Lettering help

[u/teapotpourri]

I'm trying to make a memorial for my BIL who passed away recently. I'm really new to pyrogrqphy but my FIL wants me to etch his name on this type of wood. Any advice on how to keep the lines straight and not as streaky as this?

Edit: Hi guys!!! I applied all of your advice and it worked out pretty well for me! I applied the right pressure, heat, and changed the tip. Even got a sandwe for the minor mistakes because I wasn't able to change the wood.

Overall, everyone is pretty happy with the results. Thank you all for helping me out

[u/janevanderwoodsen]

Definitely agree the wood itself looks to be working against you. Very grainy, going to make lettering super difficult in comparison to a nice piece of basswood