Genius Loci

Spirit of Place


the unique, distinctive aspects or atmosphere of a place, such as those celebrated in art, stories, folk tales and festivals; originally: literally the protective spirit of a place, a creature usually depicted as a snake.

The more I travel the more I have come to sense the distinct genius loci (Latin, for those of you who aren't Cylon) of a place.  Experiencing the unique character of different places has inspired my writing directly and indirectly.

Some directly influenced pieces were poems (written in Australia and Cedar Rapids responding directly to being in each place) and The Zombie Apocalypse Plan.  As I begrudgingly drove all the way downtown for 2 months this summer, I started thinking what it would be like if there was a zombie outbreak right here.  Where would you go?  Where would you run to?  Where would you make a stand?  I can't take all the credit for this idea, since Cerasi provided me with the title and initial concept, but having the story set in downtown St. Louis is purely because I became quite familiar with the area.  The story is constructed around its demonstrative setting.

(And I am working on it; I promise more will be posted soon!)

I think understanding the genius loci has also helped me in writing stories that do not revolve solely around setting.  It has informed and improved my creation of completely fictional places (like in Chronicles of an Escape Artist)  I know that I still need to work on 'place' especially in this story.  However, since I know how I want that world to feel, what kind of spirit this place has, I think I've made some progress.  Now I just need to ensure it comes across in my writing.


Many things can inspire me, but I've found some of my most consistent inspiration comes from places.  Especially ones with a strong genius loci.  And the more I visit, the more I want to travel to experience more of them.  Maybe travel writing could be in my future?