When autocorrect makes writing a joke

We’ve become used to computers transforming our lives, tasks that took hours now take minutes and relegating earlier tech like the typewriter to the scrap pile. But it’s not always smooth sailing. Anyone who has used it can testify how autocorrect has the power to transform our words in unexpected ways, sometimes leaving us chuckling or scratching our heads at the results.

Picture sitting at your desk, typing away at your manuscript, determined to create a story that will leave readers spellbound. The words displayed on your screen are mesmerising until autocorrect swoops in with its own ideas and “mysterious antagonist” becomes “mysterious alligator.” Your plotline just got a lot more interesting with this unexpected twist. Your romance needed a scaly character from the swamp? Who knew! Autocorrect did.

But like one of those late-night shopping shows, wait... there's more! Autocorrect, the mischievous intruder of our digital exchanges, has a knack for wreaking havoc on everything from professional emails to casual texts. I've experienced it firsthand, meticulously composing an email about an 'upcoming meeting' only to have the suggestion 'uplifting muffins' pop up.

Well, who can resist a morning tea invitation? I definitely can't, especially when chocolate muffins are involved.

Autocorrect is everywhere

Both authors and readers alike understand the strength of words. We immerse ourselves in stories that stir our soul, and in if we’re lucky, transport us to other worlds. Yet, it’s the unexpected interjections of autocorrect that remind us there’s always room for a bit of laughter–even if, for us authors, it’s at our own expense.

When technology goes unchecked, the unexpected twists and turns of autocorrect often have us asking ourselves, “did I really write that?”

If you don't believe me, I can give you a few examples of how autocorrect can completely alter the theme, viewpoint, or even genre of what we're writing.

Picture this-it's the nail-biting climax in a detective novel that took an unexpected twist when the main character whipped out a "gum" instead of a "gun" during the pivotal showdown. It's not exactly the same, is it? Either our protagonist is revealing their false teeth or taking out something to chew on - either way, it shatters the illusion.

In a political thriller, an intense confrontation takes an unexpected turn into comedy when our villain threatens to "unleash pandemonium," but because of autocorrect, they end up "unleashing pandas." Somehow, it just doesn't have the same impact, does it?

What about a cosmic twist? Our sci-fi masterpiece we've worked on for years delves into the mysterious realm of 'dark matter,' only to stumble unexpectedly upon a lively debate about the existence of 'duck matter.' If left unchanged, it leaves readers to ponder the quacks and quirkiness that may lie beyond the stars.

Or maybe it morphs our character with a "killer instinct" into a "killer insect," introducing an interesting twist to our plot.

Auto Oops! When Autocorrect Takes Over Writing

Embracing the chaos, it's here to stay

Most of the time, we catch these changes, have a good laugh, and move on. But every writer has experienced that heart-wrenching moment when we share our carefully crafted story with a beta reader or critique partner, only to discover a sneaky autocorrect mistake that wreaks havoc on our manuscript.

Should we then discard it? Absolutely not. It's one of those inevitable byproducts of technology that has become an integral part of our lives. Seamlessly intertwined with online programs, software, and apps, it mostly aids rather than obstructs us. As writers, it is our responsibility to assess the options these programs offer and ensure that the words we use not only reflect our own voice but also uphold the essence of the story we are crafting. Will a few errors slip through? Perhaps, but that is simply proof we're human.

Far from moaning about how autocorrect has ruined my masterpiece (which is probably anything but one), I embrace the playful interventions it creates. As creatives, we always emphasize that the journey is an integral part of the adventure. And what better way to embrace the humorous side of this journey than by finding joy in the unexpected twists and turns that autocorrect can bring?Just as our characters encounter plot twists, we grapple with the unexpected but delightful consequences of linguistic turns.

And while I may not embrace an alligator in my contemporary fiction, I don’t mind admitting being inspired by some of the unexpected turns autocorrect has presented me.

Technology is here to stay, so in the true Australian spirit, I say 'no worries' and consider it as an opportunity to embrace the unexpected.