Sounds like things are moving along for you. If your cream is drying too fast, then likely you're not adding enough water during the lathering process. Start w/ an almond sized amount of cream in your bowl or mug. Begin whipping with your brush that's had all the excess water shaken out. Add a few drops of water at a time until your cream resembles soft whipped cream. You should be able to form small soft peaks w/ it. I've used AOS as part of my rotation, even before I got into SR shaving and it's always served me well.

Once you're comfortable w/ WTG, you'll want to next move to XTG (across the grain). Don't immediately jump to ATG. There are some areas that you will never go ATG. For me, it's the moustache area. It's just too sensitive.

Just take your time. Read and practice. Things WILL get better.