When I took my parker pen to school today, it was very easy and fun to use, but I hold it quite tight. I don't usually hold pens hard (maybe because I just gotten into it again ) but when I don't hold it hard I'm thinking my handwriting won't be as good as it was holding it hard. I'm left handed, and I was my hand was facing the way right handers do. I was feeling a twitch of pain coming from my wrist every sentence or so. Can you please give me some advice?

I'm a rightie, but I have been learning to be ambidextrous so I practice writing left handed. I know it is difficult not to grip a pen too tightly. But if you loosen up your grip and let the pen flow more loosely in your hand - right or left handed you will give your fingers and wrist a break. Gripping too tightly can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, so you really do need to lighten up.

The first thing that will happen, is your penmanship will probably not be so good, but with practice it will improve. The saying is: "Practice makes Perfect." I know this isn't an immediate solution to your problem, but it is the only thing I know of that will help. Good thing is, you are young and have lots of time to develop your distinctive style. Write with a loose grip whenever you get the chance. Write anything and everything you can. Practice, Practice, Practice. (I remember my grandmother rapping my fingers with her little director's wand as she gave me piano lessons and recited those three words - "Practice! Practice! Practice!")

Have you a scanner? I would love to see your progress.

Good Luck

Well, sometimes mindless repetition doesn't get one anywhere. (I'm a pianist too.)

I would recommend, if the need to write quickly and legibly is not urgent, that you always try to use as little force as possible. As penhound said, it will probably look worse than before, but as you get used to using less force, your writing will improve, and it will feel more comfortable.

Also, take a look at this.

Stop white knuckling that pen! (Yank!) That's what happened to me while sitting at Richard Binder's table at the Raleigh Pen Show last year. (Wave to Mr. Binder).

Caress your pen. Love your pen. Don't squeeze it to death. I'm a finger writer. I usually have to make a very conscious effort to remind myself to ease up. Eventually you will learn to let the pen work for you.