Congratulations on finding one of the most rewarding parts of our hobby. First off, if you have a hobby shop nearby (within 30 miles) ask the owner how to proceed. Secondly, if you have a flying field nearby, you'll need one sooner or later any old how, go there and see what's going on. If there are other pilots there they will welcome you as a long lost relative and can probably help you with any questions. If none of these things are immediately available look up Traplet Publications or Harry Higley. They both have books on most model subjects.
Traplet covers almost anything to do with modeling from diorama scale to large scale aircraft, boats and cars.
I don't know what their complete catalog contains but I'm sure they have something relative to building with sticks and covering. Other than that check back here and we'll go into this in greater depth. I've been doing this for 70 years now and have a fair idea of what path to take.