I'm a writer, but I'm not a fanatical follower of the rules of writing. For me, the rules are a starting point, not an ending point. I'd certainly advise an aspiring writer to become familiar with the rules because back story dumping, head hopping, slow pacing, shallow characterization, etc. can irritate and repel a reader. Yet, at the same time, I'd encourage him/her to embrace his/her natural instincts because a unique voice can capture and hold a reader.
Having said this, though, I must confess I can't bear to see aspiring writers fail to follow certain rules because, well, they're writers, and in truth, writers should have a knowledge of their language. Actually, all people should know their language, but aspiring writers should have a command of their language. After all, they mean to sell their words, no? So, yes, I think aspiring writers who write in English should be able to write in English. There, I've said it!
Condemn me if you will, but I can't restrain myself from mentioning that:
You can't right a novel (not unless it fell over on a shelf, for example).
Your words don't effect your readers (but they might just have an effect upon your career!).
Their not going to flock to the bookstore for your newest release.
Your readers won't change their minds about you're writing.
You can't infer something with your words.
You can't imply anything from my words.
You can't insure your success.
I can't ensure you of success.
Sorry, but with such mistakes, your novel won't find its' way out of the slush pile.
Now here's the scary part: I've come across the misuse of these words and others in contest entries, blog posts, loop comments, etc., and of course, if a writer is making them in those, he/she might be making them in queries and manuscripts. So, for today, my warning is simply this:
There's it is, it's and its, but no its', in the English language.
