The best tip I can offer is always make sure the bead is hot where you want to apply the stringer, and make sure the stringer is never directly in the flame. It's always about finding that sweet spot next to the flame that makes the stringer start to flow. If the bead is cold and you aren't close enough to the flame (or in it!) the stringer will just keep blobbing up and skipping around the bead. Try using a thicker stringer made from a transparent to practice (transparents are usually stiffer than opaque colors and are easier to learn with), warm up your bead and see how close to the flame you have to be before it starts to melt for you. Don't stress about a pattern yet just practice and play to gain confidence.
Good luck!
Pat
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