Q: I've just ordered your book Learn Calligraphy, and I'm wondering how to get started. I've heard that beginners should start with Italic or Uncial. But I like Black Chancery. Is this okay?

A: While you logically ought to start with Roman, the oldest alphabetic letter (well really then you should start with cuneiform or hieroglyphics!) you should begin with the letter style that interests you most and that you have immediate use for. For instance, if you will be addressing a lot of envelopes or making a lot of place cards, start with Italic and be sure to include the chapter on numerals. If you will be lettering plain directional signs, start with Bookhand. If you have medieval and ornate designs to do, start with Gothic (your Black Chancery). In fact, Gothic is the easiest to learn. You'll get the most bang for the buck with Gothic.

A: I organized the book to take you through a whole year of historical calligraphy. But each chapter stands on its own. Just be sure to read the introduction and review some of the techniques and principles and materials that are useful for all the letter styles.

A: If your ambition is to refine your handwriting by studying Italic, then use the Italic chapter in Learn Calligraphy. If you are content to repair or rescue your script then The Art of the Handwritten Note will give you practical tips, handwriting exercises, and practical projects to expand the role of handwriting in your life.

A: Learn Calligraphy is a complete course, but can be used for individual design projects. Calligraphy Made Easy is even more basic, covering Italic and Gothic with very structured practice worksheets and suggesting simple crafts projects. Using Calligraphy and Calligraphy Projects will give you more everyday ways to put your calligraphy to use. The important thing is make a start, use what you have learned.

A: Three ways to do that: 1. Tell me by email what you would like me to write on a label and send you that you can paste into the book you already have. No charge. 2. Go to a talk or booksigning-see link to upcoming exhibitions, or I'll try to notify you if I am going to be in your town. 3. Send a $22 check to me at 40 Commonwealth Ave, Unit E, Boston MA 02116 (don't mail a book!) and I will sign and mail a book to you. The extra money pays for stamps, a free pen, and my disorganization. This only applies to Learn Calligraphy and The Art of the Handwritten Note.

A: Calligraphy Now has been reissued as A Manual of Modern Calligraphy. Learning Calligraphy, after 23 printings, has been completely revised and retitled Learn Calligraphy. Other of my 15 titles went out of print so you will need to search the used-book dealers-try zshops, alibris, abebooks, etc.

A: Yes and no. Yes, guidelines are something I am happy to share: copy them from the book or print them off my website. You can enlarge or reduce them to fit your pen and project. You can also sample alphabets from my book Calligraphy Alphabets Made Easy by visiting my website every week to see a new group of unique designs. Master alphabet sheets and chapters are another matter. Both my publisher and I make our living from books that are sold. If you run copies of chapters, people may not buy the book. Also, your students are cheated out of seeing the other chapters and introductory lessons. Better to keep that copy machine use to a minimum!

A: I teach once in a while. (Check the link to Exhibitions/Talks for workshops and demonstrations.) I am always happy to give a talk for a group, about calligraphy and handwritten communication. Mostly I write books and design calligraphic art. I also give monthly guided walks along Boston's Calligraphy Trail. Check with the Boston Public Library Rare Books and MSS Dept 617-53-5400 x2225. Groups of more than 6 can schedule their own time. A self-guiding map brochure is available.

A: Try your local Y, adult education, art association, museum, library, art store, or college. Search the web for "calligraphy organizations" and join a group in your own area. If there is not a group already, start one.