Track as Hdg and TAS as GS works. I also cut my teeth pre GPS in the NT, and this method definately works. You can make an edumacated guess as to any likely drift by the forecast wind, comnined with cloud movement and windsock, bushfire smoke etc. If going somewhere with few fixes then also consider deliberate track error ie deliberately going L or R of track so you know what direction to turn when tha appropriate time is up. Get to be able to judge reasonably well GS by looking at the ground rate of movement. Calibrate your eyeballs by going to a known point and looking at fixed distance points from different altitudes ie know where 15nm miles is on the windscreen at 1000ft, 5000ft and 10000ft. Another alternative is to track crawl. Pick obvious physical features:hills, ridges, spotheights if you are desperate, and fly to them. Note the HDG required to get there and this will give you a good idea of drift. Plus you always have a positive fixe at least every 20nm or so. Good nav cycle is essential. For diversions calculate estimates using LAT lines on WAC (1 deg=60nm) and reference ETAs to 2-3 nm min depending on what you are flying. KISS.
The more you do it the easier it gets. Expect to make mistakes but DON'T PANIC!. Use circles of probability: fix + time + GS and HDG. Go back to last + fix if in doubt. Have a good log. Have fun, its more fun than the procedural stuff later.