Newcomers to Clojure so frequently ask this question that an FAQ/Guide is being discussed, to add to the Clojure website. See Issue #586: Add FAQ or guide for example projects. Please add your thoughts to that ticket!
This post is my (opinionated) take on it. I struggled a lot with this too. I still do from time to time, in unfamiliar territory, and these days I feel like I’m in unfamiliar territory a lot. Various Clojurians — individuals and groups — have been producing so much creative, diverse work over these last few years that keeping up quickly became impossible!
No doubt this surfeit of creativity intimidates newcomers. The strange ideas, lingo, thinking, and writing espoused by Clojurians can seem so very alien. But despair not, for Clojureland also has a surfeit of friendly, helpful people. And very many of our codebases are small! You will be able to read them! And get help if you get stuck!
This post explains what I believe I’ve done subconsciously over the years. It is as much an answer for somewhat experienced me as it is for the relative newcomer you!