Is this a single pattern, or are the letters taken from different patterns? I think I would rough it out with pencil and graph paper. That would give you an idea of how it would look, and a better idea of spacing, the corners and center. Then you would have a better idea of where you want to start.

Hi Carissa. I am reading your question different than answer above so I may be wrong. Could type out how to start but probably faster and clearer if you go to YouTube and look at Cross Stitch 101: Getting Started video. The gentleman explains it well. I don’t thread needle the way he does (but that’s a different learning curve). Good luck and hope you come to love this craft as much as the rest of us do. Please post pics as we love to see what others are doing. Remember if you run into a problem seek us out as there is always someone here who can help. Happy stitching!
Kris