I write in reverse: Rather than come up with a narrative and write jokes for that narrative, I write jokes independently of the narrative, then I try to fit them in.

I write for kids because I think the most interesting (and most humorous) stories come from people's childhoods. When I was writing 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid,' I had a blast talking on the phone to my younger brother, Patrick, remembering all of the things that happened to our family when we were growing up.

I grew up in an environment of jokes and sarcasm and puns. I talk that way, so I write that way.

I think if everyone would write down the funny stories from their own childhoods, the world would be a better place.

I write - and then I write some more.

Sometimes I write captions on the in-flight magazines and then replace them in the seat pocket.