Handwriting after a stroke

May 2

I had a major, massive stroke almost ten years ago. I went from being a big fountain pen aficionado to...not. I've had to reteach myself the basics of making words by hand, like, ABC basics, and while I have succeeded, I've only succeeded so much. In the interim, my husband took up fountain pens, and has become a real enthusiast; consequently, I've gotten interested all over again.

I need all the help I can get with my handwriting. What are some good resources for improving it, apart from just writing? I feel silly asking, but there are very real roadblocks to negotiate when you've had a stroke. My right hand works to a point, meaning I am leagues ahead of many of my fellows, but I am nowhere near where I was.

May 3

I had a minor (2) strokes two years ago but have not had any impairments to my writing from that. My issue is macular degeneration and loss of central vision which is now turning into double vision as well!

My biggest inspirations have come from watching YouTube videos of people writing. I also go through sites like IAMPETH, WES and others to get exemplar sheets and tips and advice.

I follow a number of blogs that post about pens, writing, journaling etc and I get a lot of inspiration from them. A chap like Jose Naranja has great posts on his blog and instagram.

But honestly, it all boils down to just plain old practice as much as you can. CJ's Creative is also a good inspirational blog to follow on YouTube where he took things like the constitution and rewrote that. There are many great works you can copy out by hand like: What is your favourite book of poetry? Do a handwritten version of it for yourself. Any book that you really like, well, hand write it out for yourself.

Join a charity like Donate a Letter that wants letters written to people undergoing cancer treatment and I am sure there must be many more available for you to participate in.

Hope this helps and the best of luck with your recovery!

May 4

Thank you! You've given me excellent help. It's been nearly ten years, you'd think I'd be further along than this. 😆

May 4

2 hours ago, LynnieMae said:

Thank you! You've given me excellent help. It's been nearly ten years, you'd think I'd be further along than this. 😆

On 5/2/2024 at 4:46 PM, LynnieMae said:

I had a major, massive stroke almost ten years ago. I went from being a big fountain pen aficionado to...not. I've had to reteach myself the basics of making words by hand, like, ABC basics, and while I have succeeded, I've only succeeded so much. In the interim, my husband took up fountain pens, and has become a real enthusiast; consequently, I've gotten interested all over again.

I need all the help I can get with my handwriting. What are some good resources for improving it, apart from just writing? I feel silly asking, but there are very real roadblocks to negotiate when you've had a stroke. My right hand works to a point, meaning I am leagues ahead of many of my fellows, but I am nowhere near where I was.

Over time, I have had a number of health issues that make handwriting a challenge. Nerve issues, arthritis, and tremors in my hands.

This has helped a lot:

Get the book from the website for 20$

Make copies of the sheets or scan them into your computer so you have which practice sheets you like. Laser print both sides of a sheet.

"Write Now" by Getty Dubai

https://handwritingsuccess.com/write-now/

There are many others, "Sulls American Cursive" looseleaf folder,

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0982868219/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

but the Getty book "Write Now" is a good foundation.

For fun, get a TWSBI Diamond 580 ALR 1.1 Stub Nib from Amazon.

The larger body is easier to hold and the larger ink capacity means less upkeep.

Use a free flowing ink that is forgiving like Sheafer Blu/Black or Blu or Black, also from Amazon.

You don't need a stub nib pen and any pen will do,

Get these, too, and try them out. Write on several sheets of printer paper so it is a bit padded feeling and changes your writing feedback.

The Medium point might work better for you than a fine point.

TUL Medium Point Gel Pen is easier for unsteady hands. Also on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002VLH6NU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can print various grid and line sizes spacings from many available online. Save and print out what you need front and back.

I hope this is helpful for you.

k

May 5

Kealani, thank you so much. I've ordered the Getty-Dubay book. I'll take a look at the TWSBI, too. I'm so happy to be back here with the other pen nerds. ❤️

May 6

Since my thumb joints hurt and are stiff most of the time, it is hard to hold a pen and write. I also find the TWSBI Diamond 580 to be easier to write with. Interestingly, the really huge Jinhao 9019 is harder to write with for some odd reason. Anyway, the TWSBI 580 is a good suggestion.