I just have to share these. They really hit home the reason I do what I do, and hopefully you can relate.

Hello Christopher Hopkins, I've never written to an author before but after finishing your book, Staging Your Comeback, I had to let you know how much I enjoyed a book that was not only full of valuable information but also written with a little crazy humor!

Over the years I've read a zillion books on make-up and fashion but now that I'm in my fifties (how did that happen so fast?) I realize I need to re-learn what I thought I knew and re-adjust what I thought worked. (If Madonna can transform herself so many times why can't I?) So, while I was not starting at zero in many ways, I still needed to be reminded of some of the basics that have gotten blurry over the years. In addition, you provided some cool new thoughts that I've added to my new me.

And, thank you again for a writing style that is to the point but takes the time to have a little fun along the way. There were several instances when I nearly fell out of my chair with laughter!

Good job!

Best wishes, TB, a new fan in Ada, Ohio

Hi Christopher,

You genius, you! How did you know that at 43, I’d put my children first for so many years, and that my home-based freelance writing business allowed me to sink into a state of comfortable pigginess?

Your book allowed me to remember what it felt like to take the time and effort to say to the world, “Hey, here I am!” I really had let the passing years fade the memory; it was a very natural slide to invisibility.

But now, with both our sons in college, my limp hair longer than it should be, my makeup drawer outdated and unused, and 20 pounds from somewhere (oh, that would be the pigginess) cushioning my frame, I don’t know where to start!

But, I’ve got still got the assets (so to speak). At 5’10” and with pale skin and dramatic dark hair and eyes, I remember there was a stunning woman in there. But still, I believe my beauty lies in my confidence, passion, intellect, and general love of life. And that’s why I adore your book so much: you recognize that a woman’s beauty and allure “comes from within,” with plenty of expert “help from without.”

So – I want to be a make-over subject for you. Are you writing a sequel? Starting your own TV show? Need make-over candidates for your speaking engagements? I know there are plenty of good make-over artists around, but I want you. Because you get it.

And you’re a sharp businessman; aging baby boomer women will part with bags of money for your advice. And you’re witty, a talented writer, and most of all sincere. Boy, you sell yourself. I’m sold.

OK, enough love. Can I be a make-over candidate? I can email you some before pics!

But most of all, thank you. Somehow, over the years, I had forgotten that I was worth that effort.

You rock my world!

Kelli
Wilmington, NC

I lost my virginity yesterday. To the world of television hosting. I've done a TV show or two, but yesterday, October 13th, marked my first venture into actually hosting a live television show. Totally different scene.

When head producer from Twin Cities Live asked me if I had ever read a teleprompter, as she was nodding like "say yes, because we don't have time to go over it," I said. "yes." And I have. I've read a million teleprompters ... but never out loud. I figured we'd run through it, and was waiting, but alas, we didn't, it was live, and there was no going back.

I also learned that a word could be cut off in the middle while reading a teleprompter. Which is why I thought I was talking about a hospital named Brea St. Cancer..., but it turned out I was supposed to say Breast Cancer. Oops.

It was fun, though, and a baptism by fire experience I'd gladly do again.

You can check it out here.

Click "Christopher Hopkins" for the opening segment.