Jeff Kinney, the creator behind the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, recently celebrated the publication of the 20th instalment, Partypooper, while reflecting on his staggering achievement of selling over 300 million books worldwide. During a UK tour stop in Chester, Kinney engaged in a dynamic signing session, showcasing the energetic flair that has transformed him from a quiet writer into a full-fledged entertainer for children and families.
From Introvert to Stage Star
Kinney, a former software engineer, initially crafted the Wimpy Kid stories for the online platform Funbrain before they exploded into a literary phenomenon. Despite his self-professed introversion, he has mastered the art of performance, with sold-out events featuring audience participation and even custard-pie antics. "I'm not the type of person who needs to stand in the spotlight," Kinney admitted backstage. "But these days, if you're a children's writer, you also need to learn to be an entertainer." His shows are a far cry from traditional author signings, drawing crowds of up to 800 enthusiastic fans.
Sustaining a Blockbuster Franchise
At 54 years old, Kinney maintains a down-to-earth demeanour, yet he feels a profound responsibility to his expansive franchise. Beyond the books, he scripts Disney's Wimpy Kid films and manages a global tour schedule, including recent legs in Germany. He credits this multimedia experience with honing his storytelling skills, noting that early books were joke collections, while later volumes like the 19th focused on narrative depth. "I've got a whole world that I feel responsible for, and employees that I have," he explained. "People have careers that come out of this engine, so I definitely need to keep the motor running."
Expanding Horizons Beyond Publishing
Kinney's ambitions extend far beyond the page. Using proceeds from his book sales, he opened An Unlikely Story, a bookshop in his hometown of Plainville, Massachusetts. Success there inspired him to embark on a town revitalisation project, aiming to combat local economic depression. "The downtown is very depressed," he observed. "We just finished a beer garden, and now we're gonna put in a pizza restaurant, and then we're going to create a town green and some other things too." This venture highlights his commitment to community building alongside his literary work.
Looking to the Future
With key milestones like the 20th book and 300 million sales achieved, Kinney is contemplating his next steps. He draws inspiration from enduring cartoon characters, such as Charles Schulz's Peanuts, which ran for 50 years. Using a methodical approach involving journaling and Systematic Inventive Thinking, he mines his experiences for humour, ensuring the series' longevity. "It's just such a privilege to have a long-running series," he reflected. "I'm more like a legacy person now, and I like that better. I'm headed to my final form." Fans can expect Wimpy Kid to continue, with Kinney embracing his role as a steward of a cultural touchstone for generations of young readers.
