Choose something simple.
A mug, stone or folded cloth is a better first subject than a complicated landscape. Place it beside a window so one side is lighter and the other darker. Use paper with a little texture if you have it.
Make three kinds of mark.
- Use the end of the stick to draw a light line. Try changing the pressure without trying to make the line perfectly even.
- Lay the stick partly on its side and pull it across the paper. Notice the wider band of tone.
- Build a dark patch with several passes. Leave a patch of untouched paper alongside it to see the contrast.
Draw the shadow before the detail.
Lightly mark the outer shape of your object. Then look for its largest dark area and block it in. Add the shadow on the table. Keep the lightest areas as bare paper.
Step back. Does it already feel solid? You may need fewer outlines than you thought. Add only the details that help describe the shape.
Leave some marks alone.
Smudging can soften an edge, but blending everything together tends to lose the contrast between line and tone. Keep a few direct strokes visible. Test lifting a little charcoal with a kneaded eraser if you have one.
Keep finished work protected from rubbing. If you choose to use a fixative, follow its label and ventilation instructions. Avoid blowing charcoal dust around your workspace.