Grammar matters in writing because it's a tool that helps you make informed artistic choices, much like music theory gives musicians the ability to create and play music. Understanding grammar and mechanics allows you to choose how your writing sounds, manipulate words for effect, and know when to break rules or traditional practices. Figures of speech are also powerful tools that can evoke emotions and convey meaning in a way that's distinct from more literal language. To improve your writing, it's essential to understand your influences, including the styles and techniques used by other writers, as well as the technical aspects of language itself. Self-editing is also crucial, whether you have an editor or not, and learning grammar and mechanics can help you identify where your writing has gone off track and express why. By being patient with yourself and adding these tools to your palette, you can develop your writing skills over time.