I'm currently writing a script for a graphic novel, and for a few weeks I decided to learn how to draw. I eventually decided I didn't have time for that, but during that brief period, I did learn how drawing or painting using the shoulder instead of the wrists and fingers can save a lot of joint wear and tear.

So now when I skritter I always write with all of the movement coming from my shoulder (using a Wacom tablet). Sometimes I switch and write with my left hand as well, and now I don't experience any of the hand and wrist pain that I used to when on skritter binges. I believe that Chinese calligraphers also write using their shoulders, though I have little knowledge of the subject.

Do any other skritter users have other ideas about how to prevent repetitive stress injuries when learning to write Chinese characters?

your right about Chinese calligraphers, they use the shoulder. it helps the writing look more like a picture, rather than just writing. gives it more character. the pun was intended. :)

From dealing with RSI potential from playing instruments, typing, using a mouse like 10+ hours a day for a long time, video games etc. I can tell you that the best thing to avoid these types of injuries in ANY situation is to avoid long stretches of the activity.

Take as many breaks as you possibly can, like every 10-15 minutes if you can stand it. And STRETCH religiously. Here are some good ones for this type of thing (make sure you do BOTH arms, not just your writing hand - everything is connected):

http://www.musicianshealth.com/stretches.htm

I usually take breaks for several weeks...

my last break was 3 and a half months...just to make sure