I know how not to lose a $75 guitar pick (plectrum). I started out by not buying $75 guitar picks. The rest was easy.
Picks are rarely in my arsenal tho’ there are usually a couple in my pocket. I just don’t use them very much.
I am not a fingerstyle player of any sort. My method involves a finger or thumb wrapping under and around a string and then pulling as hard and as far as it will go before slipping free and making whatever sound it wants, usually a loud twang. That’s what I’m going for. 
One of my favorite songs to play is Eyes and Teeth from my CD Panes. It’s the one I call a good old fashion hangin’ song.
Play a melody
Grooved deep and melancholy
Telling sad stories.
Peace, Y'al!
da6d