I cannot FMQ for the life of me. When I want a design or something other than straight lines, I draw or trace a stencil and then just stitch on the lines. I don't drop the feed dogs (that terrifies me!!) and I can do circles, leaves, etc. I use the stencils that I also use for hand quilting.
I'm also a "breath holder" when it comes to FMQ. The worst is the pain I get in my shoulders--couldn't raise my arms for 2 days!! I don't know if what I do qualifies as a technique or what but it works for me!