Is there anything more suitable for beginners to practice pen writing than block letters? After reading Tian Yingzhang, do you think it was written by someone with basic skills?

First of all, Tian Yingzhang's block letters copybooks are definitely in line with Chinese writing norms, and the font structure is fine, which is also suitable for beginners to practice.

However, for calligraphy, everyone has different preferences. According to your description, you don't like Tian Yingzhang's copybook. In this case, you can look around the copybook in the bookstore and find your favorite copybook. Only if you like it can you have interest in learning. As long as the copybook is officially published by the bookstore, the standardization of writing is guaranteed.