Hey, Jeff,

My first shave was the same way.
It is technique--from using the strop, to lathering, to handling the blade.
Use plenty of water when whipping up the lather, and refresh the lather on your face using a touch of added water to the brush tips, and reworking the lather on your face.
I'd recommend only going WTG for awhile. When everything is comfortable and working well, then try other strokes.
Be patient. It takes time. I was plenty frustrated starting out, but after a couple months--whoohooo!
Ron