Must writers follow all the rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation or do the rules stifle the writer’s creativity? Some writers consider themselves artists who can’t be restricted by rules, while others consider themselves craftsmen bound by conventions. I fall in the middle. One publisher has called me the pickiest person she knows. As an editor, I have to know and follow grammar rules or I wouldn’t have any customers. On the other hand, my writing style is informal and simple, and I usually don’t worry about all the rules that may be used in formal writing. For example, I don’t mind ending a sentence with preposition. Often it sounds more natural and understandable to do so. In my view, there are several critical elements to good writing: The reader must understand it. Using the right word is essential. Using it’s when you mean its or using their or they’re when you mean there can confuse your meaning. Punctuation to show when sentences start and end is critical. Write...