Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel (book 7 in the series) hit shelves on November 13, 2012. This is a series that keeps all my kids, from my teenager down to my seven year old, entertained. Ever since book 1 came out, and my oldest picked it up, this series has been a favorite in our home. The most recent to get into the series, is my daughter. I love that these books are fairly timeless and have lasted through all of my children.
Here’s a little info on the newest in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series:
Love is in the air—but what does that mean for Greg Heffley?
A Valentine’s Day dance at Greg’s middle school has turned his world upside down. As Greg scrambles to find a date, he’s worried he’ll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn’t have any prospects either, but that’s a small consolation.
An unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who’s going to be lucky in love.
With the release of the newest in the Wimpy Kid series I had the opportunity to interview Jeff Kinney, author and illustrator of the series. Needless to say, I became the coolest mom ever when my kids got wind of that information. I have to admit, I was pretty much as excited as they were, I love getting to interview a great author…must have something to do with my own love of reading. Now checkout what secrets I learned all about Jeff Kinney in our interview:
Until recently I didn’t realize you started out designing games (another big thing my kids are very into by the way). Did you have the desire to be an author from early on or is that something that came along later?
Jeff: It really came close to the same time. At 12/13 I programmed computer games, I wanted to be cartoonist and author in my late teen. So, it was really both going on at the same time.
The Wimpy Kid series is a huge success. Did you realize what you had or was it a surprise to you that it came such a big success ?
Jeff: I was very surprised, I can’t pretend and say I thought the books would get published. Really, everything was and is surprise to me, life just gets stranger. (laughs)
Do you draw from your life when coming up with these stories?
Jeff: There are a lot of childhood DNA in these stories, doesn’t line up perfectly but the books definitely started with ideas from my childhood.
My kids are obviously huge fans so they want to know if will there be more Wimpy Kid books after this one?
Jeff: Yes I plan on writing three more soon.
Some authors don’t actually have their main character until they really get to writing. Which character was the first character you came up with that started the phenomenon we know as The Wimpy Kid series?
Jeff: Startred off with Greg, always knew his name was going to be Greg and he was going to be the main character in the books.
What the hardest thing about being a writer?
Jeff: For me, it’s being in a constant state of writers block, ideas never just flow for me. Someone like Mo Willems, they just flow from him. My mind doesn’t work that way.
**His mind works great I’d say, look at the amazing success he’s had…but I totally felt him on writers block…I think I get that everyday on here**
And to go a little further with that question. My daughter loves to read as well as write her own stories. What advice would you give for aspiring young writers?
Jeff: Good technique is copy somoenes style, you can learn how that person put their work together and it really helps you find your own style.
I would like to thank Jeff Kinney for taking the time to talk with me. Now that we have Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel in our hands, I am sure there will be a lot of reading going on. In case you haven’t bought it already, head out to pretty much any store that sells books and pick up a copy today. It would make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas!!!
**I received a copy of the book at no cost to me for posting purposes. All opinions are my own**
Toni Patton
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we haven’t tried these books yet but I think they will be on our list soon.
My nephew loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
I can’t even imagine being an author who regularly struggles with writer’s block! He seems to manage somehow though. Lots of great books from him.
These are my son’s favorite book series. He is so excited to read this newest one. Great interview Toni, I didn’t know Jeff started out designing games.
My students loved this book!
I love the wimpy kid books!
I haven’t read any of the Wimpy Kids books but they sound funny.
Great my sister is really into the books now I know what to get her for her stocking stuffer
My son just got his first wimpy kid book and is loving it. He is 8 and I think some of it is not appropriate for his age yet, but whatever gets him to like reading is good with me.