bgeiger: I'm guessing you're using Heisig's book and study cards
on remembering the hiragana and katakana?  If not, I found his strange
imagery to be quite helpful in seeing the shape and sound of the characters.

also, i covered like fifty pages of a legal pad while practicing.  and i'd
also recommend some Japanese for Busy People book that is a kana workbook.

anyways, hope it comes together for you.