Author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Jeff Kinney, talks humour, creativity, and childhood
Jeff Kinney, #1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Awesome Friendly Kid series, has delighted readers for nearly 18 years.
A six-time Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award winner and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, his books have been published in 70 languages and have sold over 290 million print copies worldwide.
Speaking at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in Dubai earlier this year, he talks to Yalla this World Book Day about the power of humour and creativity and the lessons kids can learn from his wry hero, Greg Heffley.
“My best advice is for kids to put down their electronic devices and make something.”
Why does Greg Heffley, the hero of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, resonate with kids worldwide?
Greg connects with children because he is relatable. He’s an ordinary kid with ordinary problems. Greg is like a mirror to many; kids can see him and his family in their own lives.
Did you ever imagine Greg’s world having such a huge impact?
I never expected the books to become so popular. While I had rock star dreams, they felt like fantasies. It’s incredibly energising to know that my books reach millions of kids worldwide from different cultures. I’m motivated to deliver quality humour to them all.
Why do you think humour is such an effective way to connect with youngsters?
Humour is a common language that connects us all. The fact that kids in Dubai laugh at the same things as kids in Brazil and China gives me hope for the future.
How do you capture the ups and downs of childhood?
I try to write about universal childhood experiences — parents, teachers, siblings, tests, bullies. I’ve recorded all my funniest, best, and worst school moments in the Wimpy Kid books!
Has the way that you approach your stories evolved?
Yes, I’ve improved, largely thanks to working on films, which have a very particular way of telling a story. I didn’t start getting good at storytelling until my ninth book.
How do you develop new ideas, and what do you hope children take away from your characters?
I use a technique called Systematic Inventive Thinking to keep ideas flowing. It’s a method to be creative in a reliable way. I hope kids can see themselves in Greg, especially in his imperfections.
What is your writing process like?
If I write on a computer, I get distracted, so I use a device not connected to the internet. I start with the jokes, which take me about three months to write.
For my latest book, Hot Mess, I wrote about 800 food-related jokes, ranging from pasta to utensils to family-style restaurants. After the jokes, I write the story and then begin the illustrations.
How did you develop the idea for your 19th book Hot Mess?
The ingredients I came up with were family, food, and heat. When you combine those things, you’ve got a recipe for disaster, which seemed about right for a Wimpy Kid book!
Which books or authors inspired you as a child?
I loved fantasy books by J.R.R. Tolkien and Terry Brooks. I also like realistic, humorous fiction by Judy Blume and Beverly Clearly. I could see myself in their books.
How can parents/teachers encourage reading?
Feed your young readers’ interests! If they like Pokemon or sharks, give them books and magazines about this. All reading is good, especially at a young age.
What would you say to children dreaming of becoming creatives?
There are so many pathways to becoming a creator these days! My best advice is for kids to put down their electronic devices and make something. The act of creativity is addictive and empowering.
What’s next?
I’m working on new Disney+ movies and a new spin-off book! More Rowley Jefferson stories are on the way!
You might also like: Time travel, magic, and hamsters: The storytelling secrets of Ross Welford
Some curious questions from young readers at schools in the UAE:
What inspired you to create Greg?
Flora, Jebel Ali School
I wanted a character like me as a kid—flawed but interesting. Greg holds all my childhood stories in one place.
If you could be one character for a day, who would it be?
Caelan, Raha International School, KCC
Rowley! He’s a good kid and loves being a kid. Greg is fun but flawed—he’s much like I was at that age.
How do you decide what goes in words and what in pictures?
Smaya, Safa Community School
I try to make the joke ‘land’ in the image, meaning the text sets it up, and the picture delivers the laugh. I’m not always successful, but I try!
Could Greg get a new friend?
Sara, Raha International School, GC
Even after twenty books, Greg doesn’t make many new friends. If he does, they’re usually gone by the next book. His world seems to revolve around Rowley.
Did the cheese ever melt in Diary of a Wimpy Kid?
Juliet, Jebel Ali School
The cheese is indestructible! Not the sun, rain, or cold can destroy it.
Which book was the hardest to write?
IIyas & Holly, Raha International School, GC
The 10th book. Life was hectic then, and writing funny jokes in tough times can be challenging.
Greg can make poor decisions, but does he have any hidden good qualities?
Olga, Raha International School, KCC
Great question! Greg is super active—that’s a special quality. He’s always planning or trying something new, even if he fails. He’s not glued to a phone, as he doesn’t have one, which makes him kind of old-school.
Which is your favourite book and why?
Gabriel, Raha International School, GC
Hot Mess, my 19th book. It’s my most complete story. But the first book will always be special.
Will Greg ever leave Middle School, go to university or get a job?
Zach & Zahra, Raha International Schools
Greg’s stuck in Middle School forever! That’s the magic of cartoon characters—they don’t change. You can rely on them. The book will come out in October!
What’s your next book about?
Max, Safa Community School
It’s about Greg’s birthday. His parents forget, so he uses their guilt to throw the world’s biggest party and score as many presents as possible!
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