As an entry level woodworker I'd like to know what steps I need to take for drying cut timber?

I have recently come upon some timber that was a dead limb off of a tree. It was still wet in the core and I wanted to use it for a few wood working crafts. I'm trying to find out how I should dry it and what the schedule is for drying such a log. It is about 3.5 feet long and roughly 10 inches thick. Any suggestions?