Now that we have created both straight and angled lines, and anchor points that connect them, you can take advantage of the “convert anchor point” tool (keyboard shortcut “shift-c”). Click on any anchor point to switch it between a smooth and a corner point. Clicking a smooth point (on a curve) will automatically change it to a corner point and adjust the adjoining lines. To convert a corner point to a smooth point, click and drag from the point.
Continue to practice by creating and adjusting shapes on the stage. Make use of all of the available tools to create countless forms and illustrations. As you become more comfortable with the pen tool, it is likely to become an integral part of your work.