Live webchat with Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff on Thursday 19th November from 6.15-7pm.

[TinaMumsnet]

Are your DC mad about Greg Heffley? Now is their chance to have all their Diary of a Wimpy Kid questions answered.

November marks the release of the tenth novel in the DOAWK series and we're very excited to announce that world-renowned author Jeff Kinney will be joining us for a live webchat on Thursday 19th November from 6.15-7pm.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School follows Greg Heffley as he goes on a weeklong field trip to a farm and deals with a generation gap between the kids and their chaperones. With tension building inside and outside the Heffley home, will Greg find a way to survive? Or is going 'old school' just too hard for a kid like Greg?

Jeff Kinney's work has been widely praised for its ability to turn even the most reluctant readers on to books. The Wimpy Kid books are 50% comic-strip, 50% novel and 100% hilarious. As a result of the impact and success of these books Jeff Kinney has been named one of Time magazine's most influential people in the world.

Join us with your DC on Thursday 19 Nov at 6:15, or if you can't make it, leave a question below.

@Maybemable

My 10 year old daughter Martha, wants to know who your favourite DOAWK character is? And which of the books is your favourite?

My favourite character is Rowley and my favourite book is the 9th!

I agree flight is a great super power! My name is Eph.Thank you very much you are the best author ever!!!😀 great to webchat with you bye!😉

@TheCountessofFitzdotterel

Hello Jeff. My son would like to know why somebody doesn't put on gloves, move the cheese and then throw the gloves away?

Thank you for writing Wimpy Kid- it's brilliant.

We had cheese on our church playground. I have no idea why some kid didn't just kick it to the side.

And thank you!!!

Jeff, a question from 9 year old DD, how old were you when you wrote your first book?

@reallyneedmoresleep

Hello. I am a teacher of a year 3 & 4 class - we love the wimpy kids books and think they are hilarious.

Our best questions are:

1. Will Greg ever get on with his brothers?
2. How old were you when you started writing books?
3. What do you do when you are stuck for ideas?

Thank you!

3.

Thank you!!

I don't think Greg will ever get on with his brothers... they're siblings, after all!

I started writing Diary of a Wimpy Kid when I was 28.

I'm always stuck for ideas! But long walks help... sometimes!

@AlbusPotter

I have a question!! What does the pet pig get up to while Greg is not writing in his diary? From my daughter age 9- She came to see you Jeff in 2013 when Hard Luck was published at an event in Birmingham UK- it was brilliant!

Good question about the pig! Thank you so much for seeing me in Birmingham!!

Hi again Jeff, my daughter is very pleased you answered her question and she says she hopes you are enjoying your trip to London .

@SamuelK

Hi Jeff this is Sam, my mum has namechanged for this.

I am 9 years old and my favourite character is Roderick because I like the way he bugs his brother.

I would like to know; are your stories based on your own experiences?

Thanks, Sam

Yes, many of the stories are based on something that happened in real life! I'm glad you like Rodrick... he needs some love!

@SeptemberSarah

Hi Jeff My 8 year old son is a massive fan of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. He was given a boxset of your books last Christmas and they triggered his love of reading - so thank you!

His question is: "How do you come up with the names of your characters?"

Thank you

Awesome!! I came up with the names based on the way I thought the characters should sound. For example, Rodrick is a hard-sounding name for a tough rock 'n' roll kid!

@Chilimama

Hi Jeff

I love your boooookkkksssss!!! I have read every book over and over again and really loved Old School.

My question is what will the next book be? plus I would like to know how to get my own book published because I've written lots of comic books.

From Poppy (Age 9)

Thank you!!! I'm not sure what the next book will be... I'm thinking about it a lot now! The best way to get published is to find an agent, which can be hard! But you can always post on your parents' FaceBook page and get instant feedback!

@reallyneedmoresleep

could you add another funny toddler in a future book please says my 11 year old son.

Oh boy, that would mean Mom would have to be pregnant. Not sure if she's up for that!

Thanks for answering my question. I hope more people like Rodrick in the future!

@TinaMumsnet

Hi Jeff, Welcome to Mumsnet! We’re so pleased that you’re able to join us tonight. There are loads of great questions on the thread already but I'd like to kick off with the questions we ask all the authors that join us:

What childhood book most inspired you?
What would be the first piece of advice you would give to anyone attempting to write fiction?
What would be the first piece of advice you would give to anyone attempting to write fiction?
And the best you've received?

Over to you...

Childhood book: Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Advice: Read lots, and to start, copy someone else's style... it'll help you understand how it's done!
Best advice: Well done is better than well said. Don't tell anyone you're writing a book, just do it!

@subzerotemp

Hi Jeff My 8yo daughter is crazy about Wimpy Kid! In fact we were just watching the movie yesterday after school ! (Just a teeny bit) The character is like the best is Rodrik! He's absolutely funny!

My questions are:
Are any of Greg's experiences really your own life experiences? Which one do you find the most hilarious?
How old could Greg grow up to be by the end of the series? It would be interesting to see if he actually fulfils his dreams to be a celebrity

Thanks

Thank you!! Yes, many of the stories have elements of truth to them. I like the story where Greg creates a giant snowball... I did that with my friend! I'm not sure Greg should ever get to be rich and famous... does he really deserve that?

@SamuelK

Hi, really pleased you arrived. We were waiting for you.

This is my second question.

Where do you do your writing?

Sam

I do most of my writing above my bookstore in Massachusetts!

@mawbroon

My 10 year old son doesn't have a question, but wanted me to tell you that he loves the Wimpy Kid books.

They also seem to have taken on "cheesetouch" and use that instead of saying "tig"

That's so funny! Say hi to your son!

@SwedishEdith

Hello Jeff

My 10 year old loves your books. And we love Rowley. What do you think the future holds for him?

Thank you! I think Rowley will grow up to be a happy, well-adjusted adult!

@MrsHart

My son would like to know how long it takes Jeff to write a book? Thanks

It takes me nine months from end to end!

@mvdgdad

Hi Just registered

My 7 year old son wanted to know where did Fregly come from he is my favourite.

PS My Mum and Dad love Uncle Gary!

I made Fregley up, but I think everyone knows someone like him! I'm glad your parents like Uncle Gary... I do too!

Thank you! And she's thrilled at the news of 10 more books as well

@tupperwaretowers

Jeff, a question from 9 year old DD, how old were you when you wrote your first book?

I started writing when I was 28!

Thank you so much everyone! I really had fun. Thanks for asking such great questions!!

I have another question for you, Jeff. Did you have any friends at school like Greg or rowley when you were younger?

Well I'm afraid that's all we have time for tonight. I have LOVED this webchat, thanks so much for joining us JeffKinney, and thanks to everyone who posted questions. Goodnight!