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Essentials of Spontaneous Prose by Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac's name is synonymous with the Beat Generation and the literary movement that transformed American literature in the mid-twentieth century. While Kerouac is best known for his seminal work, On the Road, his contributions to the craft of writing extend far beyond this iconic novel. One of his most enduring legacies is the 'Essentials of Spontaneous Prose', a collection of techniques and principles that can help writers unlock their creativity and achieve a more authentic and vivid style of writing. In this article, we delve into these essentials, exploring the ways in which they can transform the way we approach writing, and examining the enduring relevance of Kerouac's ideas for writers today.

We have organized these essentials into tabs, which you can click on to deep-dive into each technique and gain a greater understanding of how to apply them to your own writing.

Each tab provides a detailed breakdown of the idea, highlighting different aspects of the technique, its intended purpose, and how it can change the way you write. You'll learn why you might want to experiment with the technique, what it seeks to accomplish, and how you can implement it in your own writing process.

  • 1. SET-UP
    The object is set before the mind, either in reality. as in sketching (before a landscape or teacup or old face) or is set in the memory wherein it becomes the sketching from memory of a definite image-object.

    The idea is that you can use an object, either real or imagined, as the subject or inspiration for your creative writing. In the context of writing, this means that you can set an object in your mind and then use it as a starting point for your writing.

    For example, you can set a real object before your mind, such as a landscape you're looking at or a teacup you're holding, and then use that object as the basis for your writing. This could involve describing the object in detail, reflecting on its meaning or significance, or using it as a symbol or metaphor for something else.

    Alternatively, you can set an object in your memory and then use it as the basis for your writing. This could involve recalling a specific object from the past, such as an old face, and then using that memory as the starting point for your writing. You might describe the memory in detail, reflect on its meaning or significance, or use it as a symbol or metaphor for something else.

    In both cases, you are using the object as a way to focus your attention and start the creative process. By setting the object in your mind, you are able to bring your full attention to the object and use it as a starting point for your writing. This allows you to explore the object and its meaning in greater depth and to create a more rich and detailed piece of writing.

  • 2. PROCEDURE
    Time being of the essence in the purity of speech, sketching language is undisturbed flow from the mind of personal secret idea-words, blowing (as per jazz musician) on subject of image.

    You can use language as a spontaneous, flowing expression of your personal ideas and thoughts. The emphasis is on the process of writing, rather than the end result. The idea is to let go of your inhibitions and simply allow your thoughts and ideas to flow onto the page. The goal is to create a sense of rhythm and timing in your writing, allowing your thoughts to flow without being disturbed or censored.

    You can achieve this by using language in a more fluid and spontaneous way, without worrying about structure or form, and allowing the words to flow freely from your mind in a stream-of-consciousness style. Start by focusing on a specific image or subject and then simply let your thoughts and ideas flow onto the page without any conscious effort to control or shape them.

    This can lead to a writing style that is more raw and honest, as you are not trying to manipulate or control your language, but simply letting it flow from your mind. Focus on the process of writing, rather than the end result, and let the process itself be a pure and undisturbed flow of your personal ideas and thoughts. By embracing this approach, you can produce writing that is unique and personal, as it is an expression of your innermost thoughts and ideas.

  • 3. METHOD
    No periods separating sentence-structures already arbitrarily riddled by false colons and timid usually needless commas-but the vigorous space dash separating rhetorical breathing (as jazz musician drawing breath between outblown phrases)--"measured pauses which are the essentials of our speech"--"divisions of the sounds we hear"-"time and how to note it down." (William Carlos Williams)

    The idea is to use language in a more fluid and rhythmic way, without relying on traditional punctuation - to use a hyphen instead of periods, colons, or commas to separate sentence structures, creating a sense of rhythm and timing. Instead, the emphasis is on the use of space and dash to create pauses and breaks in the text, much like a jazz musician drawing breath between phrases.

    In writing, you can apply this concept by breaking free from traditional punctuation and instead using space and dash to create pauses and breaks in your text. This can involve using longer or shorter dashes to indicate different degrees of pause, or using space to create larger breaks between sections of text.

    For example, you might write a sentence without using any traditional punctuation, instead relying on space and dash to create pauses and breaks. This could lead to a writing style that is more rhythmic and musical, as you are using the pauses and breaks to create a sense of flow and movement in your text.

    By embracing this approach, you can create writing that is more expressive and dynamic, as you are using language in a way that is more closely aligned with the rhythms and patterns of speech. This can help you to create a more engaging and immersive reading experience, as the reader is drawn into the rhythm and flow of the text.

  • 4. SCOPING
    Not "selectivity' of expression but following free deviation (association) of mind into limitless blow-on-subject seas of thought, swimming in sea of English with no discipline other than rhythms of rhetorical exhalation and expostulated statement, like a fist coming down on a table with each complete utterance, bang! (the space dash)-Blow as deep as you want-write as deeply, fish as far down as you want, satisfy yourself first, then reader cannot fail to receive telepathic shock and meaning-excitement by same laws operating in his own human mind.

    The idea is to allow your mind to freely associate and follow its own course, rather than trying to control or limit your expression. In writing, this means allowing yourself to explore and write about a subject in as much depth as you desire, without worrying about selectivity or being overly concerned with structure or form.

    You can apply this concept by allowing yourself to follow your thoughts and ideas wherever they lead, without worrying about limiting your expression or being overly concerned with form and structure. This can involve using language in a more fluid and spontaneous way, allowing your ideas and thoughts to flow freely, and embracing the rhythms of rhetorical exhalation and expostulated statement.

    For example, you might start writing about a subject and simply allow your thoughts and ideas to flow freely, without worrying about limiting your expression or controlling the direction of your writing. This could lead to a writing style that is more raw and honest, as you are not trying to manipulate or control your language, but simply letting it flow from your mind.

    By embracing this approach, you can create writing that is more expressive and dynamic, as you are allowing yourself to explore your subject in as much depth as you desire. This can help you to create a more engaging and immersive reading experience, as the reader is drawn into the rhythm and flow of the text and is able to experience the same laws of thought and association that are operating in your own mind.

  • 5. LAG IN PROCEDURE
    No pause to think of proper word but the infantile pileup of scatological buildup words till satisfaction is gained, which will turn out to be a great appending rhythm to a thought and be in accordance with Great Law of timing.

    The idea is to allow yourself to write without worrying about finding the "perfect" or "proper" word, and instead letting words pile up in a spontaneous and unstructured way. The idea is to let your words flow freely, without pausing to think or edit, in order to create a buildup of language that can later be shaped and refined.

    You can apply this concept by allowing yourself to write without worrying about finding the perfect word or phrasing, and instead simply letting your words flow onto the page. This can involve using language in a more raw and spontaneous way, without worrying about structure or form, and allowing the words to pile up in a free and unstructured way.

    For example, you might start writing about a subject and simply let the words flow freely, without worrying about finding the perfect word or phrasing. This can lead to a writing style that is more raw and honest, as you are not trying to manipulate or control your language, but simply letting it flow from your mind.

    By embracing this approach, you can create writing that is more expressive and dynamic, as you are allowing yourself to explore your subject in a more spontaneous and unstructured way. This can help you to create a more engaging and immersive reading experience, as the reader is drawn into the rhythm and flow of the text, and can experience the same sense of spontaneous and unstructured thought that is operating in your own mind. Additionally, the process of shaping and refining the language later can help to bring greater clarity and structure to your writing, while still preserving the raw energy and expressiveness of your initial thoughts and ideas.

  • 6. TIMING
    Nothing is muddy that runs in time and to laws of time-Shakespearian stress of dramatic need to speak now in own unalterable way or forever hold tongue-no revisions (except obvious rational mistakes, such as names or calculated insertions in act of not writing but inserting).

    The idea is to focus on the timing and pace of your writing, and to write in your own unalterable way, without making revisions. The goal is to capture the immediacy and urgency of the moment, as if you were speaking on stage. - to focus on the timing and pace of your writing, and the importance of writing in accordance with the laws of time. This means writing with a sense of urgency and purpose, as if you have a need to speak now or risk losing the opportunity. It also involves a focus on the present moment, rather than allowing yourself to get bogged down in revisions or second-guessing your writing.

    You can apply this concept by focusing on the present moment and writing with a sense of urgency and purpose. This means letting go of the urge to revise or edit your writing, and instead simply allowing your words to flow onto the page in their own unalterable way.

    For example, you might start writing about a subject and simply let your words flow freely, without worrying about revisions or editing. This can lead to a writing style that is more raw and honest, as you are not trying to manipulate or control your language, but simply letting it flow from your mind.

    By embracing this approach, you can create writing that is more expressive and dynamic, as you are allowing yourself to explore your subject in the present moment, without getting bogged down in revisions or second-guessing. This can help you to create a more engaging and immersive reading experience, as the reader is drawn into the rhythm and flow of the text, and can experience the same sense of urgency and purpose that is driving your own writing. Of course, it is still important to make rational corrections, such as fixing names or calculated insertions, in order to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing.

  • 7. CENTER OF INTEREST
    Begin not from preconceived idea of what to say about image but from jewel center of interest in subject of image at moment of writing, and write outwards swimming in sea of language to peripheral release and exhaustion-Do not afterthink except for poetic or P. S. reasons. Never afterthink to "improve" or defray impressions, as, the best writing is always the most painful personal wrung-out tossed from cradle warm protective mind-tap from yourself the song of yourself, blow!-now!-your way is your only way-"good"-or "bad"-always honest ("ludi- crous"), spontaneous, "confessionals' interesting, because not "crafted." Craft is craft.

    The idea is to focus on that thing that interests you the most about the subject you are writing about, rather than starting with a pre-planned idea of what to say. You should write from the heart, tapping into your own personal experiences and emotions, and letting the writing flow outwards from that center.

    You can apply this concept by focusing on the center of interest in your writing, rather than starting with a preconceived idea of what to say. This means letting go of any preconceived notions about your subject, and simply allowing yourself to write from the center of interest, exploring the subject in as much depth as you desire.

    For example, you might start writing about a subject by focusing on the center of interest, rather than starting with a preconceived idea of what to say. This can lead to a writing style that is more raw and honest, as you are not trying to manipulate or control your language, but simply letting it flow from your mind.

    By embracing this approach, you can create writing that is more expressive and dynamic, as you are allowing yourself to explore your subject in a more spontaneous and unstructured way. This can help you to create a more engaging and immersive reading experience, as the reader is drawn into the rhythm and flow of the text, and can experience the same sense of spontaneous and unstructured thought that is operating in your own mind. Additionally, it is important to avoid afterthinking or revising your writing, as this can detract from the raw and honest quality of your work. The best writing is always the most personal and wrung-out, as it reflects the unique and individual voice of the writer. So, focus on tapping into the song of yourself, and let your writing flow in its own unique way.

  • 8. STRUCTURE OF WORK
    Modern bizarre structures (science fiction, etc.) arise from language being dead, "different" themes give illusion of "new" life. Follow roughly outlines in outfanning movement over subject, as river rock, so mindflow over jewel-center need (run your mind over it, once) arriving at pivot, where what was dim-formed "beginning" becomes sharp-necessitating "ending" and language shortens in race to wire of time-race of work, following laws of Deep Form, to conclusion, last words, last trickle-Night is The End.

    The idea is to focus on the structure of the work, and how this structure can impact the meaning of the words. The idea is that modern, unusual structures in writing, like those found in sci fi, arise from a lack of "life" in language, and that themes that appear "new" are often simply illusions created by different structures.

    You can apply this concept by following rough outlines in your writing, allowing your thoughts and ideas to flow over your subject in an outfanning movement. This can involve using language to create a sense of movement and flow, as you explore your subject in depth and arrive at a pivot point, where what was a dimly-formed beginning becomes sharp and necessitates an ending.

    For example, you might start writing about a subject by following rough outlines and allowing your thoughts and ideas to flow over the subject. This can lead to a writing style that is more expressive and dynamic, as you are allowing yourself to explore your subject in depth and to create a sense of movement and flow in your text.

    By embracing this approach, you can create writing that follows the laws of Deep Form, and that is structured in a way that enhances its meaning and impact. Your writing will be shaped by the laws of time and the race of the work, as you follow the natural flow of your thoughts and ideas towards a conclusion, the last words, and the last trickle. In this way, you can create writing that is dynamic, expressive, and impactful, and that reflects the unique voice and perspective of the writer.

  • 9. MENTAL STATE
    If possible write "without consciousness" in semi-trance (as Yeats' later "trance writing") allowing subconscious to admit in own uninhibited interesting necessary and so "modern" language what conscious art would censor, and write excitedly, swiftly, with writing-or-typing-cramps, in accordance (as from center to periphery) with laws of orgasm, Reich's "beclouding of consciousness." Come from within, out-to relaxed and said.

    The idea is to write in a mental state that allows the subconscious to express itself in an uninhibited and interesting way. You should try to write without being overly conscious of your writing process, and instead let your subconscious take over. This can be done by writing in a semi-trance state, where you allow your subconscious to express itself freely and use language in an uninhibited and interesting way.

    You can apply this concept by writing "without consciousness," in a semi-trance state, allowing your subconscious to emerge and express itself in its own unique and interesting way. This can involve writing quickly and with excitement, and allowing yourself to be carried away by the flow of your writing.

    For example, you might start writing about a subject by allowing yourself to enter a semi-trance state, and simply allowing your words to flow onto the page. This can lead to a writing style that is more raw and honest, as you are not trying to manipulate or control your language, but simply letting it flow from your mind.

    By embracing this approach, you can create writing that is more expressive and dynamic, as you are allowing yourself to explore your subject in a more spontaneous and unstructured way. This can help you to create a more engaging and immersive reading experience, as the reader is drawn into the rhythm and flow of the text, and can experience the same sense of spontaneous and unstructured thought that is operating in your own mind. Additionally, writing in this way can help to tap into the unique and individual voice of the writer, and to create a more authentic and honest representation of their thoughts and experiences.

How can writers employ Jack Kerouac's "Essentials of Spontaneous Prose" in their own writing

Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac's concept of "spontaneous prose" is a writing technique that emphasizes the importance of letting the words flow freely and spontaneously, without stopping to edit or censor oneself. This approach allows writers to capture their thoughts and experiences in a raw and unedited form, and can be a powerful tool for unlocking creativity and spontaneity in their writing.

Writers can employ Kerouac's essentials of spontaneous prose in their own writing in a number of ways:

💡Write in a stream-of-consciousness style. One of the key elements of Kerouac's spontaneous prose is the idea of capturing thoughts and experiences in a raw, unedited form. Writers can use a stream-of-consciousness style, in which they let their thoughts and experiences flow freely onto the page without stopping to edit or censor themselves, to capture the spontaneity and authenticity of their experiences.

💡Use automatic writing as a way to access the unconscious mind. Kerouac's spontaneous prose involves letting the words flow freely and spontaneously, without stopping to think or censor oneself. One way to do this is to use automatic writing, in which the writer allows their hand to move freely across the page, writing whatever comes to mind without stopping to think or edit. This can be a powerful way to access the unconscious mind and uncover hidden thoughts and feelings.


Jack Kerouac reads On The Road Audiobook with English subtitles

💡Experiment with different forms of free writing. Kerouac's spontaneous prose involves letting the words flow freely and spontaneously, and writers can experiment with different forms of free writing to unlock their creativity and spontaneity. For example, writers could try timed writing, in which they set a timer and write continuously for a set period of time without stopping to edit or censor themselves, or they could try writing without using punctuation, to create a more fluid and spontaneous flow of words.

Jack Kerouac: Road Novels 1957-1960: On the Road / The Dharma Bums / The Subterraneans / Tristessa / Lonesome Traveler / Journal Selections
Jack Kerouac: Road Novels 1957-1960: On the Road / The Dharma Bums / The Subterraneans / Tristessa / Lonesome Traveler / Journal Selections

Embrace this creative and unique approach to writing, and follow the free-flowing and spontaneous nature of your thoughts, leading to a dynamic and expressive writing style. It features a rhythm and timing that captures the essence of the moment, creating a more intimate connection to the reader that makes your writing more rich, detailed, and interesting. Exploring your own memories and experiences to find your own unique voice and perspective will make your writing personal and authentic. Don't limit yourself with conventional punctuation rules. Free your subconscious mind and let your raw unfiltered thoughts and ideas flow in a raw and unrefined manner. This results in powerful and impactful writing, and helps guide your writing process and focus your attention and creativity.

Kerouac's concept of spontaneous prose can be a powerful tool for writers looking to unlock their creativity and spontaneity, and to capture their thoughts and experiences in a raw and authentic form. By letting the words flow freely and spontaneously, writers can create unique and authentic works that capture the essence of their experiences and emotions.


Kerouac, Ginsberg and Gang in New York City