To get an overall 9 band, you can target for 9 in listening and reading modules. By taking extensive practice tests on these two modules, 9 can be achieved. When it comes to writing and speaking, it is comparatively difficult. These two modules involve subjective scoring. If you can learn to minimize your language errors, demonstrate a better vocabulary, articulate your thoughts in a structured manner, by trying out more and more writing module tests on different topics, you can hit 8/8.5. Concerning speaking, fluency and how quickly you can think and translate your thoughts to English matters. With more efforts on practice exercises, one could improve on both these factors and achieve 8/8.5 in speaking.

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Yes. It is in fact recommended to use pencil than a pen for the IELTS writing task. There are two tasks to be completed in the writing module within 1 hour. As it is a paper based test, only using pencil would help one better on erasing/editing the content quickly for any corrections to be made.