The Hard Shoulder Jeff Kinney talks Diary of a Wimpy Kid!
Nov 24, 2025
Jeff Kinney, the acclaimed author and cartoonist behind the beloved 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series, shares insights about his latest book, 'Partypooper.' He reveals the nine-year journey to publication and how his own experiences as a wimpy kid shaped Greg's character. Kinney discusses the importance of flaws in storytelling and the challenges of keeping kids engaged in a digital world. He emphasizes the need for parents to model reading habits and reflect on the unexpected success of his series.
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Long Road To The Right Voice
- Jeff Kinney spent about nine years developing Greg's voice and look before finding a publisher.
- He refined the character through repeated work until it felt right and publishable.
From Syndicate Rejection To Book Success
- Jeff originally wanted to be a newspaper cartoonist and was rejected by syndicates.
- He pivoted and eventually found a publisher willing to take a risk on his book format in 2007.
Greg Drawn From Real Childhood Mistakes
- Jeff Kinney admits he was a wimpy kid and drew on his own mistakes for Greg's stories.
- Some incidents in the books come directly from his personal journals and memories.
