1) It is a matter of paying attention to your internal signals. Paul has different ideas in the book, which is part of the PhotoReading Personal Learning Course. Plus, there are many ideas in other posts.
One of the things to do immediately is listen to the Memory Supercharger that comes with the course, or any of the Paraliminal Tapes. They will help make the connection.
2) Yes, you can aboslutley PhotoRead handwriting. In the book (and I think on the website) there are examples of how to PhotoRead life. Anyone have any examples to share?