There’s an absurd amount of rules, guidelines, conventions, tricks, styles, methods, and preferences when it comes to writing. So how does one determine the correct ones to use? Are there even correct ones to use? Is there one that’s better than the others?

The answer: Sure, why not?

It’s really a matter of context, personal preference, and uncommon sense. (Common sense doesn’t really exist.) I mean sure, there’s the whole MLA vs. Chicago style battle that writers can argue over indefinitely. Then there’s the infinite amount of rules and commandments set down by English teachers, each list as different as the teacher.

I have my own preferred style, which tends to enjoy the use of commas, appositives, and the occasional parenthetical (they’re just fun to use every once and a while). I’m not a fan of dashes – en, em, or otherwise (..- -. .-.. . ... ... / .. .----. -- / .-. . ... --- .-. - .. -. --. / - --- / -- --- .-. ... . / -.-. --- -.. .). But I know plenty of writers that swear by them, and a few that swear with them.

I have MLA and Chicago style guide reference books for if I ever really need to write in that format. And if I ever submit to a magazine, I would skim a few articles to see what their preferred style is. By writing in their preferred format, I’d be cutting down on future copyediting on their part. Making it easier on an editor does help your chances at getting accepted.

The nitty gritty truth is that consistency in whatever method of madness you choose is necessary.

Like a low-budget movie, mistakes will be seen by viewers, and usually laughed at. Do you really want your writing laughed at? I certainly wouldn’t. Especially if it’s not a comedic piece. So a bit of attention and care to blatant contradictions can go a long way.

Now granted, not everything you write should stay the same throughout. Aspects like characters need to evolve as a plot progresses. Having a character remain two dimensional for consistency’s sake is downright horrendous to read and deserves to be made fun of.

So have a care what stays static and what doesn't. The foundations of your story: The grammar, punctuation, and tone should remain steady. Everything else is open to evolution and tweaking to your heart's desire.