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.

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. Here, I’ll be contributing news and information about various aspects of history, especially those having to do with Sullivan Press.

For those that I’ve not met, I have been involved with reenacting since 1973, and have been selling reproduction paperwork of one kind or another since 1989. I’m not the first person to do this, nor am I the only one. I have always used this simple guide to my reproductions: The items has to be good enough for me to show it to someone and say, “This is what the originals looked like.”  If I wouldn’t want to show it to tourists or visitors,  I won’t create it.

I’ve been involved with a lot of historic sites over the years, working one summer and volunteering one summer at Ft. McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, and I was a Licensed Battlefield Guide at Gettysburg National Park from 1976-1978.

Enjoy the blog. Tell your friends. Check back often.