Practice, practice , practice. That was my learning method.

I completely agree with you. Most days I practice 2 to 3 hours. The only time I do not is I stop 3 days before a concert to rest my hands. The older I get the more I practice so I will not loose what I gained from years of playing. I have always played with calluses rather than finger nails. The one time I grew my nails longer nails they went flying off as I played.  The founding fathers of modern day classical guitar players all played without using nails.

As for pick placement, I'm not sure whether you mean placement in your fingers, or placement on the right bass string to start the stroke, or what exactly - but I'll tell you this.  There are some excellent absolute beginner videos that cover those things on Youguitarsage's Youtube channel.  He's got a crazy look and a quirky delivery, but his lessons are very good - especially his early beginner lessons.  I recommend checking him out.  Also good is Justinguitar.com's Beginner Series.  He has lesons to take in order at your own speed.  I think if you go to those two internet resources that you'll learn what you need. 

Good luck.  Keep us informed as you learn, because it helps us to think about these things and try to help you.