Newbie looking for mentor

Hi, It all started when I wanted to create a photography competition and forum on my web site. I searched and searched for a program (script) on the web that would help me. I found one and paid $125.00 for it, but I am very unhappy with the way it works. It is not very user friendly and I'm loosing potential members because of it. I have asked the programmer to assist me in creating it the way I want it, he said he would, I have yet to see the updates I requested. So I've taken it upon myself to create a script tailored to my needs. I have written HTML, some JavaScript, and very little CGI. I thought I could handle creating this script. I went to my nearest Barnes and Noble and bought 5 books on PHP and MySQL. I have been reading them for 2 weeks and doing the lessons in one of the books until I'm bleary eyed. I have a basic understanding, but I don't know where to begin. I'm looking for someone with a little patience, who can get me on the right path and guide me through. I don't know what I can give you in return...we can talk about it if you're interested. P. Westover