1) Welcome
2) your age doesn't fucking matter
3) yes this shit works. it's human psychology at its best
4) go to a workshop if you can afford it or need somebody to push you and give you direct feedback on your game
Me personally, I wouldn't do the workshops because I don't have a problem approaching or care if I'm blown out in a set. Shit happens and I just laugh it off.
Another good place for advice is
http://www.theattractionforums.com/forum/
Watch out though, the mods/admins are forum nazis and ban/give warnings for the stupidest shit ever. I suggest reading all the Guidelines before posting.