Drying fresh cut wood

Hi, according to my past experiences I feel quite competent in building my first dulcimer. However, I know I will have several if not many questions and clarifications along my jouney. Here are the first.

In our woods a tree which I believe to be in the cherry or birch family came crashing down, broken off about 8 feet above the ground. A closer inspection revealed that downy woodpeckers and flickers were the culprits. My good fortune is in the remaining tree on the ground with about 10" diameter.

Using my chain saw I cut 2 slabs about 1.5x10x48 inches (+ or -) for top and bottom. At this time there are pretty rough and need band saw and planer attention. My question are about seasoning and drying the slabs. 

1. Should I leave the slabs rough and let dry-out before doing any cutting ?

or

2. Should I band saw and plane to a rough size, then dry out?

In either case I will seal ends with parafin and bees wax.

I also cut a 3x3x48 inch maple plank from which the side will be band sawed from. I ask the same questions about drying out. No 1. Or No.2 ?

I also have a slab of black walnut which was shed off on one of our trees as a large branch came down in the wind. This has been in my barn for five years and completely dry. This will become the fret board and head.

I am extremely grateful to have such nice wood made available from my own land in such a natural way. 

Any suggestion about drying are very welcome.

Lastly, can anyone recomend plans or a book for building the tear drop appalachian mountain dulcimer. I am pretty comfortable about the box. Need some good detail on head stock and stringing.

thanks all, will post pictures as I progress!

Tim Good Man