If you have a guide, I don't feel that it is.

I have a program on my computer that can show the direction and order of writing the strokes for Kanji characters. Just follow the directions and you should be okay, but of course, with practice, you'll get better at it. It's like when first learning how to write in your language. I'm sure the handwriting was a bit sloppy, but over time, you learned to write out your characters better and it became more legible. Japanese should be no different.

I was letting the OP know that 本 is not always going to mean book. Sorry for not mentioning that.

OK I gotcha.

Yes, that kanji can mean book, root or source, is used as a counter for cylindrical objects and is also a counter for video-tapes (some of you might remember those).

I am also from Virginia, what district or town? I'm from chesterfield which is near richmond. :p
Snail

Howdy. Wow, you are very close to me. I live in Henrico County.

Heheh, I hear there is tons of violence there. I also heard the schools are super strict and so are the courts. T_T
Snail

I decided to PM that post since it was getting so OT.

BTW, Snail are you taking the JLPT or anything?