My sub and I are fairly new to the lifestyle as well, neither with much experience before we got together. What has worked for us is TALK, TALK, TALK. We talk before sessions, after sessions and during sessions. Simple "what would you like to try today or I'd like this" is a great help in breaking the ice. As the Dom in the relationship I feel it important to have my pet "cheek in" on occasion during play (one can do this in character...weg). After play review is where we find our way the best.
Any snags we run into are generally mental in nature and we have both had them...again talk. Communication is so important in our lifestyle.

Good Luck!