Just did a quick skim through the posts here - I may have missed it but I don't think there's a mention yet of preheating wood - which is a very good thing to do. Just set yer splits on the firebox as they wait their turn - might need to turn 'em once in a while. I've had 'em go up in flames sitting on the box. Occasionally there will be a little white smoke when adding a split, but it goes away quickly and is nothing to worry about.
Also, just to add, I keep all vents all the way open all the time and control temps by size of fire.