Good for you.
Here is what I call the
basic holding of the cue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZaejfsbMGc
Notice that the thumb is not pointing straight down to the floor.
In a standing position with no cue in your hand, look down at your hand. You may notice that the back part of the hand is pointing slightly away from your body and the thumb is angled in toward your body. This is important, this is your natural hand position.
Now, there is nothing wrong with holding the cue in an unnatural position, you just have to make sure you do it the same way every time. Personally I stick with the natural position.
When you raise the cue up as shown notice exactly where you are feeling the cue in your hand.
For me the basic feeling of the cue is three pressure points. 1. the first pad from my hand to the first knuckle of my middle finger. 2. the space in between the first knuckle and second knuckle of the thumb. 3. The heel of my hand. (my index finger is not used in holding the cue ever.)
This is the basic grip.
From there you can start experimenting with the added pressure points as shown in the video.
It may be a good idea to work with the basic grip for a few months and then move on to the additional two pressure points.
You play this game with your grip hand what your feeling in your grip hand. Cue selection and construction should offer the best feel of the cue ball.
For me, cue butts constructed using Ebony or African Black wood, a good high performance shaft and a medium hardness tip provide the best feel for me. Your cue construction selection may differ, you will have to experiment.
I know you have put yourself on a time limit to pick this game up, so start strok'in.
John