learning curve isn't as steep when AVOIDING PENNY STOCKS.. seriously. avoid subpennies, and anything otc. some of these are harder to trade than options. go mow some lawns, save your cash, and do it the right way.
Chicken I learned the same way you did. Trial by fire. You will have to set a strategy and stick to it through thick and thin. Putting your thumb to the wind is not going to cut it as you can see.
While I will not reveal my personal strategy (maybe offline through private email) I can say that if you stick to hard numbers and set your triggers (example: sell on 50% profit and stop loss at 20%) then you will always know that you are safe within those parameters. Of couse this can be changed for each situation or even adjusted daily.
All of this is just my own opinion and not trading advice.