Need help to stop playing my chanter like a magician.

[Parthais]

So I've leveled up to 17, with a combination of grouping and solo, but I'm finding that when I solo now I end up having to play like a magician with pet tanking and dd/debuff spells which isn't very mana efficient, but when I try and charm and fight I end up wrecked is there a good zone around my lvl that has good mobs to practice/learn the ropes on? I'm bouncing between unrest for group and the gorge of King xorbb for soloing. I've read the guides so I know the theory behind charm fighting. Not being a dark elf or having a Goblin ring isn't helping either. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.