Some tips to a better job.
1. Start with a good surface. Screw in concrete backerboard and finish joints with fiberglass tape and mortar.
2. Begin with the back wall. This way, the tile on the side walls will cover the joint in the corner for a more attractive appearance.
3. On the back wall, start at the center rather than at either end. This means you’ll end up with a nice symmetrical pattern, rather than having to cut all the tiles on one side. Draw a plumb line down the center of the backerboard.
4. If you plan well enough ahead, you may be able to avoid cutting tile altogether. Construct and shim your walls so they allow you the perfect width for a complete row of tiles. Good luck.
5. Allow a small space at the bottom for flexible silicone caulking. For reference, draw a level line one tile height plus 1/8″ and shim tiles as you install.
6. Don’t run tile all the way to the ceiling. As long as it covers the area that gets wet, you’re okay, and it looks better.
7. Spread adhesive with the unnotched edge of your trowel, then rake straight up with the notched edge.
8. Install tiles from your center line, and move out. Position so they’re touching, and give a little twist as you press them firmly into place.
9. When you need to cut a tile to fit in a corner, don’t measure the distance and transfer it to the tile. Instead, a) Position the tile you’re cutting where it’s neighbor will be. b) Push another tile into the corner so it overlaps the tile you want to cut. c) Scribe a line and cut.