The Presse

The Professor's Secrets Helps People With Their Writing

Lindsay MacIntosh

So many young people and adults have great thoughts, but have problems writing them in a coherent manner. Consequently, students have difficulty writing clear essays and, as a result, aren't getting the top marks. Similarly, employees often can't write effective memos and letters that will impress their employers and clients. And yet everyone understands that writing skills are so valuable in a person's lifetime.

Now there appears to be a solution. The Professor's Secrets: Breaking the Silence -- How to Write Essays and Term Papers by Professor Bernie Gaidosch is a new book that takes the "mystery" out of the writing process not only for students, but for all writers.

Bernie has taught writing at colleges and universities since 1976 and sees his book as a way to help writers everywhere. "That's why I wrote the book", he says. "I wanted to take away the fear associated with writing and give confidence to people who want to write better."

Bernie is well aware of the challenges people face to become good writers. As a child of immigrant parents, in the early 1950s he learned English as a second language by watching television and reading books and comics. He knows firsthand of the pain and dislocation people can feel when it comes to not being able to express themselves as they want to. Through it all, he was determined to learn his new language as well as possible - to the point that he now has an M.A., B.A. (Hons.), and a Ph.D. in medias res and is a highly-respected English professor.

As a writing skills expert who has taught thousands of students -- and mentored teachers and professors in writing - Bernie wrote The Professor's Secrets to reach as many people as possible. "In my book," he says, "I show students what their teachers and professors look for when reading their essays. The book is written in plain language and uses examples from everyday situations that make it easy to read. As well, I've used references to the Rolling Stones and TV shows like "Law & Order" that make it a user friendly guide for the whole family."

In his book, Bernie summarizes the approach he uses in his seminars -- so those who haven't taken his workshops can still benefit. Students can now refer to this easy-to-follow guide and parents who are looking for something that can help their children have a useful resource.

The chapters in the book are set up in a clear format that starts with a view of writing in everyday terms. "I show people how an essay response to an essay topic is like a simple answer to an ordinary question, and how even a one-sentence answer provides a useful opening to build on. This is a basic approach that lets people use their everyday experience in answering questions as a means of building their confidence in the writing process," says Bernie.

"For example, an imaginary conversation between two students about the Rolling Stones as a favorite rock band becomes the launching point for one of them to later go away and write an article about them -- readers follow this short process through and they make the connection between thinking and writing quite easily," he says.

As with this case, one of the book's best features is that it always backs up its theory with practical examples. For instance, in something that many people might overlook, Bernie recommends tackling the conclusion of an essay first - moving from the end to the beginning -- and then writing the body and introduction. As well, it is full of sample "grade A" student essays that give readers practical guidelines for their own writing.

"The feedback I've had to this approach in seminars and workshops has been hugely positive," says Bernie. "I've had students in high school, night school, college, university and even post-graduate studies say they feel relieved about their writing after they heard this approach. And people in the workforce who wanted to get a job or improve their chances for career promotion say they now write more effective memos and reports."

"Some of them have said things like 'Where was something like this 10 or 20 years ago when I was in school?' or 'I used this technique and now I'm more confident in the writing I do for my job.'"

Bernie stresses that The Professor's Secrets is of great value to any student from high school on - and of course for people in the workforce.

Since he did not want this unique book to get lost in a sea of books in the bookstores, Bernie decided to make it available only from him directly through the mail. His toll-free number to order the book is
1-877- 439-3999.

Bernie has also written a study tips and exam writing brochure that he's including at no extra cost with every book.

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