as with all things smoking, there is a learning curve. working on it until you get it right where you want it is half the fun. I keep a journal for smoking stuff, making bacon and sausage, etc. is very handy to be able to look back and see what worked and what didn't, tweaking rubs and such.
in my smoker running between 225-250 it takes about 8 hours to reach the 160-170 meat temp that I like to reach before crutching. 7 of those hours are when I'm putting on the smoke. usually takes another two hours or so in the oven in the house. all said and done, it takes me about 10-12 hours to do one good sized whole packer brisket. I don't fool with the flats, and I can never find just the points.