First, as one who has taken a few years of Russian language classes, be prepared to “unlearn what you have learned”, in regard to the Cyrillic alphabet. But, have fun, just the same.
(I took the classes as what were once called ‘electives’ in high school, in 1968, because I ‘knew’ that we would one day be doing business with them on the large scale.)
Now, as for actual handwriting, first the tools.
— A nice, simple not expensive fountain pen, with a ‘medium’ nib, filled by replaceable cartridges, filled with non-permanent ink. (If you decide, later, there is a lot more inks of note, and the filling mechnics to explore, should you get to the decision to continue with a fountain pen, or not.)
— Second, a published book on handwriting, in either the Palmerian or Spencerian style of writing, or a website, since we are so married to these machines:
http://www.iampeth.com/books/palmer_budget/palmers_budget_page17.html
The Palmerian style was also called American Business Writing, at one time.
I started with one of those fountain pens that used to hang on the pins in the supermarkets, years before the Millenium. I now own a nice elder Parker 45, and a Parker Jotter fountain pen. I still use the cartridges, even with ink reservoir inserts being available, should I wish to use different inks.
I wish you well.
Thanks Terry, You sound like a person of taste and refinement.
Ah, would that be Sheaffer? Did you ever try their Peacock Blue ink?