At first welcome to the SRP and SRW.(straight razor world) Now you are hero you put that blade on your face. that is the worse part and you done it. Now lets go walk easy steps.
short strokes are ok but don't make them straight down, make looks like cutting tomatoes (forward motion part short strokes)
Next sharpness of your razor part has been resolved (like). Lynn honed will be shave ready.
Pay attention to the angle. no more then 30 degree.
stretching skin.
pre shave preparation hot towels ,etc
lastly and most important is patience.
GL.