Hi Rizzle,
(1) I thought an E-cig was a vapour pen. Now I see the difference and think that I want to try vapour pens. What is the difference between a vapour pen and a shisha pen
An ecig is basically a vapour pen or vapouriser. They all consist of a battery with an atomiser (which heats the eliquid) and something to hold the liquid.
cig-alikes - the sort that look like a fag - have the atomiser inside a 'cartomiser' - a sealed container filled with woolly stuff that is soaked in juice
vapour pens - I assume you mean something like this? - has a refillable tank (or clearomiser) with the atomiser in the metal bit in the middle. Because they are refillable they work out a lot cheaper and you can use whatever flavour and strength you want. They also produce a lot more vapour.
a shisha pen is exactly the same as a vapour pen - the only difference is in the liquid - shisha usually means 0% nicotine.
(2) Why all the funny flavours? They look great but firstly I would want to try with something that resembled Marlboro Lights. Should I go for 12mg or 18mg?
Nothing will ever taste like a burning cigarette. There are a lot of 'tobacco' flavours around but most of them are either a bit rank or very sweet. The 'faggiest' flavour I have found is Hangsen RY6. RY4 is nice too but is quite a sweet, caramel flavour. You could also try 'The Sherlock' from ecig wizard.
If you can, I would get some 12 and some 18mg and see which suits you best. You can also mix them if you want something inbetween.
People often really surprise themselves with the flavours they end up liking and most people (although not me) move away from the tobacco flavours once they have knocked the fags on the head. It's a good idea to have at least two or three flavours as it can help the craving to switch flavours quite frequently.
(3) If I am wanting to start a different flavour, what would you go with?
I would get several different ones if you can, maybe a tobacco, a couple of fruit flavours, a couple of desserts ... I buy most of mine from Premier ecigs (RY6 is in the premium eliquids section if you are looking for that) - most people do a lot of experimenting before they settle down on a few flavours they like. There is an eliquid swap thread in this section where people exchange their 'shopping accidents' - you might pick up a flavour or two there.
(4) So many starter packs and such a range of prices. If you had to recommend just one to a novice, what would you recommend?
Depends on your budget 
for £16 I would get two of these (whatever you get you will need two batteries) as the clearomisers are good ones and it's very good value for what it is.
for £29 I would get one of these - comes with two batteries and loads of spare atomisers for the tanks - everything you need for a few months.
for £37 I would get one of these because the battery lasts ages and has variable voltage which you will probably want to play with before long. You will still need a second battery so maybe one of the £8 kits (giving you two spare clearomisers as well). Total: £45
(5) How easy was it for you to give up the real cigarettes? Did this make it much easier?
For me it was effortless. I had been smoking since I was 12 (45 this year) and actually gave up 6 months before my planned quit date 'by accident' Other people don't find it quite so easy. Lots of people 'dual fuel' for a while and slowly cut out the fags. I think most of us would agree it's by far the easiest method we have tried.
Good luck!