I'm also a rookie when it comes to truing wheels. I've only done three, so I'm most likely more lucky than good, lol.
I'll second the ideas of lubing the nipple threads and the point where they spin in the rim as they are adjusted. I did that, and it helps noticably.
I had the opportunity to use a truing jig. I know they're not cheap, but it really helped.
I was concerned that I'd need a spoke tension gauge. I opted to try my work for a while. Two of the three wheels I did are still good. The third was badly tacoed, and has moved a bit. I plan on going back to it soon. I will get a tension gauge. Guess I could "feel up" a few wheels at the LBS. That should get me thrown out.
I agree that it's a bit art, a bit science. But, I yam a rookie.