1. A method for entering new characters or editing pre-existing characters in a plurality of data entry fields on a display screen including a handwriting capture widget in a fixed location and separate from a plurality of text entry widgets corresponding to the data entry fields using a user interface, comprising the steps of: assigning one text entry widget from a sequentially ordered list of text entry widgets as a current text entry widget; displaying in the handwriting capture widget any characters in the current text entry widget; receiving in the handwriting capture widget at least one character for entry into the current text entry widget; after receipt of the at least one character in the current text entry widget is complete and when the current text entry widget is not a last text entry widget in the sequentially ordered list of text entry widgets, automatically selecting as the current text entry widget a next text entry widget from the sequentially ordered list of text entry widgets; and repeating said displaying step, said receiving step, and said selecting step.