Don't let good grammar spoil good writing

If saying that good grammar can spoil good writing sounds like heresy, it was meant to. When I search the web for writing tips, all too often the first bit of advice that comes back is Be sure to use good grammar. But that's putting the cart before the horse. It's like telling a carpenter which hammer to use to drive in a particular type of nail. Very useful advice; however, it's a detail. It is valid only if the carpenter already knows why he is putting the nail there and what will follow.