The author of the global phenomenon that is Diary of a Wimpy Kid on having pizza with Bob Dylan, the importance of being a good reader, and writing at a cemetery.
The author of the global phenomenon that is Diary of a Wimpy Kid on having pizza with Bob Dylan, the importance of being a good reader, and writing at a cemetery.
Despite being a global bestselling children’s author with his Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Jeff Kinney didn’t harbour fantasies of being an author growing up. He actually wanted to be a newspaper cartoonist. After struggling to get his comic strip syndicated, Kinney began to write down ideas for Diary of a Wimpy Kid and publish daily instalments online. Several years later, Kinney signed a deal to print the misadventures of Greg Heffley – and the rest, as they say, is history.
Having chronicled wimpy kid Greg Heffley’s middle school life over 15 books (and counting), in 2019 Kinney offered a spin-off book from the perspective of Greg’s best friend Rowley Jefferson. Rowley’s spin-offs have also been a huge hit, and the third book, Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories showcases more of Rowley’s storytelling prowess with a selection of ghoulish tales.
In honour of the book’s release, we caught up with Kinney to ask him our 21 Questions Q+A. Here, he reveals his unconventional writing scenario, the time he met but didn’t recognise a famous author, and the person he’d most like to have pizza with.
J. R. R. Tolkien. He created a whole universe that felt lived in and very real.
Swimmy by Leo Lionni. He created a lush world that was equal parts beautiful and dangerous.
A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony. It had all of the magic and wonder of The Lord of the Rings series but was loaded with humour and mischief that was appealing for the teenage mind.
Inside the Box: A Proven System of Creativity for Breakthrough Results by Drew Boyd and Jacob Goldenberg. I use its tenets on a daily basis.
I had a number of jobs where 'boy' was in the title: 'pool boy'; 'salad bar boy'. I’m glad those days are in my past.
You can’t be a good writer without being a good reader first.
Schulz and Peanuts by David Michaelis. It serves as a roadmap for my career and helps me understand the possibilities.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster.
An online game developer. Which I also was, once upon a time!
Sitting at a bar with chips and salsa, and a Boston Celtics game in front of me. Oh, and being with my kids when they’re behaving.
I’m crazy about construction. It’s an expensive hobby.
Writing in my car, at the cemetery. It’s the only place I can really get any work done!
I once met a famous author, didn’t recognise him, and then kicked myself... I was reading his book at the time.
I’m going to cheat a little and say Bob Dylan. He wrote a book or two! We’d have pizza if he’d go for it.
Leaving my kids in debt.
I’d go for flight. Although I suppose I’d feel pretty ridiculous zipping around town.
Class Act by Jerry Craft.
I’m a shower guy, so no.
Crisps!
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.
We’re living in scary times!
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories by Jeff Kinney is available in hardback now.