This is a subject that new cookers might like covered better. Lots of different methods from news paper, to hosing down with starter Fluid. I will cover my prefered method after years of starting charcoal, the Weber Cube.
Step #1 One Weber starter cube in a Tuna Can placed on the Kettle Charcoal Grate.
Ignite with a match etc.
Cube blazing a few seconds after lighting with a match.
Place the Weber Chimney over the Can with Cube at this point.
Weber Chimney blazing away after a few minutes.
It is just that simple. The Weber Starter Cubes range in price between $3.29 and $4.99 per 24 Cubes, depending where you buy them. At the highest price you are talking 21 cents per start up. Starting with a Weber Cube, the charcoal has no fuel or other different smell that I can detect. I have always used the Tuna Can to hold the Cube. Any Flat surface such as a can lid should work equally well.
Bob R