For lines parallel to and not far from the edge of the pad, crook a pinky or other finger over the edge, and slide. . .

Or -- just pay attention to where you want the pencil to go, constantly micro-correcting as necessary. Focus. . .

clear your mind

Blow some radical weed. I think that's how DaVinci drew that perfect four-foot circle on the wall. . .

red wine. bob dylan records. cigarettes.

Genetics

It's easier to pull straight lines towards you. If you try to draw a straight line across the page, your arm will naturally be trying to pull the line into an arc.

Good one. I've got plenty of sketches that look like they melted in the sun. . .

Keep the other guy's hands away from the strait edge.

what i usually do is draw the line quickly so i dont have time to screw up

ohsnap

isnt the cool thing to do is have a skew it everything anyways?...

grip the pen/ pencil in its middle between your index finger and thumb, not the 'writing' way..and cut across quickly..90% successful

don't draw against a straight edge put place a straight edge as a guide

practice practice practice... thats all it takes

you dont need to sketch........ theres programs for that stuff.....

meta's right. as a visiting instructor said, you have to "sit on your ass and draw, draw, draw". . .

first: since it hasn't been said and isn't always obvious if you're just getting going, is to draw a confident line. none of this sketchy, feeling-it-out kind of stuff. put the pen(cil) down and draw the thing like you mean it.

second: a wiggly straight line can be as beautiful and meaningful as a straight straight line. the particular way you wiggle your line is what will make it yours and will, as you perfect your own wiggly-straight technique, become part of your personal drawing style.