Invention...

I'm thinking a lot about invention in writing this week. Thinking, as I re-read The Phantom Tollbooth, that once in awhile someone invents something... or at least that once in awhile, someone is a little inventive.


According to wikipedia, Juster wrote "Tollbooth" "primarily to amuse himself." That seems to me to be one way to do it, a key to understanding what I seek in invention.


Not "invention" as a process of pushing against, a process of breaking apart from, a "shock of the new"... but invention as a process of letting go of seriousness... laughing... surprising oneself and others... shooting for madness, magic.


But all within the context of communication. Invention in communication. Invention in amusement.


This, THIS is why I write for children. Children still believe in invention. Children can still be persuaded.


Some of them.


I want to be an alchemist. I'm fine with being a failed alchemist. I believe in alchemy, or I believe that believing in such things is worthwhile.


Hard to explain.