My first-time attempt was a model of Artesania's Hannah and I got into a real mess when it came to the planking.The model was,and still is abandoned.Undaunted,my next attempt was Scottish Maid,which was much more successful,though it still needs one or two finishing touches to the rigging.I found the hull much easier to plank (both first and second planking) with its 'clipper' lines.
Currently I am building Mamoli's Yacht Mary,which proved rather tricky to plank,but I have now completed the hull,and have made a start on the mast,spars and rigging.
The advice given above is very good-pick a simple model for starters,and one that is fairly easy to plank-not too many tight curves or excessive sheer.
And finally - good luck!!