Alright vs All Right

This is similar to the "alot" vs "a lot" argument. Technically, alright is not a word. It is a lazy way of writing "all right" to the point that it has actually become accepted. Go ahead, open up Microsoft Word and type it in. See, no red squiggly line under it (Now do it with alot just to test your sanity). It has even been accepted into the dictionary.

To be on the safe side, always write it out as two words. While it may be acceptable, it is still not taken seriously by the intellectual elite. But then again, who cares about them, go ahead and use either form without abandon!

Seriously, it really is two words.

Alot is NOT a Word, A Lot is Two Words

I'm relatively laid back when I witness spelling errors, misused word, and bad punctuation. Even when they are found in professional writings I can usually laugh it off. After all, what is important is that meaning is communicated so I don't usually get too uptight about it. But there is one exception, and I see it a lot.


"A lot" is two words. "Alot" is not a word at all.

This might have to be a rule you just memorize with no tricks. Chant to yourself the phrase, "A lot is two words. A lot is two words," until you get it. Say it until you believe it! Say it until you know it! Say it until it bugs you just like it bugs me! If you need to, say it a lot!

Why? Because it is two words. It really is! See if you notice the pattern here:

Incorrect: I ran afew laps today. Correct: I ran a few laps today.
Incorrect: I did aton of work today. Correct: I did a ton of work today.
Incorrect: I ate abit of dessert. Correct: I ate a bit of dessert.
Incorrect: I am alittle afraid of snakes. Correct: I am a little afraid of snakes.
Incorrect: I have alot of homework to day. Correct: You're an idiot and you are going to burn if you keep spelling a lot wrong, plus today is one word!
(I'm breathing, I'm breathing)

Okay, that is my soap box. These other cases don't put me in the mental house but I do see them from time to time.

Do it, breaking this rule will instantly and forever brand you as somebody who doesn't know what they are writing about

The Robison Wells Book Bomb

A few days ago Larry Correia announced here:

Larry's Blog Post

that he was going to do a Book Bomb for Robison Wells' book Variant. The idea being that if enough people purchase this book on November 10th it will elevate the book higher in the Amazon rankings and open the possibility of more book sales due to increased exposure.

So if Larry is doing it, you must be wondering why I am as well. After all, Larry is an established author with krundles more credibility and followers. But my reasoning is three-fold:

1) As somebody who hopes to some day be elevated to the rank of Published Author (not if I keep splitting infinitives like that, right?), I consider those who are already there brothers and sisters I care for. If you follow my twitter feed I do a lot of promoting their friends because, quite frankly, I have nothing of mine to promote as of yet. But I love promoting others and I saw this a perfect opportunity to do so again.

2) I have a lot of respect for Robison Wells. No, I have NOT read Variant. It is on my reading list, I promise, as I've heard NOTHING but good things about it. As he announced on his blog: "Publishers Weekly has named Variant as one of the Best Books of 2011!" A few times Rob appeared as a guest on my favorite Podcast, Writing Excuses, and they were some of my favorite episodes. He is very insightful on the writing process and this is just my way of giving back.

3) Academic interest! As of this writing, Variant is ranked #6,077 in books. I'll be getting this on Kindle, and it is ranked #9,181 on paid Kindle books. I would really love to see how successful a Book Bomb can be.

So, on November 10th make sure you pick up Robison's book. I will! The link is here:

Oh, and if you want to get to know Robison Wells more his blog is here:

Robison Wells' Blog

And, LDS Writer's Blogck also blogged on it. Check that out here, if you are interested.

Good luck, Rob!