In reply to flopsicle:
> I wondered if something like fit club might be fun/helpful to share ups and downs, ideas and try to stay on track through winter?
Hmm... winter's not the best time. Back in the day (with few climbing walls), folk would start around March time, when the weather started to get better, lead all through the summer and reach a peak around September time. Then they'd tick over during the winter. Now obviously a lot of hard grit gets done in winter (because of far better friction) but the March/September, then ticking over model is still probably a reasonable one for most.
To state the obvious - it's now September!
Also, if you're learning from fellow newbies, are you learning good stuff, stuff or... bad stuff?
OK, let's step back. What does leading involve:
Selecting an appropriate route.
Route finding.
Doing the moves.
Arranging pro.
Belaying.
Let's start with doing the moves. Don't try to lead VS if 4c moves are your limit. But, if you're getting up, say F5 at the wall, seconding VS competently (and yes, you need someone to second!), then it's reasonable (imho) to look at leading a Diff or V Diff. By dropping grades, you've got loads extra in the tank.
Selecting an appropriate route. In my experience, most aspirant leaders get this totally wrong. Best to ask someone (e.g. Offwidth). Lower graded routes get polished. So avoid limestone horrors. Avoid places such as Birchen. Go to Stanage and find relatively unpolished cracks (maybe in a relatively unpopular part). Why cracks? So they can be filled with pro.
Arranging pro. You can place gear on cracks at the bottom of crags and have someone competent critique them. Pull on 'em - see what happens. Pull on 'em sideways (be careful) - see what happens.
Same with belays. You can practise setting up belays and have them critiqued.
Route finding - easier - you're following a crack.
Placing gear - easier - you're following a crack.
Now, sooner or later, you're going to have to leave cracks and I've got a tactic for what to do then. But am a bit knackered writing this and don't want to overload you.
The common denominator to all of the above is this: think tactically. In my experience, more than 80% of climbers could get significantly better at thinking tactically.
Hope this helps.
Mick