Good luck! Don't let this stuff scare you. Working with wood, contrary to the impression some people tend to create, is not a form of witchcraft. In many ways it's actually easier than working with plastic. And wood parts are certainly easier to replace if screwed up.
Don't underestimate the value of books. There are quite a few good ones out there. (There are also some pretty rotten ones - but let's not get into that.) We discussed some of the good ones in this forum, in the thread labeled "First wood ship model."
Youth, talent, hard work, and enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.