I was in the same place when I started quilting. No mentor or background at all. I jumped right in not knowing simple from difficult or size requirements or anything. I found patterns I liked, bought fabric I liked in the amounts required and followed the instructions. Certainly not perfect quilts but I was having fun.
learn to make accurate seams and how to handle fabric gently
Learn to make half square triangles (HST) accurately
Learn to sew a curve.
There are several ways of doing each one. try them all.
The sky is the limit with these three basic techniques.
Be sure you have fun while learning.
peace