In Writing

Writers of all types struggle using transitions, overusing or not using enough of them. The goal? Using transitions so writing progresses naturally. Avoiding confusing scene changes and overwhelming with too much disconnected information. Logical connection.

In a piece of writing, transitions connect and help ideas flow. Time shifts. Thought shifts. Emphasis shifts. Structure shifts. Perspective shifts. Transitions guide a reader toward clarity and relationship. They emphasize and direct. They provide glue for arguments and narrative and rhythm for pacing. Transitions, both simple ones like the examples below and more developed transitional phrases and sentences, show logic and give structure, too.

• Additionally. Also. Not only… but also. First. Next. Eventually. Notably. However. Yet. But. For example. Because. Consequently. In conclusion.

A writer learns to use transitions well by experimenting with them and getting feedback from a good editor and from beta readers. (I’ll be seeking beta readers for my next book soon, btw.) They also become adept at using transitions by reading good writing. In other words, practice with and awareness of transitions leads to improved use of transitions in your own writing.

In Life

Navigating transitions in life often proves equally if not more challenging than using transitions in writing. Going from the quiet of home to the chaos of a crowd. Moving from a structured schedule to the open range of spontaneity.  Introspection to socializing. Quiet to loud. Self to others.

The transitions thrust upon us by others often present the biggest struggle, though. “Lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part” is nice to say but difficult to follow through with. Unexpected moves. Uncharacteristic behavior. Poor choices. Lack of discipline. Bad habits. Disorganization. Poor planning.

Even the natural transitions of life include struggle. Nature’s seasons and life’s seasons. Aging. Change.

Moving along in life is often abrupt, and some people struggle with it more than others. Physically and mentally, moving from one mindset and focus to another can create disconnect that feels overwhelming. Building in transitions helps, tremendously so when used consistently.

Protocols

Fortunately, knowledge adapts as the ability to apply that knowledge improves. In this context, awareness of transitions that turns into knowledge about how to use them eventually leads to having tools effective for solid writing and for moving through life.

Integrating and using transitions in productive ways works similarly in life as it does in writing. What does this look like practically? What skills work to turn awareness of transitions into knowledge?

Practice. Experiment with free tools. In writing, grammar checkers and online writing labs, among others. In life, the physiological sigh, prayer, and even NSDR protocols.

Get feedback. No one needs to figure out how to transition alone. A good editor or even that friend whose email are always so well written can help you improve your use of transitions in writing. In life, a safe person in social situations or even just a routine of some sort (think coffee in the morning or that drive home after work) can smooth out transitions.

Reflect. Review past writing specifically for transitions to see what you could have done differently. As your awareness grows, your knowledge grows, and you’ll be better able to use transitions in your writing. In life, review past interactions and consider why you transition well in certain contexts than in others. This isn’t an assessment but a naming and describing of what you can improve or simply do differently.

In all of these, consider ways to get outside of your head. Both in life and in writing, we view things differently when we voice them. Saying them out loud enhances awareness. When doing so, listen for the “catch” in your voice, the disruption of rhythm, that tells you something is off. Pay attention to that.

Remember, transitions control the pace in writing and in life. They direct focus and help make connections between ideas. They create a smooth flow.

Life is sometimes abrupt. Editing in transitions isn’t always possible or appropriate. However, integrating them when it is possible lessens the abruptness and creates space for resilience in unpredictable times. When social situations are a struggle or when you want to take your writing to the next level, take time to work on your transitions.