Y'all are tapping in the wrong spot. Try tapping on a piece of paper (or papyrus or sheepskin scroll).
Sheepskin scroll, that's what I forgot to order today. I have a small piece of rabbit skin but my youngest uses it as part of her convention costume. I just hope Amazon still has a piece or two left in stock. P.E.N.C.I.L. really won't work on sheepskin, so that is another thing I need to order ...a new Quill and bottle of ink. Wizard found my BlueJay quill way too interesting yesterday, have no idea where he stashed it.