Welcome from Maine.
I would tell you or anyone in your position to start with straight lines. You can sew In the Ditch or draw lines on the quilt with the appropiate marking tool and sew on them. I would also tell them that they should do at least one of the tops they have done before starting any others. It doesn't take long to end up with a pile of tops and no quilts finished.
Don't be too hard on yourself and don't expect perfection. I also agree to putting a fabric on the back that has a design to it, that way the quilting will blend in much better.
JMHO