Each situation is different and at times it can be very difficult to light a fire even when very experienced - like in the mountains during a raging snowstorm with 40-mph wind gusts. The best advice I give is to carry a lighter, waterproof matches, and firesteel. And even have backups placed in clothing, in your vehicle, and in your pack.

Tinder is very important. Vaseline and cotton balls or dryer lint is excellent for helping to start a fire with damp or wet wood.