Write Straight on White Paper With Shadows

This is just as much a life hack as an instructable.

When doing calligraphy, I often make pencil markings on white paper, so that I can write straight and then erase the guides (I've also read you shouldn't do this, but alas).  It takes time.

I usually write under a bright task lamp, so I just taped a bbq skewer underneath it, and made tick marks at the margins, 1/2 inches apart.  The photos tell all.

You can do any shape guide you want with pipe cleaners and such!