Need help on my technique

[Black Plague]

Being a novice pipe smoker, I find that I need a little bit of good old-fashioned FOG advice on the art of smoking.

Back during my brief pipe stint two years ago, it seemed like I could keep a pipe lit well and not have to constantly attend to it. Doesn't seem to be so anymore.

It seems like I constantly have to hold my hand over the bowl and puff to make sure it stays lit...which inevitably produces more heat than I think is proper.

So, great pipe master, lay your sage-like wisdom on me