Welcome to the slack group! :-) It's a great way to start getting to know steemit (and don't worry, almost everyone is a bit overwhelmed at first, even the nerdiest ones). But just ask, and someone is bound to have some useful answer for you.
Oh, and that whacky doodle story you mentioned... it could let you win a contest that's going on right now: https://steemit.com/homesteadingchallenge/@kiaraantonoviche/steemit-homesteadingchallenge-2-theme-announcement-and-rules-sbd-reward-for-winner I'm trying to think of a good story to enter, and can't seem to think of anything. Still got some time till Wednesday though.
Okay, since I'm mentioning ongoing contests, there is an easier one here: https://steemit.com/homesteading/@pennsif/homestead-happiness-is-a-competition-with-up-to-15-sbd-in-prizes Sure, you could win a prize, but what I've found really neat about these challenges, is that it helps you get to know the other contestants a bit, who have your same interest (homesteading in this case).
Have fun, and see you around!