Hi There, and welcome to WCI. The best advice I can give you is to first of all get yourself a carving glove and thumb guard. Check with Rick at
www.littleshavers.com Then read the posts and threads in all the forums that pertain to carving which is most of them. You did the right thing by asking for help as there are really helpful folks on this site.
I'm very new to carving myself and have gained so much knowledge and help from these terrific generous carver's and burners.
I don't feel qualified to advise you but I can tell you that I found my carving glove and thumb guard has saved my fingers. A good bench knife is an important part of your carving tools also. I have a Stubi bench knife and there are many others out there to as good.
Kathy