GMS is a great place to start ..and there are alot of helpful/friendly people here willing to lend a hand.
i would suggest starting out with learning the basic basic parts of game maker.. the manual is your best friend ;o) read that thing every time you open a project.. every time you come across a new function.
poke around and find some tutorials focus mainly on "how things work"... instead of "make this in x hours!" you will get more out of it ;o)
if you understand the logic behind something.. you can modify it or make similar that meets YOUR needs (every game is different)
if you find you dont know how to make a thing happen.. do some research, look up similar things and how its done.. then if you still cant get it, come to the forums and ask for some assistance.
if you show that you have put in some work, most people here will be glad to match you effort and lend a hand.
biggest piece of advice i can give, is start small and dont start on your "dream project" until you have a firm stance.
work on bits and pieces.. small demos/concepts and such.
when you get comfortable, then start making an actual game..
work you way up to it ;o)
ive found its alot easier than beating my head against a brick wall (which i still do from time to time)
and btw... welcome aboard