CLEARLY I am having issues with everything about my weld beads. I invite any suggestions for improvement. This doesn’t need to be a horror show.
So, let me start by stating that I've never stick welded. So this is sort of like the blind leading the blind.
But in general, based on TIG and MIG a few things to try that might help.
Before you run a bead, practice a dry run. Make sure you are comfortable going over the whole pass. If not, move so you are.
Practice a dry run or two trying to maintain travel speed. If you speed up and slow down the weld can vary.
With MIG there are patterns make to make the bead wider and uniform. Cursive 'e', or 'u' shapes. I think you do the same with stick, sort of 'stitch' back and forth as you progress.
Watch the edges of the puddle, and keep those within some boundary. Some straight line reference, imaginary or real. Something to focus on, and just touch the puddle against that as you go.
Maybe this helps... ...maybe not....