Dave,
I don't know if you are still checking in on this thread, but I have a little to add...
As the guys have said, having an experienced fly caster give you some instruction is invaluable, even after you have the basics down. Many, many, many (it was a long time LOL) years ago I had the great fortune to spend about a half hour on a stream with a gentleman by the name of Doug Swisher... that guy could cast! I though I was good, but quickly learned that I had a LONG way to go. LOL But I did learn a great deal, and got better.
Anyhow, without having someone next to you, I would advise this...
FOCUS on the back cast. If you learn how to get a good, strong, well timed back cast... the forward cast is a piece of cake. Too many beginners try and false cast like they are drying a fly off... back and forth and back and forth and on and on. Don't do it. Make a good back cast... and lay the line out on the water/grass with your forward cast. Don't worry about false casting, mending, roll casts or anything else until you have mastered the basics... which starts with a good back cast.
If you respond back to this thread, we can try and help more if you are not having luck getting someone to help you in person.
As a matter of fact, I see you are in NE PA like me. If it's somewhere fairly close by, maybe we could hook up sometime and I could help you out a bit.