workshop Archives - Being in the Shadow

I’ve been chasing total eclipses for over 20 years. While waiting for each chase, I usually channel my energies into community eclipse planning and working behind-the-scenes on projects for future eclipses.

Despite living in Australia, I am a member of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) Solar Eclipse Task Force, which is the key supporting organization for solar eclipse planning across the US. We have been meeting via Zoom regularly and are working towards future eclipse coordination in the US.

Plans are now ramping up in preparation for the next total solar eclipse visible across the US, including Mexico and Canada, on 8 April 2024. If you thought the ‘Great American Eclipse of 2017’ was huge, then be aware that was just the warm-up. With so much more awareness, the ‘Greater North American Total Solar Eclipse of 2024’ is going to be huge! And an added bonus – an annular (‘ring’) solar eclipse will be visible across the US and parts of Mexico the year before, on 14 October 2023. Make sure to mark these dates in your diary.

This means community eclipse planning needs to start NOW for all communities who find themselves in the Moon’s shadow in 2023 and/or 2024.

To help you with this, the AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force is hosting the next planning weekend workshop via Zoom on Friday and Saturday, 9 and 10 April 2021, to coincide with the three-year countdown to the total eclipse in 2024. This online workshop will be of interest to anyone who needs to be involved in preparations for these two solar eclipses, and there is a great line-up of experienced presenters who are keen to support you. Day 1 of the workshop will provide a detailed overview of these solar eclipse opportunities across the US, and guidance about eye safety. Day 2 of the workshop is dedicated to eclipse planning. I will be delivering a presentation on community eclipse planning on Day 2, and then taking part in a panel discussion on the topic that will also feature others who will be sharing their planning experience from 2017.

There is a low fee of $20 to take part in the weekend workshop. Please CLICK HERE for more detailed information, any questions, and to register your attendance. If you cannot attend this workshop, then make sure to still link in with the Eclipse Task Force to be kept informed of future planning workshops.

I’ve been guiding and researching community eclipse planning for many years now, and my top three nuggets of advice based upon my own direct experience and the many, many hindsight interviews I have done after each eclipse: start planning early; focus on the community; and consult with eclipse experts. This workshop will help you get started – you will be warmly welcomed by the Solar Eclipse Task Force, and you will have an opportunity to connect with others who are also starting out with their planning too. I look forward to seeing you there.

Photo/Paul McErlane — Attending the launch of your first book – the most amazing experience

I had the idea for writing a book about my passion of eclipse chasing for many years. Many of my family and friends nagged me about it, saying that I should write about my eclipse chasing adventures. The idea was always there, in the back of my mind. But I always had doubts, or felt it wasn’t something I could do as I didn’t have the time. I just didn’t really prioritise the idea of writing a book.

This changed in September 2010, when I attended a one day writers workshop run by a local author. That was the day that I really took thinking about ‘the book’ seriously. I was able to spend time thinking about what it would look like, why I would write, and what I would get out of it. I learned so much by actually verbalising my thoughts about my idea. I also found listening to others who were in a similar situation very inspiring. My mind went into overdrive with ideas, and by the end of the day I bounded home from the workshop, feeling full of inspiration and energy, with a clear sense of how the book should be put together. From that moment on, it all flowed freely and it was like I was ‘driven’ to write.

Three months later, I had a book contract with a major publishing company to write my first book. And a year after that, I submitted my first book – I had become an author. I am now currently writing my second book, and I feel extremely motivated to continue writing for a long time. It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

I have published as an academic; I have written three different theses for my honors, masters and doctoral degrees. But there is something very special about having written and published a book about something you are passionate about. I still feel like I should pinch myself sometimes. For me, attending a writers workshop was the key that got the whole process started.

I really enjoy helping others begin this journey for themselves. I run workshops all the time in my day job as a Clinical Psychologist. I teach doctoral level students. I supervise research. I write academic papers. I run small classes. I coordinate a research discussion group. I also teach motivational interviewing to medical professionals, and those living with chronic illness. I teach communication skills. I help people change their lives for the better. I encourage people to live authentic lives. Workshops are what I do. I believe I have quite a unique set of skills to offer to first time writers. So, I aim to run workshops on a semi-regular basis wherever I am in order to inspire others to follow their passion and start writing. See Events for more details. It just feels like a great way of giving something back.

Tag: workshop

Community Eclipse Planning – Zoom workshop 9-10 April 2021

Being an author – and giving something back