The most fundamental thing to get right is to make sure that you burn dry wood. Buy your wood from a good and reputable supplier, or dry it yourself over the summer months. As far as your stove is concerned, the most important thing is to never completely close the air vent to “keep the fire in”.
This is the best way to prevent soot and tar build-up; also to prevent the glass on your stove blackening up. It is always better to have a hot, fast burn, as this is the most efficient way of using your woodburner. If in doubt, a small magnetic stove thermometer is a great idea. This will help to maintain the optimum temperature and can be bought for under a tenner.