Last week, I traveled 2 hours north up to Atlantic Beach for a luncheon hosted by the Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer test. Based in Greensboro, their mission is to develop a biological test for early breast cancer detection, reducing the need for surgeries and treatments. 

This luncheon was combined with the promotion of "Single Girls: A Novel", written by author John Searles. Searles is mostly known for his physchological suspense stories, but decided to write outside his normal genre this time.

Single Girls is the story of Helen Gurley Brown, known for revamping and editing the Cosmopolotian magazine. In a mens world (even magazines marketed towards women were normally edited by men at that point in the 60's), she pivoted the way that women viewed themselves, learned about fashion, sex, and homelife. 

Also in participation was Kristy Woodson Harvey, an NC based writer who lives not far from Atlantic Beach. She is one of my current favorite authors and writes mostly southern fiction & romance. 

After a delightful lunch, we were able to hear a 45 min panel between Woodson- Harvey & Searles. They discussed Searles' life & career, especially the pivot to this type of genre versus another thriller novel. After working with Cosmopolitian Magazine for 23 years, Searles loved Helen Gurley Brown and wanted to tell her story + the revolution that she spawned.

This discussion led into touching on the many sensitive women's topcis that we even still struggle with today: the single girl and her view/ place in US culture and the empowerment that Helen brought forth with the changes to the magazine. Suddenly, the magazine wrote about sex, about birth control, and even how to divorce your husband! Of course, Helen didn't get credit for the many things she did to make this magazine a success until much later, because it was still a male dominated world. Unforunately, we know this still happens, even this many years later. 

Of course, Searles noted the book takes some liberties of things that didn't really happen, but there are a lot of key phrases and headlines that were from "real life", as he found various things when he researched the plot and outline. 

It was interesting to hear these two authors discuss the way that print and media has changed over the years as well, because we know that is the truth over here on Mommy's Block Party.  

Writing and online blogs are being pushed to the backburner for social media, much like print is being pushed for digital. 

I have to admit, I love digital when it comes to books & magazines. I don't have the space for books, have a small budget that often doesn't include printed literature, and definitely don't like to buy things I'm only going to read once. I utilize our library's libby app often, even if I have to request that hold for the fourth time because I couldn't get through it!

Yet, I decided to purchase Single Girls from the local bookstore present at the luncheon. One of the fun things is that while I was paying for my book, John came right up behind me and introduced himself, signing my book on the spot! 

His words were "so you don't have to wait in line after lunch is over." The man totally didn't have to do that, as I'm sure he had a million one things to do before the luncheon started. Of course, he asked me if I was local, and once I relayed that I was from Wilmington, about 2 hours south, and he said, I just came from Wilmington! 

Turns out, he spent the night in Wilmington after he traveled in from his tour stop in Greenville, SC, and because he was headed to Myrtle Beach the following day, that was a good resting place for him. It's really a small world...

So, here's a note: support small businesses! It's easy to order off Amazon, but its so nice to be able to support your local bookstores. Plus, you never know who you might meet, especially if you decide to attend a luncheon/ signing event in person! I wasn't sure if I was going to stay for the signing because, honestly, I hate rides, but was glad that he did see me buying his book! 

Also, take that drive and attend the luncheon/event with your favorite authors. I've been avoiding spending the funds on tickets a while (we have other authors come within driving distance to local bookstores for receptions, signings, etc), and I'm really glad I went to this luncheon. 

Not only did I learn a lot, but I was able to support an important cause too. We all know someone who has struggled with breast cancer in some way; whether it's waiting for the results of testing after check-ups, or someone who sucummbed to the disease. 

At age 43, with 40 being the earliest my insurance allows paid check-ups, I am glad there are projects like Earlier.Org; that strive to find testing so that we can detect earlier. As their bookmark states, "Most breast cancer is in the body five to eight years before it can be detected through current methods."  This means, if you can't receive your first mammogram until age 40, that you could have potentially had it since 35. Of course, know the BRCA gene helps, and there are jumps in research all the time, which is why projects like earlier.org exist.

Here is your PSA:

Go hear your favorite author.

Schedule your mammogram.

Support those causes that are special, worthy, and helpful in society.

Did you ever read Cosmopolitian Magazine? If so, what were some of your favorite articles/quizzes in it?