The Final Touches to Perfect Handwriting

In previous posts, we’ve covered everything from spacing and speed to avoiding flourishes and using lined paper. Now, let’s focus on the final three tips that will take your handwriting to the next level:

8. Use Quality Writing Tools
The tools you use can make a significant difference in how your handwriting looks. A cheap pen that skips or smudges can make your letters look messy, no matter how careful you are. Invest in a good pen that feels comfortable in your hand and produces consistent lines. Gel pens, fountain pens, or even a well-made ballpoint pen can make writing smoother and more enjoyable.

9. Sit with Good Posture
Believe it or not, your posture affects your handwriting. If you’re hunched over or slouching, you’ll have less control over your pen. Sit up straight with your feet flat on the ground and your writing hand resting comfortably on the desk. This will help you maintain better control of your pen strokes and keep your handwriting steady.

10. Warm Up Your Hand
Just like athletes stretch before a game, your hand can benefit from a quick warm-up before you dive into writing. Do a few scribbles, trace some circles, or even draw quick shapes to loosen up your hand. This simple exercise will improve your hand's flexibility and make your handwriting smoother right from the start.

By upgrading your writing tools, improving your posture, and giving your hand a little warm-up, you can enhance both the form and flow of your handwriting. You’re well on your way to beautiful, legible handwriting that anyone would be happy to read!

Order this good handwriting workbook on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3KB9XCF

Why Every Library Needs a Hometown Authors Shelf and How to Promote Them

I have previously written about building a Local Authors Collection in a library in a previous post, How to Start a Local Authors Collection . Now, I will discuss further why this is mandatory for every library, especially public ones. All libraries often highlight international bestsellers—but what about the author who lives just down the street? A Hometown Author Shelf tells the story of your community, written by its own people. Local authors offer unique perspectives that national voices can’t. Their work may reflect regional issues, dialects, history, or folklore that rarely reach mainstream publication. Also, they don't have many followers, because they're just doing their thing and not getting much attention. This is where the library comes in. When patrons see familiar names or places in print, it deepens their emotional connection to both the library and literature. It says, “Your story matters here.” It also attracts local media attention, potential donors, and mo...

How to Start a Local Authors Collection in Your Library: 3 Steps

Looking to celebrate the voices in your own backyard? Starting a Local Authors Collection is one of the most meaningful ways to connect your library with its community. This will also promote your library to locals who may not have heard that your library is open and accessible to everyone! It will also send the message that you value your local authors and would like to work more with them in the future! Step 1: Audit! Begin with a simple audit: Do you already have hometown authors on your shelves? Create a list. Then, reach out to local writing groups, independent publishers, or universities—places where emerging writers often surface. Step 2: Curate! Don’t overlook self-published authors. Many have strong followings and are eager to share their work. Establish clear submission guidelines to ensure quality and consistency. Step 3: Promote! Highlight the new collection with shelf signage or a dedicated reading nook. Monthly features or “Local Author Spotlights” on social media also ...

How I Use My Starbucks Planner to Keep Myself Accountable

Let’s be honest: most of us buy those Starbucks planners because they’re pretty, not because we’re planning to become meticulous schedulers. At least, that was my initial intention—until I realized it could be the accountability tool I desperately needed. Now, my Starbucks planner is less about appointments and more about keeping track of my daily battles with self-discipline. Here’s how I use it to monitor three key areas of my life: resisting the urge to smoke, watching my calorie intake, and moving my body. 1. The Smoking Tracker This is the toughest section to fill out because it demands raw honesty. At the end of each day, I mark whether I resisted the urge to smoke—or if I gave in. There’s no judgment here (okay, maybe a little self-judgment), just a simple note: "Resisted" or "Gave In." I also jot down what triggered my cravings. Was it stress? Boredom? A sudden existential crisis while folding laundry? Writing it down helps me notice patterns, and when I...

Ruby Galvez, RL

Search This Blog