Writing in blank paper

[Shi Guangli]

I have a question about actual writing (not sure this is the proper place).

 

Lately I've been using squared math paper (with little 5x5mm suqares), and I write so that the characters ocupy 1x1 cm boxes each. However, I really would prefer to write on white paper, since all the lines make the whole think heavy looking and harder to read.

 

I've heard that wiritng top to bottom with dim vertical lines makes it easier, but I'd like to know how do you do it or how you would do it. Anything simple with as few guidelines as possible would be great.

 

Keep in mind i'm on a beginner level and using simplified characters. If it helps, I have no trouble writing down characters with acceptable proportions and correct stroke order.

[Shelley]

I used to try using squared paper as you described but now I use ordinary lined paper and write in between the lines not on them.

 

Here is a post I made about writing and I had posted some of my writing. You can see what I mean if you have look http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/47964-writing-practice-what-should-be-my-goals/

 

You could use a piece of paper with lines on it under another piece of blank paper so that it looks like you have not used lined paper, but you need heavy lines and relatively thin paper.

 

For practising characters I use Hanzi Grids  http://www.hanzigrids.com/

 

It is very reasonably priced and well worth the cost.

 

[Shi Guangli]

I liked the idea of writing with a squared or lined paper below the blank one.

 

As for regular lined paper, I used it too in the past, but the distance between the lines felt small and uncomfortable.

[Shelley]

Yes it can seem small and uncomfortable but you can get wide ruled paper and this is usually wide enough for me.

 

If you try the lined paper under blank paper it would be interesting to see your results

[imron]

Hanzi Grids can create worksheets with a dim vertical line. See for example here.

[Shi Guangli]

The problem is that those sheets are made for practice. I don't want worksheets, I'm asking for tips for writing what I want with the least ammount of lines possible.

[imron]

Ok, I meant it just as an alternative to using graph paper.  Sure, the example above contains characters, but can use Hanzi Grids to create sheets of empty boxes of whatever shape and size you feel comfortable with.

[pross]

My method (also simplified).

 

1. Paper. 7mm ruled A4 leafs.

Example: http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjAw/z/XWQAAOSw9N1Vvs49/$_57.JPG

 

2. Make a guide.

On the top line of the page, I write out first the 20 letters of the English alphabet, evenly spaced, in capital letters.

Initially I used a ruler to ensure the guide was evenly spaced, but do it enough times and you become the ruler.

 

3. Write double spaced.

Use the full vertical range between ruled lines, and aim to for the horizontal spacing of your characters to line up with the guide. This applies to punctuation as well.

 

I have been doing this every other day for the past four months, and now rarely bother with the guide line.

Initially the 7mm vertical space felt too cramped but that feeling has gone away.

[oceancalligraphy]

You could fold the paper so the creases form the size of the square you like.

We sometimes do that in calligraphy to ensure even size of characters.

[Hofmann]

Try the "inobtrusive writing paper" in this thread. http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/19610-paper-for-writing-chinese-characters/?p=178028 sorry; on phone