What is different about writing with a fountain pen?

Unlike writing with a ballpoint pen, writing with a fountain pen requires holding the pen at a 40- to 55-degree angle from the writing surface. In this angle range, the nib's tip will glide along the paper, while at other angles the nib feels scratchy and skips.

Fountain pens should not be rotated while writing, because that can cause the end of the nib to be lifted off the paper. It is better to control fountain pen with the lower arm, instead controlling it with finger movements. Keep the hand and wrist rigid, while moving the lower arm to move the nib. This technique keeps the elevation and rotation of the pen constant to produce fluid, consistent handwriting.