Jessica Hopper, author of The Girls’ Guide to Rocking, gets to play teen idol this summer as she tours the country administering girl power to future rock stars. May I submit her as a fitting role model for the slightly worn journalist as well? Hopper, who has been performing in bands since the age of 15, instructs aspiring girl bands how to turn their parents’ basement into a launching pad for the next Runaways. And for the struggling writer looking to avoid returning to that pad, Hopper’s career provides an equally handy guide. Start a beloved zine. Start your own publicity firm. Score a column in Punk Planet. Publish a widely anthologized takedown of emo dudes. Inform Ira Glass’ musical tastes on This American Life. Turn your nationwide book tour into the opening act for a rock show. Finally, get the call: Fox & Friends asking you to weigh in on the societal import of Miley Cyrus’ short shorts. Nail the interview. Sure, becoming the next Jessica Hopper looks about as easy as waking up as this century’s Joan Jett. But an aging girl can dream, right?

HOPPER READS AT 7 P.M. AT COMET PING PONG, 5037 CONNECTICUT AVE. NW. $3–$5. (202) 364-0404.