by Josh Funk
Yesterday, Tara told us to be mindful and also to daydream. Mindfulness and daydreaming may seem like opposites; pay close attention to the world…and pay attention to only what’s in your head. And just to prove that ideas come from anywhere and everywhere, today I’m going to suggest you do a third thing—something right in between.
Only half concentrate on what you’re doing. Space out…a little. Don’t pay too close attention. You know you’re gonna anyway. You’re probably multi-tasking while you read this post; maybe you’re exercising (good for you!) or driving (please pull over before continuing. Seriously.), or in the bathroom (hey, that’s where I’m writing this!).
Today I’m going to tell you why I love otter car wrecks. Sorry, I meant autocrrects. Bah! I mean autocorrects. And typlos. Seriously? AUTOCORRECTS AND TYPOS! And how they can inspire goofy, absurd, and sometimes preposterous creativity.
Do you want a robust hobbit dude?
Why wasn’t I invited, poo-head?
I solved your evil baristas.
I said or wrote all those things over the past few years…sort of.
I like to think that I have pretty good hearing. But if you ask my wife, she’ll tell you I’m not the best listener. I clearly wasn’t paying close attention when I thought I texted my wife, “Do you want to go out for food?” but ended up asking her about a chubby cowboy creature from middle earth. While a book about a hobbit is probably copyright protected, I’ll be there’s a market for LOTR fan-fiction.
When Anna Staniszewski told me in gchat that she was having a book launch, I responded with what I thought was, “Why wasn’t I invited, though?” I can’t say that I didn’t not not start working on a manuscript about a birthday party for an anthropomorphic piece of—wait, never mind. As Tara always says, don’t give away your ideas.
And I honestly have no idea what I said when Siri searched for those evil baristas. My best guess is that I wanted a burrito. But I made sure to write it down because a villainous coffee artisan sounds like a perfect future foil for Inspector Croissant!
So use those absurd auto-corrects to your advantage. If you mishear someone speak, maybe what you think you heard will bear a brainstorm. It may seem nonsensical now. But definitely write it all down. For all you know, a typo isn’t just a typo—it’s your subconscious genius giving you an inspirational kick in the barista.
Josh Funk writes silly stories and somehow tricks people into publishing them as picture books, such as Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast and its upcoming sequel The Case of the Stinky Stench along with Pirasaurs!, Dear Dragon, It’s Not Jack and the Beanstalk and more! This morning he started drafting a book about otters getting into car wrecks.
Josh is a board member of The Writers’ Loft in Sherborn, MA and the co-coordinator of the 2017 New England Regional SCBWI Conference. He has a 12 Step Guide to Writing Picture Books in the ‘Resources for Writers’ section of his website. Josh grew up in New England and studied Computer Science in school. Today, he still lives in New England and when not writing Java code or Python scripts, he drinks Java coffee and writes picture book manuscripts.
Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys _______ during ________ and has always loved __________. He has played ____________ since age __ and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a __________.
Find out more about Josh at joshfunkbooks.com and on Twitter @joshfunkbooks.
Josh is giving away one signed & personalized copy of each of his three books: Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, Dear Dragon, and Pirasaurs!—one each to three lucky winners.
Leave ONE COMMENT below to enter. You are eligible to win if you are a registered Storystorm participant and you have commented once on this blog post. Prizes will be given away at the conclusion of the event.
Good luck!
644 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 3, 2017 at 8:11 am
Paul Carroll
I’m not saying I’m definitely going to let auto-correct make up all my ideas for me. But I *am* saying that I’m going to try very hard not to let games on my phone distract me from the serious work of letting my phone make mistakes for me! Awesome post! =D
January 3, 2017 at 8:18 am
erineball
My predictive text loves the words “registration” and “Udall” (a political family from out west– I had to look it up). Maybe there is a non-fiction pb in there somewhere. Or money to go back to school.
I’ve always thought of auto corrects as mistakes. Maybe there are other mistakes I can use to fuel my idea machine…
January 3, 2017 at 8:19 am
Cathy Stenquist
Thanks josh for pointing out how even a frustrating moment of texting can inspire. Who knew? Going to pay more attention!
January 3, 2017 at 8:23 am
meganleewrites
Great idea, Josh! Thanks for the tip!
January 3, 2017 at 8:23 am
cindyjohnson2013
I love the idea of using otter wrecks – and my own poor hearing- for inspiration! Thanks for a great post!
January 3, 2017 at 8:25 am
pathaap
Hilarious! I loved reading this post, and definitely can relate. Can’t wait to start making my list. Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 8:27 am
Krissy
Such a silly, great idea ! Especially for me, since I am hearing impaired. Finally, something good can come of it! Lol Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 8:28 am
Jennifer Raudenbush
I’d love to be a fly on the wall inside your mind :-). Thanks for the creativity ideas!
January 3, 2017 at 8:28 am
Brittanny Handiboe
Good one! Tempted to let auto correct take control here, but that could be dangerous haha. Could potentially be guving away ideas XD
January 3, 2017 at 8:30 am
August Washington
Hmmm, something to chew on. Thanks for the tip Josh
January 3, 2017 at 8:31 am
Andrea Mack
Finally something useful comes of the auto-correct feature! I really like the idea of taking a mistake and turning it into a story. Thanks for the suggestion.
January 3, 2017 at 8:32 am
Melissa Stoller
I am laughing, Josh! Who knew you could find inspiration in autocorrect, but why not? Thanks for a great post. And now I am off to mis-type and create!
January 3, 2017 at 8:32 am
Jo Brown
great post, thanks Josh
January 3, 2017 at 8:34 am
Leigh DeFreitas
Great fun today! Would love to win one of Josh’s books.
January 3, 2017 at 8:34 am
Tina Cho
How funny! Thanks for the tip on auto-corrects! Awesome.
January 3, 2017 at 8:36 am
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Oh I love this advice! A few years ago during piboidmo I had Siri take a note about an idea. She got it so blazing my wrong thay my kids and I laughed about it. But the idea was so good, I didn’t mind. I was sure I’d remember it. Famous last words… well, maybe siri’s crazy take will actually take!
January 3, 2017 at 8:36 am
Gina
Loved this post and a great reminder to have fun in the discovery of those creative ideas! Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 8:37 am
Kaitlin Hedberg
Love the suggestion. Thank you for the laugh and the reason to love my fat thumbs 👍🏻
January 3, 2017 at 8:37 am
Jen G.
Thanks for the inspiration, Josh! I’m going to start paying closer attention to my otter car wrecks! 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 8:37 am
sunwalker2013
Geez, i needed that. Who knew autocorrects could be re-rai ed?
January 3, 2017 at 8:41 am
Rebecca Sheraton
These autocorrects or absurd thoughts can often be your best ones!
January 3, 2017 at 8:41 am
Juliann Caveny
Oh, JOsh! How true! This reminds me of a story that formed in my mind years ago… today might be the day to revisit! Thanks for the list/lisp/lift!
January 3, 2017 at 8:43 am
Sue Poduska
Sadly, or possibly happily, my brain starting doing this long before autocorrect. My husband will not necessarily thank you for the encouragement. But I thank you.
January 3, 2017 at 8:44 am
dfrybarger
Thanks for the fun yet inspiring post! My goal for this year is to slow down enough to actually think about those typos and autocorrects!
January 3, 2017 at 8:49 am
Tracy Hora
Great idea! I also love your 12 Steps to Writing Picture Books.
January 3, 2017 at 8:49 am
Ashley
I loved this post! This actually happened to me and I couldn’t believe how perfect the idea was. I hoping for more auto correct inspiration in the New Year. Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 8:50 am
telltalestome
I would just love to read one of Josh’s silly stories – I drive my kids crazy with my autocorrects and typos but I also think they’re funny and try to keep them going, for example –
‘Can you get me some chunky(chicken) legs on the way home?’
‘Chunky legs?’
‘Yeah, I want to make chunky leg curry – maybe I could use yours ???
‘What…?
etc.. etc – th main thing is to end with a lol !!!
January 3, 2017 at 8:52 am
ritaborg
mistakes are rate oh i mean grate no great! thanks Josh
January 3, 2017 at 8:57 am
stiefelchana
I can see it now…a whole book of Autocorrects (written in the bathroom). Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 9:01 am
Polly Renner
Autocorrects are frustrating, but also super funny…most of the time! Thanks Josh for the new inspiration:>
January 3, 2017 at 9:01 am
Elsa Takaoka
I try writing absurd and wild and fresh stories, but alas …I end up with safe and cute. Gah! Why hadn’t I thought of using SIRI or autocorrect as my assistant?! 😀
January 3, 2017 at 9:05 am
jodimckay
Hahahaha! Love this! I’m not gong to edit anymoore just to sea what gnu ideas come up.
Thinks, Josh🦃
January 3, 2017 at 9:07 am
lindaschueler
I used to think autocorrects were annoying, but not anymore. Thanks for shining a different light on the subject.
January 3, 2017 at 9:07 am
mgkingwrites
Fun post!
January 3, 2017 at 9:08 am
Sarita F.
I live in peru, so most of my autocorrexts come when I forget to swirl/switch languages,on my phone. Can’t wait to see what bilingual inspiration awaits. Thanks for turning a nuisance into a game.
January 3, 2017 at 9:11 am
Laura
Formidable crispum nudum!
January 3, 2017 at 9:13 am
Tracey M. Cox
Josh, Thanks for a ferret post… Betrayed post…. Grrrrrreat post! Whew! LoL! And mis-hearongs? Boy, oh boy. I have a lifetime of mishearings to use. 😉
January 3, 2017 at 9:14 am
kayt663
Autocorrect typos and Siri-ous misunderstandings are definitely quite amusing!
January 3, 2017 at 9:16 am
Patricia Alcaro
FUN!
January 3, 2017 at 9:22 am
Kat
Brilliant post! Really enjoyed reading it.
I always make typos and autocorrect mistakes and I’ve never thought about using them as a source of inspiration. So thank you!
January 3, 2017 at 9:24 am
Candy
I’m gliding on autocorrect now!
January 3, 2017 at 9:24 am
Joan Swanson
I love your books, such great picture books for kids!
January 3, 2017 at 9:26 am
jodieparachini
Awesome post! My latest chapter book manuscript was based on a misheard conversation so this post is right up my alley!
January 3, 2017 at 9:27 am
Alex Borns-Weil
Oh, Josh! Now I’m worrying about all those hilarious autocorrect errors I missed!
January 3, 2017 at 9:27 am
meszter24
Thank you Josh! Loved it!
January 3, 2017 at 9:32 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Oh gosh, that idea is so you, Josh. Love, love, love your sense of humor and fun and craziness and insanity. Let’s see what the world of autocorrect sends me today.
January 3, 2017 at 9:34 am
Damon Dean, SevenAcreSky
Ha! Great idea source Josh. I once texted a friend a scripture to encourage him to gear up spiritually. It read “Put on the full ARMPIT of God.” (Meant to be ‘armor’). Guess that’s as safe a place to be as anywhere else.
Thanks for a great post.
January 3, 2017 at 9:34 am
jeanne
Thanks for the laughs and the story idea generating tip. Of course, now that autocorrect knows about its true purpose . . .
January 3, 2017 at 9:36 am
lololaffan
Loved this! Maybe some of my totally silly, seemingly random ideas DO have potential! Thankful to be introduced to Josh’s books and style!
Lolo
January 3, 2017 at 9:36 am
lmconnors
Great post and great prizes! Thanks Josh for a laugh to start my day and a new place to look for ideas.
January 3, 2017 at 9:39 am
Cindy Breedlove
So that’s where the best ideas come from! I’ll stop trying to be perfect from nowon!
January 3, 2017 at 9:41 am
Barbara Cairns
Super prizes! Hope I win one of them!
January 3, 2017 at 9:42 am
Darshana
Love this idea! I seem to have the problem where words come out incorrectly from my mouth at times. Funny enough my kids are always around to catch me and remind me.
January 3, 2017 at 9:42 am
hmmmmm
Another page for BEAUTIFUL OOPS. Thanks Josh.
January 3, 2017 at 9:42 am
loriannlevyholm
This post made me pause… I’m not sure if it is the fact that we tend to take ourselves too seriously and limit or edit the silliness that is available to us. Something to ponder. Thank you.
January 3, 2017 at 9:44 am
Kidlit Tidbits (@KidlitTidbits)
Josh Funk is just so much fun! But don’t let that fool you. He’s brimming over with kidlit wisdom, as well. He’ll have you laughing so much that you don’t even realize you learned something. Now, I’m off to hire a P.I. to check out a crazy, local barista whom I’m convinced is up to no good. . .
January 3, 2017 at 9:46 am
Heather Sisson
Love these books! I couldn’t agree more, sometimes a slip of the word leads to the greatest ideas.
January 3, 2017 at 9:47 am
kathalsey
Ho generous ot gave away all these books, Josh! As auto -non-correct queen, me w/the the small chubby fingers, I have these typos everywhere. LOL
January 3, 2017 at 9:51 am
Mary Worley
Some of our best family sayings are from misheard phrases. Also, this puts a positive spin on my less-than-stellar listening/hearing abilities. Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 9:53 am
Lisa Katzenberger
Too funny! I will have to mine my texts now and see what I can find! Thanks for a great idea!
January 3, 2017 at 9:54 am
Janet AlJunaidi
I always am cursing auto-correct, so you just gave me an attitude adjustment! Thank you! 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 9:54 am
Erin Pearson
Made me laugh out loud. Perfect way to start my day. Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 9:58 am
Laura Purdie Salas
Too funny, because as I opened my Picture Book Ideas document, my most recent idea (from October–ack) is about how my typo made rainbow become…well, I’ll save it, but NOT a rainbow. :>)
January 3, 2017 at 9:59 am
bewestcott
Silly, crazy, and creative. I’ll bet kids giggle through these books.
January 3, 2017 at 10:01 am
Naomi Danis
Thanks Josh! I have always found my own mistakes, misunderstandings, mis-hearings fascinating, and of course the special effects are exponential with our high tech communications.
January 3, 2017 at 10:02 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Three cheers for auto-correct!!! Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:05 am
Kristen Schroeder (@KLSchroed)
Thanks for reminding us that inspiration is everywhere! And those auto corrects can be pretty hilarious.
January 3, 2017 at 10:05 am
jodieparachini
Awesome post. My latest manuscript began as a misheard conversation so I love this idea. Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 10:07 am
Rebecca Van Slyke
My favorite Autocorrect story? When I inquired if my daughter wanted me to paint her plain pair of tennis shoes, it got sent as, “Do you want your grannies painted?”
January 3, 2017 at 10:08 am
joypainter
Joypainter… Now I can look forward to the auto-correct fiascos… Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:09 am
Kristin Wauson
Someone finally has made a good argument for autocorrect being useful. I guess I will turn mine back on! Thanks for the great idea and for making me laugh so early in the morning.
January 3, 2017 at 10:10 am
Jason Perkins
Great ideas. Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:11 am
ShellyHY
Hahaha – GREAT advice and a great way to start the morning!
Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:12 am
Kylie Burns kysblog1
This is so timely! Haven’t we all been under the curse of auto-correct at some point? My phone always “corrects” the name Kelly as “Jelly”. Pretty sure I sent a text to Jelly on several occasions….ugh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:13 am
Debra Shumaker
Brilliant!
January 3, 2017 at 10:14 am
Laurie Lascos
Sadly, I don’t have a phone that would autocorrect anything; however, my marking typos can be spectacular. I once commented on an (online) essay: “Watch your tense-sh*tting”. Caught that one, thankfully. 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 10:14 am
Robin Currie
Laughing is healing for all ages – thank you!
January 3, 2017 at 10:17 am
carol calladine
Thank you, Josh. Silliness is not over-rated.
January 3, 2017 at 10:17 am
Anne Bielby
Interesting. This is the first time I have ever read anything positive about auto correct.
January 3, 2017 at 10:18 am
Stephanie Geckle (@SPGeckle)
Oh, the absurdity of autocorrect! I love that you make it work for you. Thanks for taking us to FUNKYTOWN! 🎶🕺🏻
January 3, 2017 at 10:19 am
Cathy C. Hall
Autocorrect, huh? Well, I have three grown kids who insist on mumbling all the time and when I respond to what I *think* they said, I’m downright hilarious. So maybe I just need to write down all the crazy things I say. 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 10:21 am
Ryan Roberts
Always good stuff from Mr. Funk.
January 3, 2017 at 10:21 am
Traci Sorell
I love Dear Dragon and so does my little guy! It’s good to hear ideas can even come from typos and while multitasking.
January 3, 2017 at 10:23 am
jtmaxwell
I love this idea!! What a great way to be productive all the time 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 10:24 am
Gregory E Bray
Auto-correct has been my bane. But it has been a funny bane.
January 3, 2017 at 10:25 am
Kelsey
This article made me laugh! It certainly is a more positive way to look at autocorrect. Inspiration is everywhere! 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 10:25 am
Lorraine
Thanks for a good laugh and great ideas.
January 3, 2017 at 10:25 am
tiemdow
Thank you, Josh! Gives me a little more patience with autocorrect.
January 3, 2017 at 10:26 am
Nicole
Great post!! It’s hard to remember that those silly unintentional moments could lead to an idea.
January 3, 2017 at 10:27 am
Mindie Dittemore
I find some of my best ideas come from misunderstandings LOL
January 3, 2017 at 10:27 am
Melanie Ellsworth
Ha!
January 3, 2017 at 10:27 am
wpdrey
Love this post! Gluten Nacho is now a family colloquialism ever since I tried to bid my German friend good night (guten nacht) in German. Also my friend Lauren will forever be known as Ludendorf. Perhaps someday I will write a story starring Ludendorf who sets off on a quest for a non-gluten-free nacho. They are hard to find.
January 3, 2017 at 10:31 am
Teresa Robeson
Omg, that’s brilliant! As often as autocorrect mangle my words and publicly humiliate me, I should use those instances to my advantage to salvage what little dignity I have left. Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:32 am
Elizabeth Saba
The backspace key gets a lot of tapping on my devices😀, thanks Josh for the laughs.
January 3, 2017 at 10:34 am
MD Knabb
Thanks, Josh. Just reading your post made an idea pop into my mind.
January 3, 2017 at 10:34 am
Leslie Santamaria
So funny! Typos that autocorrect doesn’t mess with can be funny too. I regularly great my honey with the text “Hi, Hiney!” Hmmm…I could use that… Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:35 am
Leslie Santamaria
*greet! Hahaha!
January 3, 2017 at 10:35 am
Judy Sobanski
Great suggestion to only half-way pay attention! Maybe I’ll type really fast with my eyes closed and see what I come up with. Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:35 am
Sharon Nix Jones
You are one funny guy. Thanks for the reminder to space out. My family won’t understand, but oh well.
January 3, 2017 at 10:35 am
Katelyn Aronson
Day 3 & I’m already starting to draw blanks…maybe I need to go spend some time with Autocorrect for inspiration! Thanks, Josh, for the giggles.
January 3, 2017 at 10:37 am
Delfina Salimbene
Hahaha! This was just the “kick in the barista” I needed. Starting today, I’m going to stop yelling at Siri when she says things like, “You want me to call you ‘Papa’?” (no! No, Siri, I don’t!) and take some inspiration from her instead. Thank you, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:38 am
Holly Samson Hall
As a sleep-deprived mom, half paying attention is my specialty. Thanks for the great post, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:39 am
Lauren Barbieri
Thank you! I love the idea of embracing unintentional whimsy for the inspiration it can be!
January 3, 2017 at 10:39 am
Rebecca
Funny and wise advice!
January 3, 2017 at 10:40 am
Johnell DeWitt
Autocorrects. My bane. But now I’ll look at them in a plight, light that is. Thanks.
January 3, 2017 at 10:41 am
Melissa
Cute idea!
January 3, 2017 at 10:42 am
Shereen S.
Funny!
Gives me a different perspective on autocorrect! 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 10:43 am
ellenleventhal
Great idea! Siri NEVER understands me!
January 3, 2017 at 10:43 am
Francis S. Poesy
Typos for fun and profit! I lick it! :]
January 3, 2017 at 10:46 am
Sandy Asher
Fun stuff, Josh! Thank you. Years ago, before I even owned a computer, I wrote a little verse that no one seemed to get. Maybe it’s time has finally come? “Smoetumes I tink I tro waway tee cleve rest thnigs I’ll nver say.”
January 3, 2017 at 10:47 am
Shel Ledrew
Totally hilarious.
Love autocorrects.
Allows your brain to be outrageous.
January 3, 2017 at 10:47 am
rowenarae
I’ll never curse autocorrect again!
January 3, 2017 at 10:49 am
Stephen S. Martin
I turned auto correct off because it was driving me nuts, guess I’ll put it back on.
January 3, 2017 at 10:52 am
Paula Zeller
I love the idea of relishing and possibly using life’s little typos! Spacing out is … what? oh yeah … great advice too! Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 10:54 am
Marlene Rohr
Thanks for this fun writing tip… I once texted my daughter about a plan to serve hearty soups at an upcoming event, but the text she got from me read hearty souls!
January 3, 2017 at 10:56 am
Duana Juneau
I am not usually a fan of Autocorrect, she’s rude. (Yes, I have personified her). But today I will embrace her and follow her on this adventure. I wonder where we’ll go? Eeeeeek! Fun! Exciting! Perspective!
January 3, 2017 at 10:56 am
Kim Pfennigwerth
Typos for ideas – so much fun and fabulous advice! Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 11:00 am
Jess Townes
This is a brilliant idea Josh…and I already had a brainstorm.
In light of your post, I’m going to choose only from the autofill options on my phone to complete your bio:
Josh enjoys a great deal of great news during his visit to China and has always loved the crinkles. He has played for critiques since age two and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a 😊.
January 3, 2017 at 11:31 am
Traci Bold
🙂
January 3, 2017 at 11:00 am
Stephanie Oplinger
This is great! I have never once thought about using autocorrect mistakes as a jumping point for brainstorming ideas. It’s clever and comical, and I suppose that makes for some of the best children’s books!
The Dorothy cartoon is hysterical. 😀
Here’s a wee bit of bio writing help:
Josh enjoys treehugging during Hannukkah and has always loved Bangarang! He has been playing drums since the age of 12, and his biggest fear is being eaten by a turtle.
January 3, 2017 at 11:02 am
Vanessa Marcus
Can’t wait to see the evil barista book!
January 5, 2017 at 1:55 am
kmajor2013
Glad to see you’re storming, Vanessa! Ken
January 3, 2017 at 11:02 am
Hélène Sabourin
Josh enjoys skidding during storystorm and has always loved word games He payed with swords since age hero and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by his words
January 3, 2017 at 11:02 am
Judy Bryan
Thanks for the morning laugh, Josh! Actually snorted into my coffee. So funny!!
January 3, 2017 at 11:04 am
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys __burritos_____ during __exercise______ and has always loved ___otters_______. He has played __cars_________ since age _21_ and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a _hobbit_________.
January 3, 2017 at 11:04 am
Jennifer Larson Hunt
I have said some wacky things with autocorrect. I can’t wait to start paying attention and find some creative inspiration.
January 3, 2017 at 11:04 am
constancevanhoven
Great post! Siri might just be my new best friend!
January 3, 2017 at 11:06 am
gayleckrause
What a great idea for turning frustration into fun. Looking forward to Inspector Croissant and his pals. 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 11:09 am
suzannepoulterharris
Will look at those pesky autocorrects in a new light. Thanks from Suzanne (aka Assurance according to autocorrect).
January 3, 2017 at 11:09 am
Sue Heavenrich
What a fun way to start the day. One of the things I’ve discovered is that I scan titles on library shelves too quickly – coming up with some strange mixes. Like this: ghost on a half shell. Really? I have no idea what the original title(s) were …. but is this a vengeful crab?
January 3, 2017 at 11:11 am
evelynchristensen
That was a really funny post, Josh! But helpful. Thank you.
January 3, 2017 at 11:16 am
Andria Rosenbaum
All those crazy auto corrections could be the Universe sending out Magical clues! Who knew?
January 3, 2017 at 11:19 am
Mary Warth
Thanks Josh! You’ve come up with a very creative use of an annoying function. I’ll be sure to generate several ideas based on today’s typos alone!
January 3, 2017 at 11:19 am
DaNeil Olson
Brilliant! Thanks for the inspiration.
January 3, 2017 at 11:21 am
Bill Bibo
Thanks, I needed a good kick in the barista.
January 3, 2017 at 11:21 am
cedricgliane
Thanks for today’s story idea, Josh. Also, here’s my take on your bio: Josh enjoys moo bees during air plights and has always loved reeding. He has played clarets and baboons since age tree and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a constricting shake.
January 3, 2017 at 11:21 am
Kenda Henthorn
Autocorrect us our fiend. (Lol!) Unlimited new ideas there! Thank you, Josh!! 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 11:23 am
cmdale
Oh my gosh – never though to turn those autocorrect nightmares into story idea! Great suggestion. Thanks
January 3, 2017 at 11:23 am
Wendy
So fun to be silly with you, Josh! (take out the last madlibs blank–your biggest fear is being eaten. Period. Lol)
January 3, 2017 at 11:23 am
Deb Beauchamp
Ha! This is a great post. That sneaky auto correct is full of the unknown. Thanks for the post and your awesome books!
January 3, 2017 at 11:24 am
Kerrie
Too runny! Almost shot kefir out my hose! Rrrr! Too funny! Coffee out my nose!
January 3, 2017 at 11:24 am
Teresa Daffern
Okay, I wile engrave the author unsteady of cruddy…huh? (I will embrace the autocorrect instead of cursing it – could be interesting).
January 3, 2017 at 11:28 am
dbyatt
I love Josh Funk and all his quirkiness! Seemingly so random, yet so very awesome.
January 3, 2017 at 11:29 am
Joanne Sher
What a fantastic post – and a great reminder to stop calling auto-correct stupid. Almost like a Freudian slip, perhaps? Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 11:29 am
danielledufayet
Nothing like a little silliness to shake things loose! Thanks Josh.:)
January 3, 2017 at 11:29 am
Traci Bold
Josh, I am constantly in trouble for my autocorrect or lack of when I text my kids or message them on FB. (They are 23 & 25). Using your brainstorming technique here is your bio:
Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys ____corny beef hash___ during _soccer_______ and has always loved ________chopsticks__. He has played __________Zatarain__ since age __2 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a ___pawpaw_______.
Love how your mind works. Keep the books coming as I know several children who love to read them over and over.
January 3, 2017 at 11:30 am
Tina Barbour
I’ll be looking at autocorrects in a whole new way now! 🙂 Thank you for this funny and fun post–and the reminder that you never know where those ideas will come from.
January 3, 2017 at 11:30 am
susanhaderlie
Very clever! Finding humor in writing is so important. Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 11:31 am
dbyatt
Haha Josh Funk always makes me smile with his (seemingly) quirky randomness!
January 3, 2017 at 11:31 am
Anna Staniszewski
Hmm, I’m pretty sure I never left you off the guest list for a book launch, but if I did…you’re welcome?
January 3, 2017 at 11:31 am
Jacqueline
Sounds like a great way to make lemonade out of lemons. I promise to stop complaining about autocorrects!
January 3, 2017 at 11:33 am
David McMullin
Very funny, and so true. Ideas are everywhere. Thanks, Josh.
January 3, 2017 at 11:33 am
Vanessa Roeder
Hilariously informative!
January 3, 2017 at 11:38 am
Debra Katz
I never thought of those weird autocorrects as sparks for story ideas, but I will definitely keep my eye out for them now. And here I was being more vigilant about trying to avoid them.
January 3, 2017 at 11:39 am
marsue77
Last night I sent a text to my sister and a word change made for some laughing. Never thought about it but hmmmm maybe a story idea. Thanks.
January 3, 2017 at 11:40 am
Corey Schwartz
Ha! Love this post!
January 3, 2017 at 11:42 am
Cortney Benvenuto
I love this post. I never thought about using autocorrect or a misunderstanding as a source of inspiration. I love it!
January 3, 2017 at 11:45 am
Megan
Perfect timing on this post: I just had an autocorrect-filled text conversation with my father the other day. It made me smile at the time. Now I’m going to go back and look at it for inspiration!
January 3, 2017 at 11:46 am
Cathy Ogren
Love the post, Josh, and your quirky sense of humor!
January 3, 2017 at 11:50 am
Heather
Thanks, Josh for the inspiration!
January 3, 2017 at 11:50 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Poopy great ideas Joe. I mean – Pretty great ice cubes, Jon. I mean – Stink check is a great place to stop. I mean start. I mean spell check. Aarrgh. Thanks, butt. I mean Bud. Ugh.
January 3, 2017 at 11:51 am
Caren L Cantrell
Autocorrect – yay! Thanks for the inspiration and saving me the frustration of having it happen over and uber again.
January 3, 2017 at 11:52 am
Katie Giorgio
This is a great reminder to embrace mistakes no matter how small 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 11:57 am
yetteejo
Same thing happens when I don’t have my glasses on and the letters blur. A blizzard warning becomes a buzzard warning.
January 3, 2017 at 11:57 am
Brenda Maier
Brilliant (and hilarious) advice!
January 3, 2017 at 11:58 am
Rachel Critchley
Very interesting and helpful. Another reason to always have a notebook with you.
January 3, 2017 at 11:59 am
julielacombeauthor
Love it! I’m going to have to start jotting down my owl wrecks!
January 3, 2017 at 12:01 pm
Meena
Mistakes make marvelous story ideas. A unique approach to penning humorous tales. Thanks for helping think out of the norm!
January 3, 2017 at 12:02 pm
rjtraxel
You crack me up!
January 3, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Gabi Snyder
You never know when or in what form inspiration will strike! This reminds me of when my husband and I used to write humorous “poems” using early voice recognition software. Thanks for this great post, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Kerry Ariail
Yes! A great idea to use those daily silly things turn into PB ideas.
January 3, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Joan Waites
Very unique idea for coming up with…ideas!
January 3, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Zainab
Much autocorrects- autocorrect at work again. My autocorrect son (and another one) never make sense or land me in emabarrasingly hot water. But I’ll give it a try and see if I survive their mess ups unscathed.
Thanks for the great post Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 12:05 pm
Mary Zychowicz
I love it!!! I love your sense of humor Josh! You are an inspiration and definitely made my day today!
January 3, 2017 at 12:06 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
Long before computers became ubiquitous, my college professors informed me that I had perfected the art of illegible typing. Thanks for helping me repurpose my “art.” It will be much more fun to play with all my daily absurdities rather than to be annoyed by them or to pretend to ignore them.
January 3, 2017 at 12:07 pm
Nina Haines
Like the idea. Thanks
January 3, 2017 at 12:08 pm
ajschildrensbooks
Brilliant! My kiddos love your books! Can’t wait to read The Case of the Stinky Stench. Thank you, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 12:09 pm
Kelly Jordan
Really funny and interesting way to spark new ideas. Thanks for sharing!
January 3, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Jo Ann Raguseo
Very, very funny!
January 3, 2017 at 12:11 pm
wyszguy
Josh enjoys skiing during the summer and has always loved falafel. He has played tuba since age 3 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by an emoji. 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Lori Dubbin
Thanks for pointing out how to mine for gems in the most unexpected places. I’ll be paying more attention to autocorrect and typos and spacing out while writing first drafts. Looking forward to this!
January 3, 2017 at 12:12 pm
Cathey Nickell
I’ve become hard-of-hearing and I started wearing hearing aids this year (arrgh!), so this really touched my soul! My family teases me about the conversations I misunderstand, and it usually becomes a moment of belly-aching laughter! For this reason, I have always related to the “I-Thought-You-Saiders” children in the Mrs. Piggle-wiggle series! Josh, your hilarious blog post reminded me of those favorite classics from my youth. Author Betty MacDonald’s ideas were just a prediction of technological auto-corrects to come in the future! Who knew?!
January 3, 2017 at 12:13 pm
Jennifer Phillips
Josh enjoys cleaning during his sleep and has always loved ironing his socks. He has played pickle ball since age 2 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a Betta fish.
January 3, 2017 at 12:13 pm
Carrie Tillotson
Thanks, Josh! What a great idea.
January 3, 2017 at 12:15 pm
writersideup
Wow, you’re really making me wish I liked auto-correct on my little non-smartphone here! 🙂 I DO, however, if I hear something I think is worth saving—jot it down! Sometimes the funniest things come from someone simply misspeaking OR misinterpreting something. Love that stuff 🙂
And considering you were in the john when you wrote this, I DO hope you washed your hands before sending it to Tara 😉
January 3, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Doug Marshall
I get ideas from reading adult nonfiction—maybe because I’m not trying so hard.
January 3, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Cathey Nickell
OH, and this, too:
“Josh enjoys laughter during serious moments and has always loved quirkiness. He has played with people’s minds since birth, and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a boring human.” 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 12:17 pm
CindyC
Thanks Josh! You are fanny and smit…and so are your boogers.
January 3, 2017 at 12:18 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Thank you, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 12:19 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
What treasure trove of ideas are hiding in my autocorrected texts? Plenty I’m sure. Thanks for the ideas!
January 3, 2017 at 12:20 pm
katrinamoorebooks
So true! Thanks for giving us inspiration and a gurgle…*ahem* giggle!
January 3, 2017 at 12:21 pm
The Busy Mom's Daily (@BusyMomsDaily)
And here I have been cursing autocorrect all these years. LOL! Thanks for the laugh and the inspiration.
January 3, 2017 at 12:21 pm
Gail Hedrick
Yay-finally someone has given me ‘permission’ to keep all my bits and scraps of written on paper, as opposed to the bits/pieces of blank ones. Great post-thanks so much.
January 3, 2017 at 12:23 pm
Monica Valentine
Auto-correct as a source for creativity. What a unique perspective! Great post!
January 3, 2017 at 12:25 pm
JEN Garrett
Ha ha, I couldn’t think of an idea today, but when I read your post, a mondegreen my 4ro always sings came to mind and I knew there was a story there!
(Apparently WordPress doesn’t know what a mondegreen is. It’s a real word! I swear!)
January 3, 2017 at 12:26 pm
craigpines
Fun thoughts! Thanks for posting!
January 3, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Mari
What sweet revenge on the wicked autocorrect!
January 3, 2017 at 12:28 pm
JEN Garrett
I couldn’t think of an idea today, but when I read your post, a mondegreen my 4ro always sings came to mind and I knew there was a story there!
(WordPress doesn’t seem know what a mondegreen is. It’s a real word, I swear!)
January 3, 2017 at 12:31 pm
Emily Lavoo Johnsen
Just hilarious! And good food for thought. Thank you, Josh
January 3, 2017 at 12:32 pm
jeanjames926
This post was a lot of fun, and a totally out the box way of finding inspiration! Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 12:33 pm
bevbaird
Great suggestions -and just so enjoyable to read Josh’s post, as usual.
January 3, 2017 at 12:35 pm
triciacandy
Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 12:36 pm
megcason1
Great post Josh!! I appreciate your witt!
January 3, 2017 at 12:38 pm
MaryALivingston
Taking inspiration from Siri’s interpretation is probably more civilized than swearing at Siri.
January 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Alicia
Thanks Josh! Great suggestion.
January 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Steven O'Connell
Fun stuff from Josh. As always…
January 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Louann Brown
Thanks for the reminder that anything can be a possible lead into a story, even pancakes and french toast!
January 3, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Liz Garcia
LOL! Thanks for the laughs this morning.
January 3, 2017 at 12:44 pm
Sydney O'Neill
Perfect timing. Yesterday, my daughter suggested a story based on one of my silly autocorrects. Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Susanne
Autocorrect cracks me up sometimes. I can see some great story twists coming from mistakes.
January 3, 2017 at 12:53 pm
Mary Wagley Copp
Love Josh’s books! And love Storystorm. Thanks to you both for the inspiration!
January 3, 2017 at 12:55 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Sound advice, Josh. I once ‘heard’ a speaker talk about carving ‘toilet bowls’. I couldn’t understand why no one else in the audience found it funny. Oh, maybe it was because he had said ‘totem poles’….
January 3, 2017 at 12:56 pm
Lyn Miller-Lachmann
I have a friend who sends the most ridiculous autocorrects. I always check mine over as soon as I write them, so this would never happen to me. Thank you, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Love this! It reminds me of some of the wacky ideas I’ve had from spam email as well.
January 3, 2017 at 1:01 pm
Carrie Harvey
My husband dictates his text messages into his phone and it’s always funny to see what written words come out of it.
January 3, 2017 at 1:04 pm
yangmommy
Heehee,what a funny post! Thanks for making the learning fun 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 1:12 pm
Kathy Farr
What a smiley read with my morning Java!
January 3, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Heather Merrill
Haha — loved this post!! Thank you!
January 3, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Rebecca Colby
Ha! I hope you’ve started writing an Otter Wrecks book! I shall stop cursing autocorrects and attempt to embrace them. Thanks for a fun post!
January 3, 2017 at 1:20 pm
theresenagi
Thanks Josh for seeing the values of typos and auto corrects. I have got a mint of them to use in future works.
January 3, 2017 at 1:22 pm
Pia Garneau
Thanks for this hilarious post! Never thought about autocorrect in that way but makes total sense.
January 3, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Such a fun post! Thanks for making me laugh this morning. Those autocorrects can be pretty funny. My kids and I really like your books, and would love to win a copy.
January 3, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Ali Bovis
YES! OMG villainous coffee artisan would be the PERFECT match for Inspector Croissant!! Love it! Terrific post, thanks so much Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 1:25 pm
bgonsar
This could open the door to a lot of R-Rated kids books if we let auto-correct influence our writing, lol. Excellent and hilarious post!
January 3, 2017 at 1:26 pm
Sharon
Josh puts the “fun” in Funk. He can take something simple and turn it into a writer’s toolbox of fun.
January 3, 2017 at 1:26 pm
Kay Deans
Such a great idea! Even better are the mis-heards when talking with those hard-of-hearing friends and relatives! We get some great laughs>
January 3, 2017 at 1:27 pm
seschipper
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I send a text and upon rereading it, immediately issue another text saying “darn autocorrect I really meant…”
Thanks for your advice, I will begin keeping a journal of the “auto corrects” 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 1:27 pm
harmonee2014
Ha! I love how your mind thinks! Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 1:29 pm
Kathleen Wilcox
Thanks for the post!
January 3, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Donna L Martin
Active imagination + misheard conversations = possible PB ideas! Now I’ll have to ‘not listen as closely” more in the future…lol…
Great post!
January 3, 2017 at 1:31 pm
Daryl Gottier
We’ve had some funny autocorrect mishaps here too. Thanks for the fun post!
January 3, 2017 at 1:39 pm
Dana Carey
Well, now I wish I texted more. Fun idea, Josh. Love your books. 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 1:39 pm
csheer18
How generous of you, Josh, to share yet another one of your springboards to silliness! Your natural knack for finding fun has turned you into a kidlit comedic icon.
January 3, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Kathy Doherty
Autocorrect . . . proof that you can find something to write about almost anywhere.
January 3, 2017 at 1:42 pm
C.L. Murphy
I knew your post would be extra fun, Josh, and I was (auto)correct!
January 3, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Kathy Manchip
Hahaha! I love this! Maybe we can even get inspiration from others through that nsfw “damn you autocorrect” site that has been known to make me laugh until I literally cried. 😂
Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Angie
LOL. Love it! Now I shall pay attention to my autocorrects! And why is it we don’t read what we type before we hit send? Great idea for catching those goof-ups for ideas! Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 1:45 pm
ingridboydston
I’m a kindergarten teacher, my whole world sounds like it’s been auto corrected! Turns out “I da dar duh duh deek!” Is actually toothless for “I’m the star of the week!” You always make me laugh, thank you for that!😂
January 3, 2017 at 1:48 pm
Janet Halfmann
I’ve always hated those auto-corrects, but now will see them in a new light. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 3, 2017 at 1:50 pm
anniebailey7
Great advice Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 1:53 pm
shanah salter
great ideas josh, thank you!
January 3, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Rebecca E. Guzinski
Oooowwww! Auto correct is a pain in my cell phone. But if it’ll give me an idea, I’ll take it. Thanks for the humorous post.
January 3, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Nicole
This just changed my outlook on auto correct from annoying to inspiring! Thanks Josh Funk!
January 3, 2017 at 1:59 pm
katmaz2012
Thank you so much! I already have an idea!
January 3, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Laura Rackham
as usual…your words continue to inspire!
January 3, 2017 at 2:09 pm
Poupette Smith
Speaking several languages makes for some hilarious malapropisms too, some of which are inappropriate to give as examples here.
January 3, 2017 at 2:11 pm
Jeanette Koscheski
I’ve had a few hysterical auto corrects. Maybe they will come in handy someday.
January 3, 2017 at 2:11 pm
LaurenKerstein
LOVE this. And, a villainous coffee artisan does sound like a perfect future foil for Inspector Croissant!
January 3, 2017 at 2:12 pm
Kim Turner McCulley
I love this! I’ve definitely had some story worthy auto correct incidents!
January 3, 2017 at 2:13 pm
Butterfly Kisses and Silly Wishes
Oh my all the giggles I’ve had over autocorrect! Foolish me for not writing them down! I will in the future!
Thanks for the insight😎🖖🏻
Gabrielle Schoeffield
January 3, 2017 at 2:15 pm
KatieFrey
Wow, your typos and autocorrects are way more interesting than mine. Great post. Also, I LOVE PIRASOURS! And the song too. The song is great. Now, it’s in my head…
January 3, 2017 at 2:17 pm
Nancy Rimar
I will definitely start paying closer attention to all those typos – thanks Josh.
January 3, 2017 at 2:20 pm
jenabenton
Hilarious as always Josh. Good advice too.
January 3, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Linda Staszak
Fun to read on a gray day! Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Martti Maguet
Wonderful idea Josh. I had a lot of fun reading your piece,thank you 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Susie Sawyer
Yes, yes, yes. Those autocorrect bloopers can be GOLD I tell you! 🙂 Thanks Josh, for reminding us to be aware of those gems!
January 3, 2017 at 2:24 pm
Larissa Juliano
So hysterical and true!!! I often hear those hilarious quips and comments from my kiddos too. Such a great prize by a talented author 🙂 loving my first experience with StoryStorm!!
Larissajuliano.com
January 3, 2017 at 2:25 pm
Deborah Sosin
Yes! Great idea. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2017 at 2:28 pm
tanyakonerman
What a fun way to find “new” ideas. Great post!
January 3, 2017 at 2:31 pm
authoraileenstewart
What fun Josh. In my case I need auto correct when I speak. For instance, I have snoveld show instead of shoveling snow. Never thought of my blunders as fodder for story ideas, lol.
January 3, 2017 at 2:31 pm
matthewlasley
According to you Josh, I am a frickin genious! Well, my subconscious is anyways! Now I can tell my wife that I simply wasn’t hearing her, I was being a genius😛
Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys chocolate milk during movies featuring Harrison Ford and has always loved whips. He has played Hello Kitty Island Adventure since the age of 28 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a white bunny.
January 3, 2017 at 2:33 pm
Rita D. Russell
Otters and car wrecks! This is going to be good. 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 2:36 pm
Shawna Tenney
This is hilarious! haha! I never thought of using autocorrects to come up with a story idea!
January 3, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Yvonne Klinksick
My favorite is when my little ones ask Siri questions- I’ve been able to mine those for good ideas too!
January 3, 2017 at 2:38 pm
Pamela Valentine
I love the idea of finding inspiration in the strangest of places. Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 2:47 pm
Carolyn Davis
Sometimes I hit send and don’t check until later! There have been surprises!
January 3, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Lynn Alpert
Great idea Josh! This also triggered the idea to pay attention to song lyrics that I get wrong ….
January 3, 2017 at 2:54 pm
Jenifer Heidorn
The fill-in-the-blank bio was fantastic. Still giggling.
January 3, 2017 at 2:56 pm
Martin Segal
Thanks for the great idea, Josh! Now I need to look through my text messages to see what I’ve sent. lol
January 3, 2017 at 2:57 pm
marcimcadam
Yay! I love fun word games to loosen up my creativity.
January 3, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Pam Zollman
Oh man! This post is for me! I have such trouble texting. I think my fingers are too fat, and I don’t always reread my text… so I’ve sent some interesting texts to my family and friends. I’ve tried doing the voice thing, but whoever that lady is in my phone has a hard time understanding my Southeast Texas accent. I’ve sent some really, really crazy texts when I’ve done the voice-thingie (autocorrect just changed thingie to shingle. Voice-shingle. Ha! And just then, when I typed Voice-shingle, autocorrect changed it to Voice-shine. “What the hay?” as My Little Ponies always say.).
Thanks for my chuckle of the day.
January 3, 2017 at 3:04 pm
terrytalley12
Your post made me think about how word(s) misinterpretation is a great story starter. Amelia Bedelia stars in countless comedic near disasters based on her misunderstandings of idioms and such. Thanks for getting me thinking of using weirdly apropos things I hear for story fodder.
January 3, 2017 at 3:07 pm
Karen Dean
Josh, I love your line about our “subconscious genius.” We all have hidden treasures inside that we need to let lose. Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 3:09 pm
Kristi Romo
I read this while eating! Here’s to fun ideas.
January 3, 2017 at 3:10 pm
Karen Henry Clark
I admire clever people. The fill-in-the-blank portion is a great idea for more than writing a pesky bio.
January 3, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Lynne Marie
Thanks so much, Josh and Tara! I am a big fan of the Funkster! XO
January 3, 2017 at 3:21 pm
Darlene Ivy
love it! Autocorrect will now be my friend. If you can’t beat em, join em.
January 3, 2017 at 3:23 pm
Pat Miller
Pirasaurs?! Gotta get that one! Thanks for the post.
January 3, 2017 at 3:28 pm
Beth Blee
Josh, your post title got my attention! Thanks for the great idea!
January 3, 2017 at 3:29 pm
Sheri Bylander
HUGE fan of malapropisms, mixed up words, and autocorrect hilarity. And I’m so on board with turning them into a pitcher book – er, picture book. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2017 at 3:30 pm
Joana Pastro
Oh, typos and autocorrect! I find that they’re an infinite source of laughter. Even more if you have your keypad set for more than one language. I wish I had written them all down. I will from now on. One of my favorites is a letter we received addressed to my husband Roopingo. His name is Rodrigo, needless to say we still call him that from time to time. 😂
January 3, 2017 at 3:31 pm
Joana Pastro
Thanks for the post!
January 3, 2017 at 3:31 pm
Jami Gigot
brilliant idea Josh, thanks! I’ve definitely had some really weird ones, and never thought to write them down, duh! 🙂 Love love love your books btw
January 3, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Susan Nicholas
Thanks for the laugh! I enjoyed your post — especially your bio. I will now pay more attention to (mistakes) in hopes of finding a little inspiration.
January 3, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Donna Gwinnell Lambo-Weidner
You enslave me, Josh. Uh, er…that’s inspire. You inspire me. Great post!
January 3, 2017 at 3:38 pm
Maureen Kauzlarich
So that’s what auto-correct is for! Inspirating ifeas.
January 3, 2017 at 3:39 pm
Sandra S. Jenkins
Thanks, Josh! I needed a good laugh and I’ll start saving those brilliant mistakes.
January 3, 2017 at 3:40 pm
Catherine F
Autocorrect is fab! It gave me a much better main character name than the one I first typed in!!
January 3, 2017 at 3:40 pm
mariaordish
This is fantastic! My five year old has this feature built-in. I don ‘t want him to grow up because I get too many good ideas!!!
January 3, 2017 at 3:40 pm
Linda Hofke
unused approach butter a goof ideal. Tanks!
I mean *unusual approach but a good idea”. Thanks. Sometimes I get the funniest autocorrect mistakes from my husband. I laugh so hard that I cry.
January 3, 2017 at 3:40 pm
Jana Eschner (@JanaTheTeacher)
Thanks for the great advice. I am often a victim of auto-correct, and will now view them as opportunities for great ideas!
January 3, 2017 at 3:42 pm
Megan Whitaker
My kindergarten students serve the same purpose for me. Thanks for the post Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Anna Smith
What a fun way to get new ideas. Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Meli Glickman
Oh how I have felt the pain of auto-correct firsthand with my first name: the systematic removal of the letter “l” from Melanie… Such a “Meanie”!
January 3, 2017 at 4:01 pm
nabinava
Thanks Josh for your advice on using autocorrect as a way of getting new ideas. I love the kids stuff on your website!
January 3, 2017 at 4:07 pm
Vanessa
Argh! I haven’t been taking note of my auto corrects. But while in Rio, my name was spelled “Vinicia” which I love! Thanks for the post 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 4:10 pm
Robyn McGrath
What a fun thing to be on the look out for. I usually get frustrated but now I see how these could be used to my advantage. 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 4:10 pm
amievc
Thanks for the fun post encouraging us to find laughs everywhere 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 4:11 pm
Shari Schwarz
Great finding inspiration in mistakes! Thank you!
January 3, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Doreen E. Lepore
Thanks for the inspiring advice. Josh enjoys doodling during breakfast and has always loved potato pancakes. He has played scrabble since age 5 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a toaster.
January 3, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Jennifer Bower
Great post Josh. Thanks. Auto-correct has always annoyed me but now I will be looking at the “corrected” words in an entirely new and creative way. Can’t wait to see what I come up with!
January 3, 2017 at 4:23 pm
saputnam
Great post, Josh!! This certainly puts a positive and fun spin on using autocorrect.
January 3, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Alice Fulgione
Thanks for making me laugh on this rainy, gloomy day! I’ll have to check out my goofy texts and see what comes to me.
January 3, 2017 at 4:28 pm
Danielle Heitmuller
My brother and I have had a game of mishearing our entire lives. It results in some rip-snorting, milk-out-of-your-nose laughter! I think I’ll go give him a call…
January 3, 2017 at 4:29 pm
Kaye Baillie
I find myself looking at mistakes and typos in case there’s a fun idea. I just love that image of the cranky witch sending nonsense messages.
January 3, 2017 at 4:31 pm
Erika Schnatz
Fun advice! I spent all day at work fixing mistakes, so I’ll need to lower my defenses a bit to allow a typo or two to creep in. 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 4:32 pm
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Hmmm. Mistakes/mis-takes/latkes/…I could go on and on…Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 4:33 pm
Michelle Andersen
Great idea! Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Anne Appert
What a great idea! Thanks for the post 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Anita Banks
What a fun idea!
January 3, 2017 at 4:36 pm
Sara Gentry
You are a riot. Thanks for the laughs and sound advice.
January 3, 2017 at 4:37 pm
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Can’t wait to starting writing by making mist lakes and letting auto korrect guide me.
January 3, 2017 at 4:39 pm
Kathryn Hagen
Great ideas, Josh! Will look forward to more typos and creative autocorrects. Also–electronic “mishears” by Siri and Alexa. The fun never ends. 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 4:39 pm
Sandy
Thanks for the inspiration!
January 3, 2017 at 4:41 pm
Lindsay Bonilla (@LindsayBonilla)
I love Lady Pancake! Can’t wait to check out your other titles! 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 4:46 pm
Elizabeth Kuelbs
Count me a Lady Pancake and autocorrect fan, too, Josh! Have you read the book Damn You, Autocorrect? Crude but totally hysterical. Thanks for the great post!
January 3, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Kristi Veitenheimer
Great idea about using “autocorrects” for inspiration! Some of them are so crazy and funny!
January 3, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Amanda Sincavage
Josh, I would love to play an old school game of telephone with you – what a riot! I always look forward to your guest posts and just signed up for the Inland Northwest winter webinar series. Thanks for the laughs!
January 3, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Barbara Messinger
So autocorrect is good for something other than driving me crazy. Who knew? Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 4:54 pm
bamauthor
What a great new method to learn from your mistakes!
January 3, 2017 at 5:01 pm
betlw
This guy has a crazy imagination. I love it! How can I get crazy ideas like Josh? I’ll just have to look at things in a side ways, upside down, or other unusual ways.
January 3, 2017 at 5:03 pm
Joyce Allan
I guess our ideas can come from all over the place if we are open to them.
January 3, 2017 at 5:04 pm
Paul Orsino
Time to turn autocorrect back on! Inspiration is found in the strangest places sometimes… Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 5:16 pm
Anne Iverson
I think we’ve all had the auto-correct experience at least once and wondered what alien space creature intercepted our original message and decided to respond under the guise of “auto-correct”. Thanks, Josh, for providing yet another source for story ideas!
January 3, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Lori Alexander
Yes! Wish I could remember some of my old autocorrects. They can be hilarious. Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 5:20 pm
Deb Lund
Josh, you always make me smile! I’ll be squinting through the rest of my day, waiting for the magic to appear—and working on your bio, of course.
January 3, 2017 at 5:24 pm
JoAnn DiVerdi
Josh, always so much fun reading your always so fantastic tips! I’m sure there’s a little less cursing at autocorrect this day thanks to you and your creative insight.
January 3, 2017 at 5:25 pm
Tracey Brown
Thanks for the laugh, Josh.
January 3, 2017 at 5:29 pm
Courtenay Schurman
Totally fun. I love those moments when I repeat something I think I heard from my hubby or daughter and the laughs we get afterward (sorry, don’t do texting, I prefer email) so I’m going to write the mixed-up interpretations of what I hear when I’m not really -er- listening, those could be totally hilarious. Great idea.
January 3, 2017 at 5:33 pm
Bethany Roberts
Ha, ha. You are right- ideas are everywhere! (And I think editors are going to be confused- and hopefully amused- from stories that will come from this idea! Go, Storystormers!)
January 3, 2017 at 5:37 pm
Larissa Marantz
Once I texted my husband if he was making pizza with prosciutto, the very delicious and delicate thin smoked ham. Instead, my phone texted and asked him if he was making pizza with prostitutes. haha.
I don’t think I can use that as a picture book idea, so I feel open to sharing it with y’all.
January 3, 2017 at 5:44 pm
Linda Carpenter
Great Post Josh! Oh the things that autocorrect has done…too funny!
Yes, ideas are lurking everywhere if we open our sights!
Great reminder!
Love your books and looking forward to the next release!
January 3, 2017 at 5:46 pm
Lacey Gunter
Auto corrects, what a funny idea. I guess inspiration can come from anywhere!
January 3, 2017 at 5:52 pm
Annaliese Arnold
Such a great idea. Will pay more attention to autocorrect from now on. In fact an idea has just come to me in regard to something that happens when I write on my new phone. Thanks.
January 3, 2017 at 5:53 pm
Michele Helsel
Great idea! Keep them coming!
January 3, 2017 at 5:53 pm
kirsticall
Love this, Josh. I needed to laugh today 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 5:55 pm
Heidi Yates
Autocorrect makes the silliest mistakes. I love the idea to use these typos to spark story ideas. Thank you for the fun suggestion! 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 5:56 pm
David Creighton-Pester
Great post Josh!
While I was studying graphic design one of my tutors introduced us to the concept of “Happy Accidents” within the design process. It’s always stuck with me. I’ve found a lot of my best solutions/ideas have certainly come about from unintended things – spilled coffee, mishearing things, even auto correct!
January 3, 2017 at 5:57 pm
Denise Benavides
Good way to start the new year with a laugh and a good idea.
January 3, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Jennifer Ali
Josh enjoys bathing during eclipses and has always loved blowing bubbles. He has played Scrabble since age 2 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a slug (or so I’ve been told…).
January 3, 2017 at 6:01 pm
writingcygnet
Love this post! One of the things I loved on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno was when he did “Headlines”. I have several that I have always remembered (and some I found on my own that I’ve saved) but never thought of them as fodder for picture books. In fact, one of them is now going to start my creative juices for today’s StoryStorm entry. Thanks for the post and the inspiration!
January 3, 2017 at 6:02 pm
storyfairy
Great post! It made me laugh out loud.
“The Case of the Stinky Stench” looks especially good. I’ve always loved stories and jokes about bad smells.
January 3, 2017 at 6:02 pm
laura516
Change that irritating autocorrection into inspiration! Love it 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 6:07 pm
judyrubin13
You are so right about autocorrect, Josh. Thank you for the inspiration.
January 3, 2017 at 6:12 pm
sussuleclerc
spacing out.. huh… what wer yu takin abot?
January 3, 2017 at 6:13 pm
David Huyck
Good stuff here, Josh! Deliberately mishearing things, or spoonerizing (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoonerism) them is one of my favorite dad-jokes, and can often lead to interesting tangents.
January 3, 2017 at 6:18 pm
reluctantspy
I once ran across a poetry generator online that informed me “your death isn’t special.” Useful creative fodder is everywhere.
January 3, 2017 at 6:22 pm
susanappsbodilly
Love it! Great post. Would love your books for my classroom.
January 3, 2017 at 6:27 pm
R.J. Koehn
Loved the post Josh. You’ve already inspired a couple of ideas, thank you.
January 3, 2017 at 6:28 pm
mcdonaldrae
Love the humor here, Josh. This truly tells us that creative minds work well when they play a bit more. Thanks for the reminder that making books for kids is for and full of fun! Let’s go for it.
January 3, 2017 at 6:31 pm
Peter
Love this! It gives me hope that when I do my hunt and peck typing and see seas of red squiggles, I can zoom in on them rather than correct them right away.
January 3, 2017 at 6:33 pm
Mark Gould
When I try to type “always” my phone will sometimes correct it to “asshats.” I’m not sure what kind of children’s book that would be, but I don’t think I would want my kids reading it!
January 3, 2017 at 6:33 pm
Sheri
I love this! Instead of getting frustrated, start writing!
January 3, 2017 at 6:40 pm
erinmystorytimecorner
These are such fun books! Would love to win.
January 3, 2017 at 6:42 pm
Robin Brett Wechsler
Not typically a fan of autocorrect but I’ll be more open-minded about it going forward! And who knows where that will lead?! Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 6:47 pm
Nancy Ramsey
Funny and inspiring! Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 6:48 pm
Dawn Malone
Some of the best laughs come from the autocorrect gibberish that I’ve sent people. Thanks for the tip!
January 3, 2017 at 6:48 pm
Alexandra Hinrichs
Ha! This made me laugh! And great point about keeping track of the bloopers. Thanks, Josh.
January 3, 2017 at 6:49 pm
tabithasimswrites
Hoping for some hilariously inspiring autocorrects now!
January 3, 2017 at 6:50 pm
Mavis Penney
Eye Loaf Josh Funk! Thanks for the morning laughs! 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Elise
Historical, I mean hysterical, as always. Thanks for the spot-on advice!
January 3, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Megan Jones
I always love a good autocorrect fail. I’ve never thought to turn those into writing inspiration. My Storystorm journal just grew by 3 pages, wahoo!
January 3, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Joanna Sabal
Awesome! htanks!
January 3, 2017 at 7:04 pm
authordebradaugherty
Autocorrects can lead to some hilarious stories. Super and fun idea!
January 3, 2017 at 7:04 pm
Wendi Silvano
I laugh out loud often with autocorrects! Great place for story ideas!
January 3, 2017 at 7:20 pm
darlene koppel
Josh – Loved your fun tips. I’ll be on the lookout for upcoming autocorrects.
January 3, 2017 at 7:26 pm
Diane Kress Hower
Josh This crackers me up!
January 3, 2017 at 7:26 pm
anitajjones
Thanks Josh for the laughter! It was one of those…”just stay in bed and ignore the world” kind of days, so your humor was really needed! Since I don’t know you, I had to come up with some lame fill in the blank words that I can only assume might be true about you…..Josh enjoys…doodling during poops. He has always loved Pee Wee Herman. He has played Nintendo since the age of one and his biggest fear is being eaten by Pigmi’s. Thanks again for getting me out of my slump!
January 3, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Mary McClellan
I yam in agremeant!
January 3, 2017 at 7:29 pm
Lucy Staugler
What a delicious, new way of thinking!!! I’m going to start recording my outrageous questions I ask Siri and the quirky responses she gives me!! And I thought Siri wasn’t so smart😏😄!
Thank you!!
January 3, 2017 at 7:30 pm
F. G. M. Kalavritinos
I love the cartoon! Josh, I’m amazed at the way you mine autocorrects for story ideas. What a great idea! I’ll have to stop cursing the autocorrect and look at it as a potential hidden treasure.
January 3, 2017 at 7:37 pm
Laurie Bouck
What a fun post, and a great idea!! Thank you! 😀
January 3, 2017 at 7:43 pm
LJ Laniewski
Thanks for the laugh, and the lighthearted inspiration! Your post proves that you do not have to work hard to think-up ideas—they are truly everywhere (even in the bathroom).
January 3, 2017 at 7:48 pm
uraniasmith
A reminder that great story ideas can come from anywhere. Even mistakes.
January 3, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Keila Dawson
I envision gnomes in charge of my autocorrect laughing their asseds off at the texts they send! Good advice to laugh along.
January 3, 2017 at 8:10 pm
kpbock
Ha! Love it! I’ll have to go back and read some of my autocorrected texts (not while I’m driving, of course)
January 3, 2017 at 8:11 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Thanks, Josh! Instead of being frustrated by those silly autocorrect bamboozles, I’ll contemplate them a bit deeper. And here’s my hand at your bio: Josh enjoys spacing out during breakfast and has always loved daydreaming. He has played Inspector Croissant since age 9 and his biggest fear is life is being eaten by Python s riot. Oooppsss. Python script. 😄
January 3, 2017 at 8:15 pm
Heather Elizabeth
Tanks, Gosh!
January 3, 2017 at 8:25 pm
Nat Keller
Great post Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 8:27 pm
Annie Cronin Romano
Great post, Josh! And entertaining, as always!
January 3, 2017 at 8:35 pm
Emily Wayne (@emilywayneart)
I definitely keep a running tally of amusing things that are said around my house, but I never thought to keep one of my autocorrect and typo goofs!
January 3, 2017 at 8:35 pm
Erik Ammon
Instead of DYAC it’ll be TYAC (Thank You AutoCorrect 🙂 )
January 3, 2017 at 8:36 pm
Julie Beturne
My husband hates when I walk around the house talking to Siri. But now I can tell him that it might actually give me a story idea. Great post!
January 3, 2017 at 8:43 pm
Hemangini
Autocorrect seems like an enemy when one is trying to type in English but is using Hindi language to construct the sentence. At times the stupid auto corrects made me laugh and think of an idea for a story… So much fun that way… Thanks for this wonderful post and hope the New Year 2017 will be a great year to all of us.. Have fun Tara 🙂 See you
January 3, 2017 at 8:43 pm
Michael Karg
Thanks, Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 8:46 pm
Samantha Altmann
This is fantastic – Now I’m thinking about all the words I try to say, but come out wrong when I’m distracted. My students think it’s funny, so maybe I should actually write them down.
January 3, 2017 at 8:47 pm
Michele Meleen
Always great to be reminded that inspiration can come from anywhere! My best ideas come from wacky imaginings of things my preschooler says or does 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 8:49 pm
Nicki Jacobsmeyer
Hilarious and a great idea! Thank you!
January 3, 2017 at 8:52 pm
Sherry Weaver Smith (@sherrybay)
Fun post. Bios are a challenge. I like the Mad-Libs approach. Sherry enjoys searching for owls during fall nights and has always loved imagining what lives in caves, where rivers begin, and what she could find at the top of a mountain. She has played with words since age 5 and her biggest fear is going upside down on a rollercoaster.
January 3, 2017 at 8:56 pm
Saba
This had me cracking up! What a great way to get story ideas!!!! Thank you Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 9:00 pm
Dana Gall
Multitasking in a very unserious way…Paying unattention just gave me some ideas 😉 thank you!
January 3, 2017 at 9:01 pm
Maria Bostian
So I guess I should have saved that gibber gabber that I typed while sleep-working last week!?! HAHA! What a great idea. Thanks for the post.
January 3, 2017 at 9:02 pm
Danielle
Auto correct is the digital version of having a person with a speech impediment speak with a person with hearing issues, both of them believing with all their might they are correct.
January 3, 2017 at 9:13 pm
Brianna Zamborsky
Also, the stuff kids say that’s almost right. Almost. But hilariously not quite. They’re like walking autocorrect machines. Great post! Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 9:14 pm
carolmunrojww
You seek pooch. I mean, you speak truth. Always good to hear your words, Josh, whether in a blog or a book.
January 3, 2017 at 9:16 pm
idzalg
Thanks, Josh! Fun post and great idea.
January 3, 2017 at 9:21 pm
susanbruck
This post made me laugh. There are so many near (or not so near) misses with autocorrect and also with my ears. They hear very funny things sometimes–I just never knew it was my muse!
January 3, 2017 at 9:22 pm
Juliana Lee
Absolutely! A well timed autocorrect or typo can be priceless!
January 3, 2017 at 9:23 pm
anitanolan
I’m still smiling about “Suspender Dorothy!” Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 9:29 pm
mentortexts
Oh, Josh! You crack me up! I need to start paying attention to more of my auto corrects! So funny.
January 3, 2017 at 9:29 pm
Janet Smart
Good idea. Our phone cracks me up. When we speak our texts, it usually misunderstands us, and the results are hilarious!
January 3, 2017 at 9:30 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
Oh my, Josh! You crack me up! You are too punny!
~Suzy Leopold
January 3, 2017 at 9:31 pm
Cassandra Federman
ohhhhh i hope i win! thanks for the great post josh funky. (your last name was an autocorrect, so i left it in as a tribute to your post)
January 3, 2017 at 9:34 pm
Janie Reinart
Thank you, Josh. Love auto correct. Always makes me laugh. Thanks for the hints.
January 3, 2017 at 9:34 pm
Cathy Breisacher
This is so silly and fun. Thank you for making me laugh!
January 3, 2017 at 9:35 pm
mona861
From now on, I will always look at my auto corrects! Thank you Josh for helping see the light!
January 3, 2017 at 9:43 pm
Caroline
Hah! “evil baristas” made me actually laugh out loud. Thanks for this insight, Josh! (And my kids love Dear Dragon!)
January 3, 2017 at 9:50 pm
wendymyersart
Wow, what a case of the giggles you gave me. Thank you Josh. Your wife must have a great sense of humor. I’d really like to know how Siri solved the evil baristas! Guess I’ll have to wait for the book.
January 3, 2017 at 9:51 pm
Jaclyn Crawford
Thanks for the advice and the laughs
January 3, 2017 at 9:54 pm
Christine
Love it!
January 3, 2017 at 9:59 pm
Van G. Garrett
Funny and insightful!
January 3, 2017 at 10:00 pm
Dee Wilson
Autocorrects are a huge source of amusement here, particularly with a 10yo child in the mix. Great idea to tap into the creative flow this way!
January 3, 2017 at 10:02 pm
Jane Serpa
That’s why I don’t listen to audiobooks. I space out too much and start to think/daydream about something else.
January 3, 2017 at 10:02 pm
BLAHM
You once again prove that you’re an invaluable asset to the kidlit world, Mr. Gosh Junk. Thanks for the constipation.
January 3, 2017 at 10:03 pm
Stephanie Farrow
The visual possibilities were irresistible when a friend texted that she had just gotten into a taco. Move over NYC taxis! You’re about to be taken over by handheld spicy food.
January 3, 2017 at 10:04 pm
Buffy Silverman
Fun idea. Going to bear a brainstorm.
January 3, 2017 at 10:06 pm
catcarole
This post made me laugh. I often get my best ideas from things I’ve misheard or misread, or sometimes even seen blurred without my glasses.
January 3, 2017 at 10:07 pm
Poppy Wrote
Hilarious.
January 3, 2017 at 10:10 pm
ammwrite3
This reminds me of the funny things my kids said when they were little–I kept a notebook and wrote them down. That was before I knew I was a writer! Thanks, Josh.
January 3, 2017 at 10:17 pm
Christine Irvin
“For all you know, a typo isn’t just a typo—it’s your subconscious genius giving you an inspirational kick in the barista.” Great line. Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 10:30 pm
barbd43
Dear Autocorrect, sorry for calling you stupid…
January 3, 2017 at 10:31 pm
Barbara Senenman
I love the idea of writing down the auto correct. I’ve had some doozies and wished I wrote them down.
January 3, 2017 at 10:32 pm
Karin Larson
Great post! Yes, always multitasking…such a problem sometimes!
January 3, 2017 at 10:32 pm
8catpaws
Josh, get Siri-ous. Ha ha! (A real comment from my i-phone.)
January 3, 2017 at 10:36 pm
tanjabauerle
Blahahaha… evil autocorrect! Thank you. T
January 3, 2017 at 10:38 pm
Rona Shirdan
Thanks for the great post, Josh! It was fun to read!
January 3, 2017 at 10:48 pm
Carrie Charley Brown
Always so funny, Josh! Autocorrect drives me bonkers! Now I know why it was trying to hard to grab my attention! Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 10:52 pm
writeknit
Thanks Josh, you always crack me up! I love your 12 step guide to publishing as well as your picture books. Thanks for the info and I totally identify with auto fill & typos – my favorite was a phone call to text from my husband, don’t know what he was trying to tell me, but the text gods change my name to Delilah Alright. Should I worry?? LOL
January 3, 2017 at 10:54 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
Thank you, Josh, for the inspiration. I don’t think some of the autocorrections I’ve blushed through would be very good for children’s books, but there are the occasional hilarious ones that would be great story ideas.
January 3, 2017 at 11:02 pm
Jane Heitman Healy
Great advice! I already do this and also get ideas from other print source typos, such as today’s news item about a theater company that has held “3 cabernets.” Hmmm…Do those go well with French toast?
January 3, 2017 at 11:07 pm
viviankirkfield
This is great, Josh! But for once, I was actually only reading this post…although usually I am a fan of multitasking. LOVE the otter car wrecks equals autocorrects…and I totally agree that sometimes the mistake is anything but.
January 3, 2017 at 11:07 pm
Rick Starkey
Great post! I love mishearing some things. Except when I laugh at inappropriate times. I have had some ideas from that too.
January 3, 2017 at 11:07 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I’ve had a similar experience misreading headlines. What I thought I saw was often a lot more interesting that what was actually written!
January 3, 2017 at 11:09 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Josh – going to start writing down all those pesky auto-corrects!
January 3, 2017 at 11:11 pm
DebbieLubbert
What a fantastic idea! Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 11:11 pm
tinawissner
Fun!
January 3, 2017 at 11:17 pm
helennhill
I am reminded of Neil Gaimans brilliant typo which he sent in a letter to his editor . .. Coraline instead Caroline. : )
January 3, 2017 at 11:20 pm
Patricia Toht
You crack me up, Josh! This makes me curse the high school course load that required everyone to take a semester of typing. Think of all of those autocorrect opportunities I’ve missed!
January 3, 2017 at 11:22 pm
Beth Anderson
Interesting! Mistakes as fuel for thought!
January 3, 2017 at 11:24 pm
Sherry Howard
Love, love, love Josh Funk’s art and books. He is fun on Facebook,too.
January 3, 2017 at 11:27 pm
Maria Barbella
Thank you for your beautiful work that you’ve shared.
January 3, 2017 at 11:28 pm
Joannie Duris
Wha…?? Eye Loaf Otter Car Wrecks? That’s all I saw initially in the subject line of my email, and I wondered where this Storystorm post could possibly go. Then I saw your name, Josh, and it made total sense, You’re the king of quirky! Autocorrect loves my dyslexic fingers.
January 3, 2017 at 11:29 pm
Debbie Austin
I never thought about using autocorrect as a story starter. Genius!
January 3, 2017 at 11:34 pm
Heather Kelso
Josh- you crack me up! I am looking forward to reading all of your books. Thanks for the idea.
January 3, 2017 at 11:34 pm
Brenda Huante
Thanks for the fun ideas!
January 3, 2017 at 11:36 pm
Carleen M. Tjader
Your posts always makes me wants to read your books! Crazy funny.
January 3, 2017 at 11:37 pm
Jessie Burnam
Like others, it never occurred to me to play with my funky autocorrects … or to be mindful of mishearings. What a fantastic idea! 😀
January 3, 2017 at 11:40 pm
Rebekah Lowell
I’ve definitely sent my share of laughable text bloopers. I’ve often wished I had jotted them down, even if on a post-it note. Good idea for inspiration! Thanks!
January 3, 2017 at 11:42 pm
Susan Schade
Good advice! Thanks Josh!
January 3, 2017 at 11:48 pm
Mary Crockett
Cool beans! 🙂
January 3, 2017 at 11:55 pm
Kristen Browning
Thanks for the entertaining post! I’ll be on the lookout for silly/inspiring autocorrects. In the meantime, my five year old’s mishearings/misinterpretations are pretty good material.
January 4, 2017 at 12:00 am
Guyla Greenly
I often wonder how Alexa and Siri come up with their crazy interpretations of what I CLEARLY said, or at least meant to say. Love the humor and the advice!
January 4, 2017 at 12:08 am
Stella Jane Stauffer (Lopez)
No dout, Josh, that you have a “kid’s” sense of humor. Thank you for your post and wonderful scnce of humor. Looking forward to knoing more about your publikations.
January 4, 2017 at 12:09 am
Kim Parfitt
Silliness needed! Thanks for the reminder.
January 4, 2017 at 12:14 am
Adriane Pirro
Thanks Josh! I love your sense of humor!
January 4, 2017 at 12:18 am
Becky Scharnhorst
Thanks for making me feel better about my dismal texting skills! Now, who can I text this late at night…?
January 4, 2017 at 12:18 am
Matt Leitzen
Interesting take on autocorrects. Thanks for the post.
January 4, 2017 at 12:22 am
Laura Hancock
Great idea! Inspiration is everywhere.
January 4, 2017 at 12:30 am
Meghan Burch
I should turn autocorrect back on!
January 4, 2017 at 12:37 am
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting & Writing
Glad someone finally has found a great use for our autocarrocts, wonder what color the carrots will be turning up in my garden next year . . . Thanks for the great post!!!
January 4, 2017 at 12:43 am
Dina Ticas
Just about the funniest post I’ve read since last year 😉 thanks!
January 4, 2017 at 12:45 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Thanks Josh!
January 4, 2017 at 12:49 am
Sandy Perlic
Ha ha! I guess I really do need to relax: I’m usually so busy fighting the evil auto-correct that I barely notice if it supplies me with ideas. Great post, Josh!
January 4, 2017 at 12:53 am
Heather Pierce Stigall
This was hilarious and a kind of genius idea. Thanks for the idea!
January 4, 2017 at 1:03 am
Jenna Woloshyn
I always reread my texts and posts three times to foil autocorrect. Maybe I should stop? I guess I’ve been a killjoy.
January 4, 2017 at 1:08 am
Ann Martin
Yep, you’re right, Josh, ideas can come from the kookiest places. Spoonerisms work well, too.
January 4, 2017 at 1:09 am
Natalie Lynn Tanner
THANK YOU, Josh! I have a similar idea. I recently was doing a search in my email “search” box, and the words I inserted brought up a whole slew of CRAZY combos of words– one of which gave me a GREAT book idea!!! You just never know where you’ll find ideas!
January 4, 2017 at 1:21 am
Kenneth Lamug
Love it when kids do word mash-ups. They definitely generate interesting ideas when odd combinations are created. Thanks for the post!
January 4, 2017 at 1:26 am
jshaklan
Autocorrect typos crack me up more than my big brother tickling-crazy did when I was little! Thanks for making me think to write those things down.
January 4, 2017 at 1:31 am
Aimee Haburjak
Another great post! I remember enjoying your from last year too.
January 4, 2017 at 1:40 am
Anna Gateley-Stanton
Great idea. Now I’ve got to change my need to also correct things! (I just stopped myself from fixing the also to always…its already working.)
January 4, 2017 at 1:51 am
mkresk
Love this! I also mine my preschooler’s weird quotes for seemingly nonsensical ideas that may make their way into a story later. Thanks!
January 4, 2017 at 2:09 am
Pamela Courtney
I thoroughly love reading this post. I wish I could do funny. I wonder if it can be taught. Probably not. Still, loving the notion that idears can come from anywhere.
Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys Tuvan throat singing during his Night-Night prayers and has always loved opera. He has played the game Four Squares since age of 7 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a parallelogram.
January 4, 2017 at 2:20 am
Maria Marshall
You have a great talent for funny. Thank you Josh for reminding me of the hilarious conversations that my family enjoys. At times a weird version of “telephone.” What a wonderful post. Great inspiration. 🙂
January 4, 2017 at 2:26 am
laurazarrin
I wish my autocorrect had G rated ideas. It’s given me some pretty crazy corrections that definitely were not appropriate.
January 4, 2017 at 3:05 am
Mary
Yes, autocorrect went crazy on “get my ducks in a row.” Ducks was turned into a nickname for Richard. Yikes, had fun explaining that 😐.
January 4, 2017 at 3:00 am
Mary
Josh is awesome. That’s nit an autocorrect.
January 4, 2017 at 3:01 am
Mary
But “nit” was some autocorrect magic.
January 4, 2017 at 3:07 am
Laura Mannering
Inspiration is everywhere. Thanks for the tip!
January 4, 2017 at 3:44 am
Andrew lefebvre
Thanks. I always thought autocorrect was annoying but maybe it’s really any idea goldmine! Yay!
January 4, 2017 at 4:18 am
Jill Giesbrecht
Josh – your books are so much fun. Thank you for the advice to embrace the absurd in audible mistakes. 🙂
January 4, 2017 at 4:36 am
LeeAnn Rizzuti
Josh enjoys erlang during a riverside and has always loved good at. He has played twisted since age fo4 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a bunk tablet.
You definitely have to be comfortable laughing at yourself with auto-correct in the mix.
January 4, 2017 at 4:48 am
Maria J Cuesta
Hard to work with these Kind of plays when working on bilingual books but interesting post Anyway.
Thank you!
January 4, 2017 at 7:27 am
Lisa Morgan
Good advice and a nice laugh with my morning coffee!
January 4, 2017 at 7:50 am
Ed Biggs
Great idea…making lemonade from autocorrects…Thanks!
January 4, 2017 at 7:54 am
lillyarts
I love otter car wreck!!!!!!
January 4, 2017 at 8:05 am
Elaine
An interesting idea. I love some of the things autocorrection throws up. Thanks for the tip.
January 4, 2017 at 8:09 am
Patricia Bessette
Thanks for the chuckle and permission to go wild in my imagination. I love my monkey brain!
January 4, 2017 at 8:09 am
Sheri Radovich
Thank the out for showing us your creative thought process.
January 4, 2017 at 8:17 am
julietclarebell
The character from my second picture book came from misreading a word from an advert. I’m well up for taking advantages of mistakes. Thanks, Clare
January 4, 2017 at 8:49 am
Beverly R. Marsh
Thanks for the fun post. Can’t wait to talk text and see what pops up!
January 4, 2017 at 8:58 am
Rachelle
I don’t have a clever comment. Just want to say thanks.
January 4, 2017 at 9:05 am
Carrie Pearson (@carrieapearson)
“What? You mooned my mother?” is a family fav autocorrect. I’m rethinking the possibilities now…Thanks, Josh.
January 4, 2017 at 9:14 am
jembradl
No biter advice for writers!
January 4, 2017 at 9:41 am
Virginia Law Manning
Since my hearing is terrible, I’m often imaging what people are saying. It’s like writing dialogue for characters in my stories! Now I’ll take somer liberties! Thank you for your encouragement!
January 4, 2017 at 10:09 am
Mark Bentz
Thank you for this post Josh. You have a fun and unique way of looking at things…it’s a good thing.
January 4, 2017 at 10:20 am
Susan Howard
That is a fantastic idea, so out of the box! Thank you for sharing your gift of silliness : )
January 4, 2017 at 11:06 am
McCourt Thomas
Thanks Josh! Always funny and appreciated!
January 4, 2017 at 11:21 am
Carolyn
Oh my goodness! I’m so going to start writing down my autocorrects! Genius 🙂
January 4, 2017 at 11:39 am
Mel Copeman
I usually hate auto correct because it changes my made up gobble de goop in to real words, but I’ll keep a look out for some weird sayings from now on!
January 4, 2017 at 11:54 am
Lee Brockman
What a genius idea! Thanks for sharing your secrets with us all!
January 4, 2017 at 12:06 pm
Shirley
You are an inspiration. Thanks for your post.
January 4, 2017 at 12:10 pm
Darcee Freier
Love the silliness and greatness of your idea. Thanks!
January 4, 2017 at 12:16 pm
Marty Bellis
Love your sense of humor. And have to agree auto correct comes up with some ridiculous ideas. Hadn’t thought to pay attention to them, but now I will. Thanks, Josh!
January 4, 2017 at 12:22 pm
karammitchell
So great, Josh. Thanks! Forever, my phone was autocorrecting, “people” to, “puerile.” I had no idea it was happening until my friend mentioned my, “fancy French word.” We then proceeded to use it in as many sentences as we could think of without looking it up. Lots of fun AND turns out “puerile” is a pretty cool word after all.
January 4, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Laurie Swinler
This is one of those “don’t curse the autocorrect — embrace it” moments. Thanks Josh, and by the way, I think Josh enjoys better-tottering during snowstorms and has always loved rutabaga pizza. He has played the harmonica since age 22 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a dictionary — oh wait, that’s me. Actually I was going to say tester-tottering, opps I was going to say tetter-tottering but auto-correct thought otherwise – twice.
January 4, 2017 at 12:57 pm
Charlotte Dixon
LOL-Josh, those otter car wrecks pile up in my day. I now have inspiration to do something with them besides taking them to the salvage yard! Thank you for a terrific tip 🙂
January 4, 2017 at 1:03 pm
Kerry Trickett (@KerryTrickett2)
Pah ha ha! Brilliant!
January 4, 2017 at 1:11 pm
kristivaliant
We’ve enjoyed Josh’s books from the library. What a funny way to come up with new ideas.
January 4, 2017 at 1:14 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
This sounds like most of my family’ text or dinner conversations. Now, I just need to keep a record of it.
January 4, 2017 at 1:46 pm
Sharon Langley
I love autocorrect and French toast…Thanks for a giggle!
January 4, 2017 at 1:51 pm
Susan Cabael
Gotta love bathroom phone usage–ha!
January 4, 2017 at 2:56 pm
Kate (@KateGiard)
pkaydate…hmm…let me write that down. Thanks so much!
January 4, 2017 at 2:56 pm
Carleen Shreeve
Great post Josh. Had an experience with this very recently. Maybe I’ll turn it into a story idea! Thanks.
January 4, 2017 at 3:02 pm
Alison Goldberg
Great post! I want to know more about those otters.
January 4, 2017 at 3:08 pm
Lotus Ivak
Thanks Josh!
January 4, 2017 at 3:16 pm
Victoria Wirkkala
Love Lady Pancake and Sir Frenchtoast! My son got it for Christmas and it is so fun!!
I love these ideas, with a toddler in the house I am privy to some crazy word use that I keeps notes of.
January 4, 2017 at 3:55 pm
ptnozell
When life, or Siri, gives you melons, make lemonade! Love it! Thanks, Josh.
January 4, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Carrie Finison
This has actually been a great source of ideas for me, too. Good advice!
January 4, 2017 at 4:24 pm
tara8910
We have checked out your book about Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast from the library. We really liked it! We would love to win a copy of some of your books!
January 4, 2017 at 4:43 pm
Dawn Young
Clever suggestion! thanks Josh!
January 4, 2017 at 4:43 pm
A. P. Alessandri
Ha! Loved reading this! Thanks!
January 4, 2017 at 4:45 pm
Katherine
Thanks for the funny and useful post!
January 4, 2017 at 5:03 pm
Megan Higginson
Oh this is priceless. My daughter has an auditory processing disorder and mishears things all the time. I have certainly missed some gold with her mishearing things. We can have the most hilarious conversations. Hmmm. A story is in there, maybe. Thanks!
January 4, 2017 at 5:29 pm
Andreya Krieves
I was unsuccessful at trying not to laugh out loud while reading this post in the library quiet-study spaces. Thanks for the good humor & ideas, and for almost getting me in trouble!
January 4, 2017 at 5:48 pm
Melissa Koosmann
Thanks for the great toast…er…post!
January 4, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Nick Perkins
Such a good post! A place to look for inspiration that I hadn’t thought of
January 4, 2017 at 6:30 pm
peardigger
Ideas are everywhere! Thanks for that reminder.
January 4, 2017 at 7:04 pm
Natalie Rompella
Disclaimer: only use appropriate autocorrects!! Super cute idea, Josh.
January 4, 2017 at 7:11 pm
Angel
A very unique idea!
January 4, 2017 at 8:01 pm
Elizabeth Metz
This is great. Ooh, or another fun brainstorm-y thing might be to play a little with Google’s autocomplete: start typing a question or a statement and see what Google suggests as the most common searches. Or find a copy of the game Mad Gab and see if any of their nonsensical cards get your brain spinning. Could be rich idea fodder! (Ridge Heidi of Otter?)
January 4, 2017 at 8:22 pm
DB Cote
I really liked the tip about typos. Thank you, Josh.
January 4, 2017 at 8:32 pm
writingtexas
Love this idea! Thanks, Josh!
Denise Engle
January 4, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
Oooh…I get lots of crazy things written in text messages. Seems like Siri has a mind of her own. But I will use them to my advantage from now on! Thanks, Josh.
January 4, 2017 at 9:59 pm
Julie
I am seeing auto-correct in a whole new light now. Thanks, Josh!
January 4, 2017 at 10:16 pm
Viviane LB
Thanks for a fabulous post, Josh! I will try to be mindful of all those word goof-ups from now on…
January 4, 2017 at 10:25 pm
denarose
Thanks for such a funny and inspirational post! I’ll remember to pay attention to all those misheard words and typos!
January 4, 2017 at 10:39 pm
Sharon Giltrow
Thanks Josh now I just want to send messages to my friends and see what nonsense i write.
January 4, 2017 at 10:54 pm
tdegezelle
Just this week, I just experienced a typo in the work place, the email was to read, Dr. H_ _ _ and instead auto correct kicked in and spelled out Dr. HELL. There is a start of a story for you. 🙂 Terri
January 4, 2017 at 10:58 pm
bookthreader
Great idea!
January 4, 2017 at 11:11 pm
Erin Nowak
I have been longing for more silly in my life and writing. This seems like just the toxic. I mean tuck in!! I mean TICKET!!!! Thanks Josh!
January 4, 2017 at 11:29 pm
rgstones
Loved this! Finally, some good can come from my auto-correct mishaps. 🙂
January 4, 2017 at 11:47 pm
ManjuBeth
Thanks, Josh! I love your sense of humor.
January 5, 2017 at 12:50 am
sharonkdal
Ha! Thanks for the luggage … lugging … laughs!
January 5, 2017 at 1:06 am
sheistheteacher
I loved finding 🤷🏼♀️ goofy and absurd as advantages and qualities 😊👏🏻👌🏻BRAVO! That made my day. Thanks Josh Funk 💁🏼
January 5, 2017 at 1:57 am
Katherine Goff Thole
Thank you, Josh! There is a silver lining to the autocorrect nightmare after all.
January 5, 2017 at 3:12 am
Myrna Foster
Hahaha! We NEED a story with evil baristas. Thanks for the advice, Josh!
January 5, 2017 at 9:42 am
Jim Chaize
Gummy duff.
January 5, 2017 at 9:52 am
Paula Cohen-Martin
Brilliance! I am the self-appointed Queen of Mistypes and Iphone Spellcheck errors. Ask my dog Joxter, who Is frequently referred to as Jockstrap. Try texting your son’s teacher to say your son will be late to rehearsal because your Jockstrap ran away. Not that I encourage a children’s book based on this event but it does make for a full day of embarassment. Never thought about using Spellcheck to get my stories started. To the Batphone!
January 5, 2017 at 10:10 am
Miss Debbie
to auto-correct or not to tutor correct? That is the question…there you go…auto-correct plagues me wherever I go. #not to tutor correct??? Now that’s phoney…lol…:-) Thanks for your out of the box thinking, Josh. 🙂
January 5, 2017 at 10:42 am
Marie Manley Tucker
I did this yesterday! I mis-heard my husband and boom! I got an idea! Hahaha -Marie Manley Tucker
January 5, 2017 at 10:46 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Inspiration from a text?? Who would have thunk that! Thanks Josh!
January 5, 2017 at 11:38 am
Monica A. Harris
I once got a text that read “Want dick eggs?” I was intrigued, to say the least! Not sure there’s a children’s story there BUT I was amused 🙂
January 5, 2017 at 11:47 am
authorstephanievanhorn
I never thought of typos or mishearing as a doorway to writing! Mmmmm!👍🏾
January 5, 2017 at 11:56 am
Ali Earle Pichardo
Thank you Josh, now I won’t toss out auto correct typos that might become story ideas. You also gave a word that is now spinning a story in my head.
January 5, 2017 at 12:19 pm
colleenrkosinski
neat idea
January 5, 2017 at 12:20 pm
christinerodenbour
Ha, using autocorrects. Good point!
January 5, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Juli Jones
What a crazy idea! Instead of getting annoyed at autocorrect, like I usually do, I’ll just use its wackiness to start a story. Thanks, Josh!
January 5, 2017 at 2:15 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
Very, very interesting.
January 5, 2017 at 2:32 pm
Cassie Bentley
I have a friend who accused me of texting in code because of auto correct. Silly things happen.
January 5, 2017 at 2:43 pm
saritarich
I love this post! It reminds me of two books I love: The Cat Who Wore A Pot on Her Head by Jan Slepian and Telephone by Mac Barnett.
January 5, 2017 at 2:57 pm
lydialukidis
This is a great reminder to allow ourselves to get silly. These are books for children, after all. We can really dive into our creativity….
January 5, 2017 at 3:21 pm
danielle hammelef
Hilarious post! I love and hate autocorrect simultaneously. Sometimes I can’t figure out what my husband texted so I have to ask. Sometimes it just makes me laugh. I’ll have to start making mental notes of funny ones for writing ideas.
January 5, 2017 at 4:12 pm
Pam Miller
Josh, thank you for a good dose of fun and imagination. I spreading it all over the dead wood in my writing tablet and keeping the typos in my texts. My friend will either think I’m crazy, or perhaps they’ll have the beast laugh of their day.
January 5, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Ann Kelley
Great idea, Josh! Autocorrect – I think I’ll try to spell words wrong just to see what autocorrect does. Will it spell it correctly or will it come up with some weird word?
January 5, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Dionna
So funny!
January 5, 2017 at 7:02 pm
htbeers
Thank you for solving my evil baristas! Now on to more reading and writing. (By the way, my 3-year-old grandson LOVES your LADY PANCAKE AND SIR FRENCH TOAST book. So for Christmas I gave him DEAR DRAGON and knitted a little dragon friend for him to read it with. I’m earning big-time grandma points. Thanks, Josh!)
January 5, 2017 at 8:00 pm
kmajor2013
Great post, Josh! I too think ideas come from all things, all directions, 360 degrees around, multiple planes and from the past, present and future.
January 5, 2017 at 10:48 pm
Zoraida Rivera
Humor is something kids love. Did Josh really write this in the bathroom? I bet he did! (Just kidding!)
January 5, 2017 at 11:00 pm
Lisa Freund
Sounds fun! I am going to try that. Thanks!
January 6, 2017 at 1:04 am
Carolina Pedraza
Writing down what you or someone else misheard makes for very funny ideas! Thank you for your post!
January 6, 2017 at 5:58 am
Reena Balding
Love this advice Josh. Definitely worth keeping/writing down/recording all funny tidbits that pop up, especially unexpected ones. Thanks!
January 6, 2017 at 7:04 am
lahewson
Thanks, Josh, for a new take on mistakes. I shall be more mindful of them from now on. Great idea, thanks!
January 6, 2017 at 9:54 am
Betsy Devany
Thanks, Josh! As always, you make me laugh while you’re inspiring me.
January 6, 2017 at 10:11 am
topangamaria
What a word twisting wizard you are.
January 6, 2017 at 11:27 am
billiesgirl
What a great idea! I have an Aunt Nettes that always becomes Aunt Nettles when using autocorrect. She may become a character in my next story…
Thanks!
January 6, 2017 at 11:41 am
Nicole Strangman
Ha – fun idea
January 6, 2017 at 11:50 am
cravevsworld
Thank you for reminding us that mistakes can be creative miracles in disguise. Great post!
January 6, 2017 at 11:53 am
cantsing1
Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys nettles during waltzes and has always loved jitter bugs. He has played in his clay pen since age 10 and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by Sir French Toast. thnx
January 6, 2017 at 1:27 pm
Nadine Gamble
You are one FUNNY guy! 3-4 new ideas just came my way…
January 6, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Fran Price
Josh, you are such a bunny Nan, no a hunney fan, a sunny tan, a punny pan. A FUNNY MAN.
January 6, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Abby Wooldridge
Love this post, and your books look awesome! Can’t wait to read them! 🙂
January 6, 2017 at 5:18 pm
donnacangelosi
Thank you, Josh! Inspiration really does come from unexpected places!
January 6, 2017 at 6:05 pm
Maria Oka
Fantastic. I’ll have to keep track of my autocorrects from now on.
January 6, 2017 at 10:11 pm
Emily Robinson Goldstein
Thank you Josh!
January 7, 2017 at 12:00 am
Aida Radu
Hilarious and insightful! Great advice!
January 7, 2017 at 6:33 am
Bethanny Parker
Josh enjoys singing during _movies and has always loved pygmies. He has played the bagpipes since age seven and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a spider.
January 7, 2017 at 9:46 am
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
Love it! This post made me giggle. I love absurdities 😀 You are right, great inspirations for story ideas. Thanks, Josh!
January 7, 2017 at 10:03 am
kimmcculley7
Embrace the serendipitous! Thank you for your tips.
January 7, 2017 at 11:47 am
ThisKidReviewsBooks
WOO! I love the idiot of this post! Wait. That’s not right. I love the IDEA of this post! WOP! 😉
January 7, 2017 at 2:35 pm
setwiggs
Josh,
I will look at autocorrects in a much kinder light. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 7, 2017 at 5:09 pm
Margaret Gerhardstein
This is a great Idea! I’m also going to write down all the times I switch leginning betters!
January 7, 2017 at 6:19 pm
Laura Bellina
Love this post! 🙂
January 7, 2017 at 6:21 pm
K.A.Steed
Fill in the blank: monsters, lunch, hopscotch, 2. Eaten by worms.
January 7, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Melanie Lucero
I could easily fill a notebook with my autocorrect fails. Love this idea!!! Thank you!
January 7, 2017 at 7:48 pm
Helen Latos
Love this, you never know where a good idea is going to come from.
January 7, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Priya
Going to pay more attention to typos. What a fun way to collect ideas.
January 7, 2017 at 11:37 pm
lorisherritt
I often write without my glasses on…makse for some great typos. Thanks for the fun ideas!
January 8, 2017 at 1:50 am
Bonnie Ferrante
It might be worth turning my autocorrect back on.
January 8, 2017 at 1:03 pm
aidantalkin
Now testing the auto-correct of the comments section by typing fast and sloppy:
“Columns find a second hand shook in paris” (Couldn’t find a second-hand shop in Paris”. Ok, not a story… but a funny process I’ll keep trying. Especially when you force yourself to find the story in there. I do love off-the-wall! Thank you.
January 8, 2017 at 1:18 pm
Kim Ball
Josh is terrible at writing bios, so please help fill in the blanks. Josh enjoys FRIGHTS OF FANDANGO during WRINKLING and has always loved BRAID STRUMMING. He has played BEEF PONIES since age OF MAHJONG and his biggest fear in life is being eaten by a DINER STORE.
;-}
January 8, 2017 at 6:02 pm
Dana Atnip
Lots of lol’s with this post (which ALMOST read “lost of lol’s”, how terrible would have THAT been?) ^-^
January 8, 2017 at 6:41 pm
Dani Duck
I don’t know if I have too many times that autocorrect is inspirational for me. There are times where good gets turned into food (who knows why that happens), but otherwise I get no sensical in my nonsensical auto corrects. I do read things wrong often, so maybe that’s where I should get my inspiration!
January 8, 2017 at 9:23 pm
Helen Dening
Great fun! Autocorrect-inspiration rather than frustration. Thanks, Josh.
January 9, 2017 at 9:19 am
Deborah Allmand
Josh I have always said the auto corrects are the funniest things. Thanks for your inspiring post.
January 9, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Jabeen
Ok so, this made me giggle. I am constantly having to use autocorrect on my phone. Not only that but, when I am listening to a song on the radio, I always get the lyrics wrong and it ends up being pretty silly. I am going to have to start writing those mistakes down! Thanks so much for your post.
January 9, 2017 at 1:56 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
This is a great (and hilarious idea!) I think that iphone autocorrect has gotten progressively worse over the last 1.5 year… maybe they are trying to inspire creativity!
January 9, 2017 at 3:10 pm
Kara Cargill
Only half concentrate on what you’re doing. Space out…a little. Don’t pay too close attention.
I have your permission to do that lol 🙂 Ps this made me laugh.
January 9, 2017 at 10:52 pm
BlancheBaxter
Great post! Inspiring, and made me lol. Best combo. 🙂
January 10, 2017 at 12:16 am
Sharon Haan
I am a first-time storystorm and enjoying every minute of it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sharon Haan
January 10, 2017 at 3:39 am
Mindy Alyse Weiss
LOL, thanks for this post! I wear hearing aids now, but before I got them one of my past PiBoIdMo ideas was inspired by me mishearing what my daughter said. It’s one of my favorite manuscripts–so this definitely works. 🙂
January 10, 2017 at 5:54 am
Michelle Cusolito
This is funny, Josh. My family has a couple of auto corrects that have worked their way into our language. I’ll have to mine them for story ideas.
January 10, 2017 at 1:10 pm
Kassy Keppol
Thank you
January 10, 2017 at 4:44 pm
Lane M Arnold
Autocorrects and typos are brilliant sources of inspiration. Goodness. Thanks!
January 10, 2017 at 10:42 pm
Lucretia
Funny and inspiring, Josh. Finally, I have an opportunity to put of my husband’s confusing texts to good use…well, maybe…his are even more incomprehensible than yours!
January 11, 2017 at 9:57 am
Donna Rossman
Using autocorrect errors or hearing mistakes, awesome idea!! My husband has started telling me what he thinks I’ve said… I now have an endless source of material! LOL!
January 11, 2017 at 10:28 pm
Marge Gower
Only half concentrate on what you’re doing. Thanks for the suggestion, I will try to be more observant in my half awake life. Great article.
January 12, 2017 at 12:11 pm
Kim MacPherson
Yes, autocorrect CAN be fun… except when it turns the word “steak” into the F-bomb. No joke… this happened to me! Thanks for this great tote! 😉
January 12, 2017 at 2:42 pm
claireannette1
Now I’m going to pay more attention to my autocorrects.
January 12, 2017 at 3:38 pm
Jamie LB Deenihan
Love your books and always appreciate hearing your advice about writing, Josh! Auto-correct is constantly playing tricks on me so I’m eager to pay closer attention now. Thanks for the great post and see you at NESCBWI!
January 14, 2017 at 1:42 am
sandiejaarsma
Ah, paying attention to the debris my mind would ordinarily sift out.!
January 14, 2017 at 3:56 am
angelcat2014
What a great way to take advantage of the technological gibberish that replaces our well intentioned words. 🙂
January 14, 2017 at 4:12 pm
angiecal76
Who knew that “auto-correct” could be a great resource for picture book fodder. Very funny post, Josh!
January 15, 2017 at 12:43 pm
Sue Fritz
What a fun idea! My phone and I will be spending more time together!
January 15, 2017 at 4:54 pm
Susan Niemann
Thanks for the reminder to have fun!
January 15, 2017 at 6:15 pm
@luvthatword / Angela Dale
You’re inspiring me to use the transcription-memo function on my phone, see if I can spin gobbledygook into gold.
January 15, 2017 at 8:58 pm
Cindy Williams Schrauben
Got an idea, already. Thanks, Josh
January 16, 2017 at 6:45 pm
Jennifer Cole Judd
Funny post! I am going to look through those comments Siri *thinks* I am saying for inspiration…you just redeemed my relationship with her. 😉 Thanks!
January 16, 2017 at 7:59 pm
gingermeurer
Great tips. Thanks to you, I’m going to put my autocorrects to use.
January 16, 2017 at 10:42 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Auto-correct is always getting me! I think I need to start paying more attention to the mistakes before I correct them. Might be some hidden gold there!
January 23, 2017 at 11:51 am
rosiepova
Always hilarious and fresh! Thank you, Josh! 🙂
~Rosie Pova
January 24, 2017 at 2:40 pm
Jill Tadros
We love Josh’s sense of humor around our house! And typos are a constant source of hilarity between me and my husband.
January 24, 2017 at 8:59 pm
bethanyj0
Accidental creativity is still creativity! Thanks Josh!
January 26, 2017 at 3:46 pm
Cindy Jolley
Who knew autocorrect was such a goldmine?! I can’t wait to have a little chat with Siri and see where it takes me! Thank you!
January 27, 2017 at 11:51 am
Kelly Parker
Love this! I mean, if a good autocorrect can make YOU laugh, it’s bound to make others laugh too! Win-Win! Thank you!
January 29, 2017 at 7:45 pm
Jade Johnson
Using autocorrect to generate story ideas? How clever! I’d certainly read about evil baristas! I bet they’re very dastardly, purposely spelling customer’s names wrong and everything. 😉 Good luck to your Inspector Croissant!
January 30, 2017 at 3:11 am
Cindy E. Owens
This article was hilarious. I hate auto-correct too. However, I love your suggestion on using them to our advantage. By doing so, there is no telling what we will come up with for a story, poem, and so forth. 🙂
January 30, 2017 at 6:34 am
Melanie
Very unique and imaginative! Fantastically inspirational!
January 30, 2017 at 2:27 pm
Alena Telford
If only my auto corrects were picture book appropriate …
January 30, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Tasha Hilderman
I need to exercise that muscle of mining everything as a possible idea, rather than getting frustrated/bored/annoyed with typos, absurdities and annoyances! Thank you!
February 1, 2017 at 11:01 am
Lauri Meyers
Hilarious!
February 1, 2017 at 9:09 pm
Kelly Vavala
What a great pot I mean post! Lol thanks for sharing your great sense of humor!!
May 2, 2017 at 12:02 am
Operating Systems
! Auto-correct is always getting me!
January 4, 2018 at 12:45 am
Maria Bostian
I otterly loved this post, miss stir! (I utterly loved this post, mister!) 😁
Seriously, thanks so much for the insight. I’ll try to love autocorrect a little more this month.