Mike,
When I say "sticks" I don't mean the smaller twigs and such. I start with a full size log from a limb or trunk. When I take a tree, I cut the logs smaller than the standard 16" typical for wood burning. I generally cut them 8"-12" long. I then split them with axe/hatchet until they are about 1"-2" square. All this does is saves cutting with the chainsaw. I could cut stuf into 3"-4" discs and split them, but thats a lot of chainsaw work.
When I build my Minion Method fire, I fill the ring about half full with lump, and 4 of my "sticks" in a pattern that looks like # and cover with additional lump. Then dump a chimney full of lit lump over it.
As far as the smaller branches, I used some small maple pieces like that and really didn't care for the smell, so I stick with the larder pieces from trunks and limbs.