I've been teaching myself, somewhat similar to OP. I'm too isolated to know about trends, but the few conversations I've had with more experienced people are enormously helpful.

-- They help weed out the bad and the WTF to bring forward the good (in my case, okay) stuff.

-- Their discussion of design issues can help you figure out your framework, and show directions you hadn't known.

-- They give you some sense of what you've accomplished, what you haven't and what you must improve.