Try not turning so steeply. Things will happen slower; at 45 degrees it will drop like a stone unless you pull back on the elevator. That means you'll have to quickly yank it back up, and guess what, now it's climbing.
With a slower turn it will also be a lot easier to come out pointed in the right direction (that could be why you're having trouble with figure 8s)

I think your biggest problem though is you need practice. Eventually turning will get so easy you'll hardly have to think about it.