Adrian Wood tells it like it is.

Is she a stick-thin, cookie-cutter housewife with the picture-perfect family in tow? Absolutely not. And that’s why she writes.

She writes about the hard parts of having four children, one with special needs. She writes about body positivity, her take on information in the media and opinions on today’s political dilemmas.

Wood’s blog, “Tales of an Educated Debutante,” is a mash-up of all kinds of topics. An eastern North Carolina native, Wood recently began dabbling in the world of public speaking. Her latest stop is scheduled for Nov. 2 at the Washington Civic Center, as part of Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce’s The Gathering.

Catherine Glover, executive director at the Chamber, said organizers thought Wood would be a good fit for the ladies who attend. The Gathering is planned year after year to create a fun experience for women in the community with speakers who can relate to everyday life.

Is Wood the perfect mom? No way. “It’s strictly a volunteer position — there’s no pay, the hours suck, and you have to share your heart and wear it on your sleeve,” Wood wrote on her blog. “Being perfect just makes things harder.”

That kind of candor is what the Chamber hopes will attract attendees to The Gathering, not to mention the prospect of a laidback ladies’ night.

“It’s sponsored by Vidant Women’s Care. There will be different people and tables set up that, kind of, target women,” Glover said. “It’s just really a fun night out and to hear a great speaker.”

Glover said The Gathering is not solely a Chamber member event — it’s for all women in the area, Beaufort County and beyond.

“There’s a lot of people locally that follow her blog and her writing, and … she’s got eastern North Carolina roots,” Glover said. “She just touches on a lot of things that people, I think, have on their minds and are interested in. She kind of tells it how she sees it.”

Those who attend are also encouraged to donate items for use at the Open Door Community Center, a shelter that is in the works for women and children. Suggested items are listed on the tickets.

“It’s just something fun for the end of the year to kick off the holiday season,” Glover said.

Tickets for The Gathering are $30, and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of Carryout by Chrislyn. A cash bar will also be available. The Gathering is slated for Nov. 2, from 6-8 p.m. at the Washington Civic Center.

To purchase tickets, call the Chamber of Commerce at 252-946-9168.