I think humor is key [to a successful middle-grade novel]. Kids like to read for entertainment, and the best way to entertain kids is to make them laugh.
Jeff KinneyMy advice to authors would be to try to do something original rather than to try to anticipate what the market is looking for.
Jeff KinneyThe only reason I get out of bed at all on weekends is because eventually I can't stand the taste of my own breath any more.
Jeff Kinney