The learning curve is something only you can get through. I never did any strokes/lines/etc, just did doodle drawings I'd never show to anyone because they're crap. There are 2 tablet modes: a direct mapping of your screen to the shape of the tablet, and 'mouse mode' where it can move faster or slower depending on the speed of your stroke. Play with both. Tablet mode is necessary if you want to trace a physical picture. Tablet mode is the only way a screen tablet works (because you put pen to screen). For a disjointed tablet, however, you may enjoy either mode. I preferred mouse mode for years, for speed when using it like a mouse. The trick for cartographers is to use the buttons on the tablet and pen wisely. I mapped one button to right click and the other pen button to 'alt' for color picking with just my pen, and I use the side buttons for different tools, and resizing my brush, zooming, and panning.