The major problem on this journey is we can't agree on what is good English. Everyone has his/her judgement. We can debate grammar and wording all day long. However, for me, that is not how I learn English. It takes sensitive person to be able to observe, detect, perceive and finally express. If you have a desire to write down your thoughts, then you have that potential. I call it passion. This thing can't be trained.
Another problem I want to mention is that people here tend to think poems are the most difficult literary pieces to write or translate. Only a few people can critique poems, in some meaningful ways. It is a waste of time for most of us and a good way to hide our terrible writing habits.
For you, and for any one of us, there is no shortcut, but more efficient ways. I think that is what you want to know. I spent a lot of time reading, listening and talking. The process is talk - feedback - adjustment - new talk - new feedback - new adjustment, until you find you can deliver you message satisfactorily. Most of people are living in their own boxes, imagining "proper" English. Well, I have to tell you: read more and you will be surprised. English is changing.
I know sometimes you feel very frustrated. I have been through the same thing. Nevertheless, I still need to carry on. The bright side is I have been rewarded with positive feedbacks. My coworkers love my unrehearsed jokes and I can make them laugh to tears. Each bit of success reinforces the language, tones and their effects in my mind.
I hope you can get something from my gibberish.