How to write with a quill pen

I get this question a lot. Whether it's writing with a 19th century style metal nib pen or an 18th century style quill. It's really not that hard. You just have to remember that modern pens are designed to be pressed firmly into the paper, and you just can't do that with a nib. If you do, the two parts of the nib will spread apart, and all the ink will blot into the first letter.

I've read many places and tips that tell you to use a light touch. That's true, and it's great, if you know what that means.

But here's what I tell people: The secret is simple: Don't write, paint. Pretend the pen is a paintbrush, and paint your writing. You'll be amazed at how simple writing with an old-fashioned pen becomes when you think of it as painting, not writing.