. 

Is there an app that can do the same thing? Probably.  But it's good to know how to do things yourself.