Welcome from Japan, John. Glad you decided to join in the fun and madness. Ask some questions and give some advice too!
As a welcome I am including the link below to a PDF file that goes over many aspects of pen turning from finish - to pens - to tools - to methods etc. It is not in detail but a good overview for pen turning.
Also included below is a link to a new post that gives some information that people wished they had known earlier in pen turning. Some good information by those that make pens.