Writing, as with everything else, is easiest when the mind is still and ideas are allowed to flow freely. A writing block I sometimes experience comes from trying to make it perfect on the first go. I can overcome this block by giving myself permission to simply record my thoughts as they come to me without caring how they’re arranged. I almost always go back later and edit what I’ve written but, while the ideas are flowing, the only important thing is writing them out.
Sometimes I see people arguing over grammar or the “improper” use of language. Having a foundation in grammar is useful. It gives you a framework within which you can learn to speak, read, and write, in addition to making it easier to communicate with other people who speak the same language. Once you’ve gotten a feel for language, though, it’s much more fun to throw the rules out whenever you like. Sometimes the best way to communicate is grammatically incorrect. For example, they say not to start sentences with a conjunction. But if that’s how you want to communicate, go for it. Also, no fragments. None. Never. Nope. How about ending sentences with a preposition? You could say “This is the sort of nonsense up with which I will not put.” While that puts the preposition closer to the middle of the sentence rather than at the end, it’s more awkward to say and more difficult to understand than “This is the sort of nonsense I will not put up with.” When in doubt, I personally go for ease of understanding rather than grammatical perfection or rhetorical flair.
Speaking of flair, let’s talk about style. Style can keep people interested in what you’re saying but the most stylish speech that’s lacking in substance is nothing more than auditory entertainment. With little to no depth, it is soon forgotten as it leaves no lasting impression on the listener. Substance with style is where it’s at, and the best style to use is your own. Your personal style comes from the very core of who you are, allows you to share your perspective of the world as only you can, and doesn’t even attempt to copy someone else’s. While your style may be influenced by several speakers and writers you love, it will still be uniquely yours, just as it should be.
You don’t have to take my word for it. Many of the most famous and celebrated writers took liberties with language at their convenience. Their works are beloved despite, or perhaps because of, their grammatical flexibility. Sometimes using slang, a contraction, or an unusual phrase makes a line flow more smoothly or resonate more deeply within the soul of the reader. Only the biggest sticks in the mud would criticize the form of these works when their function is superb. This ability to bend, break, and banish the rules isn’t reserved for only the best writers, however. You can do it all you like, whether you write for an audience of one or an audience of millions.
The poetry of language is a wonderful playground for anyone who wishes to enjoy it, so don’t stress over keeping your writing and speaking in line with “proper” grammatical constraints. The best works are heavy on the artistic side and light on the technical side. Play around to find your own voice and style that lets you have fun in your own way. The best way I can think to close is with Stephen Fry beautifully displaying his deep love of language. Take care and enjoy using language in a way that makes your heart sing.