about the author
Jackie Hooper
Author of The Things You Would Have Said
At 23 years of age, Jackie Hooper created a writing project called The Things You Would Have Said. Inspired by the sudden death of actress Natasha Richardson, she began asking people to write a letter to someone in their lives, saying something they have always wanted to say but never did or could. Jackie began collecting letters by making presentations to local community groups such as schools, retirement homes, shelters, and rehabilitation centers. She then decided to create a website to showcase the letters she was receiving, posting one new letter each day. As the website grew, with articles written about it in national publications such as USA Today and CNN.com, she was able to receive letters from people she wouldn’t have otherwise reached. Now, at 25, a collection of some of the most memorable and heart-wrenching letters will be published in March 2012, and Jackie is speaking about the insight and lessons she has learned from reading thousands of letters from strangers. Jackie continues to run her blog, www.wouldhavesaid.com, and lives in Portland, Oregon with her fiancé.
Learn more about this speakerFeatured Book
The Things You Would Have Said
A collection of extraordinary letters expressing the joys, sorrows, and surprises of ordinary lives.
Coming from Hudson Street Press in March 2012.
Speaking Topics — Jackie Hooper
The following themes are discussed in Jackie’s speech as she talks about her journey with The Things You Would Have Said.
Let others inspire you
After a music business dream turned sour, a college transfer and city relocation, an unused Education degree, and a legal assistant “career” at her father’s law office while living at her parents’ house with her boyfriend, Jackie understood all too well how difficult it can be to find your way in life. However, at 23, after being deeply moved by the death of actress Natasha Richardson and asking thousands of strangers a simple question as a result, she has now translated that emotion and curiosity into a popular blog, a published book, and a life coach and motivational speaking career, all full of passion and purpose. When we allow the world to affect us, letting others’ life stories shake up our souls in meaningful ways, it can lead us down a path we never realized we were meant to take.
The culture of communication
Jackie has collected thousands of letters from strangers, addressing what people would have said to someone if given another chance. Through this project, Jackie has learned about the societal paradox of people not speaking out but having an incessant need to share, and the impact it has on our mental and emotional wellness. Explore the project’s themes of communication, how we deal with unexpected loss, and the struggle we face when living in a world that doesn’t allow us the proper space and support to grieve naturally.
A New Way of Living
Reading letters about regret and untaken chances has made it evident that we often wait to speak or act until it is too late. Explore the ways the project has given Jackie and others an appreciative and humble new perspective, realizing that right now is the only time we have to make something happen. Address the “What now?” after we discover missed opportunities, learning how to move forward in life and rediscover the importance of living without taking our loved ones for granted.
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