Click! Roll! Clunk! When I first learned to play pool, I loved the solid clunk of the ball dropping into the pocket. But when my father sank one ball after another, I realized winning required something more. Individual shots, no matter how spectacular, didn't bring victory. I needed to think past the clunk and set up my next shot. Writers need to think past the clunk too. Planning ahead and setting up your next point transforms a bunch of paragraphs into a winning article.

A well written article flows smoothly from one paragraph to the next, drawing readers from point to point. If a paragraph ends with a final clunk, the abrupt stop will jar the reader. They will feel disoriented by the sudden shift of topic when they begin the next paragraph. Some readers will stop reading and never finish the article. Others may push on only to come to the end feeling dissatisfied. They may describe the piece as 'list like' or 'choppy.'

So how do we avoid writing a 'list' or sounding 'choppy'? Let's go back to the pool table for a moment. A good player surveys the whole table before choosing a shot. The order the balls are played will effect new opportunities. A writer makes a similar decision by selecting the order to present information. Look over your research. Is there a path that will lead a reader through it without coming to a dead end? Depending on the topic a writer may choose to present facts chronologically, in order of importance, geographically, or in another logical order. Once the order is determined, it's time to start taking shots.

Click! Take aim and open with a strong introductory sentence. Roll! The ball heads straight for the pocket as you add supporting facts to your paragraph. Clunk! You sink the shot with a strong conclusion. But don't stop there. Remember you need to lead into your next shot. Roll! Let the cue ball slide into position by ending not with a clunk but a hook. The final sentence should include a hint to lead the reader on to the next paragraph. Let's look at an example: Suppose you're writing an article about orioles. You might choose to open with a paragraph describing the bird. After the description, you plan to discuss behaviors like nest building and feeding. The first paragraph might end with any of these sentences.

1. Orioles are easy to identify once you know their distinctive plumage.
2. Orioles are easy to spot because of their distinctive color and long pointed bills.
3. A long pointed bill and bright feathers make orioles easy to spot.

Which ending will work best if the next paragraph is to discuss how orioles weave nests using their bills? Sentence one ends with a solid clunk. It may sum up the description but doesn't lead us to nest building. Sentences two and three both mention the orioles' bills which they use in nest building. But sentence two is the better lead because it ends with the bills. The bills are the last thought in the readers' minds as they move to the next paragraph.

Use the last thought to begin your next paragraph. It's time to take the shot you've set up. Pay special attention to your first and last sentences. Sometimes something as simple as inverting the word order will strengthen the links between them.

1. Orioles weave pouch shaped nests of grass and hair.
2. Orioles weave pouch shaped nests using their bills.
3. The orioles' slender bills are excellent tools for weaving their pouch shaped nests.

Since we ended with 'long pointed bills,' we want to take our shot from that point. Sentence three starts with 'The orioles' slender bills…' It provides the strongest link between the two paragraphs, creating a seamless transition from one idea to the next.

The transitions between paragraphs and the order in which you present your material are essential for an enjoyable article. If you pay attention to these two basics, readers will reach the end informed and satisfied without any distracting clunks. You'll have sunk all your shots and cleared the table with a win.