We added a treat for you in the outline–an excerpt from When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago.

Santiago’s unique and detailed descriptive writing style is truly remarkable, but while indulging in lyrical descriptions, be cautious not to overwhelm your writing with sensory overload. Carefully choose where to incorporate rich details that enhance your piece.

Remember, extensive blocks of description slow down the story’s pace, so it’s often better to layer in detail and description gradually throughout the narrative, providing readers a chance to breathe and absorb.