Thank you for the kind comments!
Nikki, the evenness of that particular quill is what I'm happiest about as well. That is what's responsible for making me feel like I'm getting the hang of it
Estefa: I'm learning from Ornate Pictorial Calligraphy by E.A. Lupfer, which is a republication of 'Fascinating Pen Flourishing, containing a complete course and a collection of masterpieces produced by leading penmen of the penmanship profession' (published by the Zaner-Bloser Company - they apparently did
not mess around when it came to titles :p). I can only assume that Zaner's Gems of Flourishing is a summary of that book, as even a quick comparison shows that there is a lot of overlap in the texts. As far as exercises and images go: the book I have contains the same exercises and most of the examples, and adds to that a whole lot more beautiful (and very advanced) examples
I do use the hold as described - it took some getting used to (and some VERY shaky shapes), but I find that it works very well for this. I think I know what you mean (though I'd get confused if I would try it) - your way is probably just as good; the important part seems to be whole arm / forearm movements.
Oh, and I probably should have written grid paper or squared paper (Clairefontaine course paper). I mainly started using it because it's about half the price of the sketching paper I used to use (and used for the images above), while being
much smoother. As an added bonus, the grid can be helpful in making shapes of the same size, though I did have to draw extra lines while I was starting out with the basic exercises!