Patience is key - can't blow too hard on the little wisp of smoke, can't get all excited and add more big chunks, just wait for the flames to catch what's there, then add small pieces, then bigger, and bigger, and pretty soon you have a nice fire.

Knowing where to find dry tinder after a heavy rainstorm is another piece - you can cheat and bring dryer lint, maya dust, fire paste, an esbit tab or cotton balls in petroleum jelly. We usually cheat because we're not scouts.