Yeah, if you don't have access to a proper tablet, paper is the best way to just practice :D

A lot of the knowledge you gain on paper tends to carry naturally over to writing on a tablet, although the different sensation may take some getting used to. When I started drawing on tablet, I knew where the lines were supposed to be, but at the same time, you have to learn a new moveset for your hand almost.

... then again, some crazy people have made really crazy stuff with just paint.exe and a mouse, lol