First try these different pencil techniques with a real pencil and paper, then try to get the same effect with your Wacom tablet in Photoshop.
Once you've had a chance to compare the two process, work either with real pencil or on your tablet to create a full size pencil comp of your favourite of the four thumbnail designs. Use at least three of the pencil sketching techniques you just practiced.
Now return to your blog and post a shot of your thumbnails and your full sized pencil comp. Write a little about the project - just a paragraph or two - explaining your conceptual thinking and what you felt about the pencil technique you employed.
Here's a great example of a successful blog post from a previous student in this course.
Here are some free pencil brushes you can try installing in Photoshop.