once a calligrapher-in-residence at the V&A, gives handwriting lessons to adults, and believes it is perfectly possible, even in adulthood, to change your style completely and adopt, say, an italic hand – although all I’m after are techniques to improve its legibility, make it more attractive on the page, and lessen the discomfort. In a 90-minute introductory class, Cherrell assessed my writing and set me homework. It made an immediate difference, but real change takes daily practice. Here’s what I learned:

1. Choose the right pen

Before you write a word, think about your pen. I usually write with a thin Hi-Tec rollerball, but Cherrell thinks I might have more control with my writing if I try a thicker barrelled pen, which will help to extend the fingers and loosen my super-tense grip (hence my aching hands). We work our way through a range of brightly coloured ergonomic pens meant for young children. A lurid orange pen by Stabilo with a dimpled grippy barrel and a medium to slow ink flow feels perfect. My hand relaxes and when I start to write, the letters flow across the page.

2. Check your posture

Sit with your back straight, feel flat on the floor, legs uncrossed. Relax your hand and arm. Shake your hand until it feels floppy. Breathe. Many children curve their arm around the page while writing, but handwriting benefits from sitting up straight, with your forearm resting on the table, so that the arm moves the fingers rather than the wrist.

3. Pick the right paper

Write on lined paper, but make sure the lines aren’t too narrow: Cherrell advises that writing much larger than normal helps to make sure letters are formed properly. You can shrink it down again when things have improved. A thick pad may distort your posture, so tear a few pages out or use a thinner pad. I started with traditional school writing paper, which has lines to make sure the body of the letter is formed correctly with the right height for ascenders and descenders.