Hacker News Reader

There's a ton on his blog that gives you a sense for it. David actually can code - he's self taught, with his formal training coming as a designer - so he's a magical unicorn who can write. (That is to say, right up your alley.)

Have not tried the book (waiting on my copy) but if your city has a refresh meetup - you should start there. This is the local chapter in Chicago http://www.meetup.com/Refresh-Chicago/ - well attended and interesting speakers.

I'm in DC and there is a Refresh meetup in rockville. I might join.

You can try http://elegant.ly/ or design conferences