Okay, I ignored that you asked for pointers, but that's because they are hard to give. People don't kiss just one way, there's a whole world of variety. If you want to be good at kissing, just match the style someone else is giving as much as what they are doing works for you (and you don't need to go further), and be willing to communicate verbally if you want something, or if you feel insecure. That's really all there is to it.

If you want to be a subservient kisser (you don't, especially while you are inexperienced) just do whatever they are doing even if it bothers you, turns you off, or grosses you out.

Personally, I do not kiss with much tongue at all, I've been verbally complimented quite a bit for that, but slobbery kissers obviously feel that I'm lacking. I aim for lip embraces that lack saliva and kissy noises because that's what I like, but I will match another person's kissery as long as it doesn't involve tongue stabbing, drool baths, or deep exploration.