none of the royals of DF, wayrest or sentinel are giving me quests to advance the story.

Im checking with the appropriate people but they either dont answer me or give me a fetch quest.

the only notes in my logbook are the initial one about being on a ship that crashed and one about meeting lady brisenna in a tavern which I did ages ago.

suggestions?

Then wait for a letter. You also may not be high enough level to start the quest.

Yep most main quests are level dependant. If you checked on the wiki and noticed that you are the right level but have still not received a letter, you can fast-travel to the edge of the world and you might receive it.

Do you guys have any tips to level faster because I seem to level really slowly or is that just how the game works.

If you have made a custom class, your number of advantages/disadvantages influences how quick you level.

In any case, practice your primary and major skills to level up.
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Daggerfall:Leveling_and_Skills#Leveling_Equation

P.S: Nice avatar. I love Full Metal Jacket.

Thanks