There’s your problem right there. That wood has too much moisture, and will do nothing but hiss and make lots of smoke. Hold off and burn that wood in 12 months.

If you want to try a fire with the small wood bundles that gas stations sell, you will learn how easy it should be to light a fire. Those bundles are usually kiln dried so they can be burned immediately. Problem is they are like $6-$7 for a few pieces, usually too expensive if you will be burning a lot . But it will be good practice.