I think it was on pens & Paraphernalia where I had found some tips on posture and technique to improve one's handwriting. Two of the most important things that they discussed was that of posture and motion. It suggested that one's hand should not rest on the paper, because it lends itself to one having to form letters by using one's fingers. As a result if limits the range of motion and thus the scale and formation of one's writing. It pointed out that one should use one's should and arm in a coordinated effort to write. I tried this technique and it seems almost impossible to write in this fashion. As a way of compromising, I eased the weight of my palm off the paper so that my hand respond the progress of my writing. This seems to have improved my writing a bit, however I do not see this as a practical means of writing. If one is to write for extended periods of time while supporting the weight of their arm, it seems that one would get fatigued prematurely. I would like to hear some input on this.

For what it's worth, shoulder writing although advocated by many able penmen, isn't a universally accepted method. Not trying to throw a monkey-wrench into anyone's quest for better handwriting, but there are all kinds of methods. For instance, here's a page from Gunnlauger SE Briem's page on italic writing which seems to advocate the use of wrist motion. "Take a pen in your hand. Move it up and down, as if you were waving goodbye. That’s the movement you need. It could hardly be simpler." And that's a nice italic that the method is aiming at.

I keep shoulder and arm and everything very relaxed. Parts of my hand and forearm make contact with the paper or desk surface, but I don't "plant" anything on a surface. As long as I use a light touch and "skim" along, I'm okay. A good test word suggested by someone here is "telecommunication." If you can write that in one "skim," it probably came out looking pretty good too.

Just some suggestions based on what works for me. Your mileage may vary. In any case, best of luck on your worthy quest.

Doug

Thanks for the reply. I think I failed to mention what my intentions are. I'm just looking for the right technique for enhancing my cursive writing skills. I think my writing is very legible and to some extent aesthetically pleasing, but it lacks the flourishes that come with confidence. I want to take to the level of the beautiful. Until I get this down, I'm not ready for copperplate.

I agree with Doug and his description of how he writes coincides with mine.

I think that the descriptive term "shoulder writing" is a bit misleading and can lead to a lot of frustration. Large lettering is naturally written with a still hand but the smaller lettering becomes, the more the hand and, inevitably, the fingers come into play to some extent. There is a happy medium, and I'm sure that the middle road works for most people. Doug put it very well.

The end result is what matters, and if you can write for a reasonable length of time without undue fatigue and tension, you should be able to forget about hand and arm position and concentrate on the formation of the lettering. Above all, don't get hung up on technique - if you enjoy your writing, the results will speak for themselves. I am convinced that the biggest obstacle to acquiring good handwriting is tension - in the hand, arm, shoulder, everywhere. Relaxation is the key. This is just a personal opinion, but it is based on many years of practicing writing.

Ken

Thanks for the input. I will try to loosen up when writing.

This sounds familiar. I have fairly decent handwriting, and the nib glides smoothly and gently across the paper, but I often find that I'm holding the pen itself in a Grip of Death. The harder I'm concentrating at the time, the more I'm strangling the poor pen.

I pause and try to relax my hand, but not five minutes later I have to remind myself to ease the heck up. Not only is this uncomfortable, but the longer I write the more my handwriting deteriorates. It's proving a tough habit to break.


Cindy

But it will get better -- as you see progress in your writing. A session should be stopped if it gets painful to write. As you said, the more you force your hand, the more the writing deteriorates. Think Zen!! Breathe deep, relax, stretch your hand and fingers. Google hand exercises -- I know there are several sites that have instructions for them.

Yours,
Randal

I definitely need to check out some hand exercises. My hand tends to cramp up during essay exams, although the exams I am referring to are roughly two and a half hours. I find that how firmly I grip my pen has a lot to do with the psychological state I'm in. If I am in a demanding situation that requires me to perform to an extent that strains my abilities, I find myself transferring that anxiety into the way in which I write. But I will admit, that I have a high strung personality, so much so that I've had issues with ulcers. So my writing would probably benefit by managing this emotional state.

One interesting thing about handwriting is that it requires focus AND relaxation. We usually associate relaxation with becoming unfocused, but handwriting is the opposite, and helps train the rest of the body. That's my own quasi-New-Agey theory, anyway.

Doug

This may be of some help, Cindy
http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/in...showtopic=65981

good luck!

Ken