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By Tammy Karasek @tickledpinktam

The many tools a writer might use when crafting their next piece is a long list. While each writer has their preferred ones to use, some may suggest they count on their auto-correct feature no matter which digital item they use. This writer will agree with that thought as it does come in handy when it catches spelling errors and can save me the red face of embarrassment of an improperly spelled word. 

Of late, though, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with the auto-correct on my phone. Granted, I’m notorious for typing fast, hitting send, then glancing up to my email or text. Not the best time to proofread something—after it’s sent. 

I spoke with a fellow writer and friend recently about how it seems auto-correct has taken on a life of its own for the proper spelling of words. No words in particular, just whatever it decides you should have used there. Yes, I know I could turn that feature off, but in some instances, I’m glad it has caught a misspelled word. 

I decided to keep a list for a couple of days to see some of the odd choices good ol’ Auto-Correct has chosen for me. Obviously without permission! Here’s a few for your reading pleasure:

Typed: No problem, come when you can. 

Auto Correct thought I meant: You’re a problem, come when you’re Canada.

Typed: Go ahead and send your piece for critique.

Auto Correct thought I meant: Gone to share peace for the creek.

Typed: Sorry, we won’t be there after all. 

Auto Correct thought I meant: Sorry, you’re not fair after the fall.

Besides the fact that I believe auto-correct doesn’t like me, I have learned a great lesson that I’d better not ignore—the fact I should always proofread everything I write before I hit the cute little blue arrow. On a post recently, I’m so grateful it was someone I knew well and was a female. The three words were changed to a sentence that was extremely embarrassing and one I wouldn’t have said. To anyone. Let’s just say she had a great laugh at my expense and I wanted to hide. For a long while. 

After all of the busyness of this summer, I’ve changed the name of Auto-Correct that more accurately describes how it treats me and my efforts to write quick notes and texts. I call it auto-change-what-I-wrote-to-what-it-thought-I-should-say. 

I have vowed to not hit the blue arrow button until I have read what has been typed in the message box.

What about you, do you have issues with auto-correct? Please tell me it’s not just me!

Tammy Karasek uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, drives her passion to encourage and inspire others and show them The Reason to smile. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a “Tickled Pink” life as she believes there’s always a giggle wanting to come out!

She’s a writer of Romantic Suspense—with a splash of sass. Her debut book, Launch That Book, released in November 2023. She’s published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. Also, she’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation, The Write Editing, Blue Ridge Conference Blog, and more.

Known as The Launch Team Geek, she helps authors launch their books. You’ll also find her as a Virtual Assistant for several best-selling authors, the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President of ACFW Upstate SC, and Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. Connect with Tammy at https://www.tammykarasek.com.