hold your striker steady and pull the fire steel away from whatever you are trying to light. it is easier to aim the sparks that way IMO.

i have never had any trouble lighting cotton or lint. usually on the first try.

sometimes a slower scrape works better as it seems to generate more sparks and is somewhat easier to control.

I have not tried to light dry grass or other tinder with a firesteel. I have tried to light charcoal lighter with it unsuccessfully.