Feedback on Teaching

I often receive positive comments on the help I give aspiring writers through contest judging, paid critiques, and/or my workshops. The following are some comments I have received since I started teaching the workshops in 2001.

Jimmie's class made me see that writing fiction isn't just throwing words and ideas into an empty void and desperately hoping they coalesce into something intelligible. Through the structure of his class and the guidance of his suggestions, the novel that had been in the back of my mind for months is making its way onto paper (chapter eleven and still going strong!). As an added bonus, not only has my fiction writing improved, but the newspaper writing that I've been doing for years has gotten better, tighter, more professional.

I believe that anyone who wants to write can only make their life easier by taking Jimmie's course.

Jimmie Butler gives an exceptional workshop on the basics of writing fiction. I was able to take his techniques and suggestions and improve my manuscript to the point that it placed first in the Pikes Peak Writers Conference writing contest last year.

Jimmie Butler offers an indispensable education for writers in his writing seminars. I would not have published two books without the direct help Jimmie gave me. His classroom exercises and valuable handouts are unique and current. I know some established authors who would benefit from his tailored approach, thorough syllabus, and friendly teaching techniques. If you are serious about seeing your work in print, take Jimmie Butler's course.

Jim Roper, Colonel, USAF, Retired
Author of: Quoth the Raven and Aardvarks and Rangers

Jimmie Butler is the quintessential teacher. Not only does he understand the illusive creative process, but he's mastered the nuts and bolts of writing exciting commercial fiction. I learned more in Jimmie's eight-week class than I did in years of university classes (including the Iowa Writer's Workshop) and writing for publication. Jimmie delivers a lot more than he promises!

Jane McBee , a photojournalist who has written feature articles for numerous publications.

I appreciated how knowledgeable you are. You speak from experience and personal accomplishment. The emphasis on good writing and correct grammar is excellent. You are approachable, humorous, and witty - Loved the class!

Jimmie Butler is one great teacher. Well-prepared, terrific handouts, down to earth help. I couldn't ask for more. I bought all the books he recommended and read them. Never missed a session. I might have missed something important. It's the best course I've ever taken, including doctoral level work. I can't say enough good things about Jimmie Butler.
I didn't get shortchanged taking this course. I have developed much respect and admiration for this Colonel Jimmie H. Butler . Such a great writer, yet he holds his hand out to a bunch of beginners and helps us onto the first rung of the ladder.

I didn't know where to start. I have a lot more to learn, but this was a great beginning. I liked doing the exercises - very concrete. I liked your handouts. I will keep referring to them.

As a recent entrant in the Paul Gillette Memorial Writing Contest, I just wanted to thank for your efforts as judge. As usual, you went above and beyond. Your suggestions were invaluable and your praise (though I may not deserve it) heartening. It is obvious that you and the rest of the judges actually care about us poor souls who seem incapable of keeping our fingers off a keyboard.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to you for taking time that most certainly could have been devoted to your own work in order to provide me and all of the contestants the benefit of your accomplished learning. Rest assured that your advice and suggestions will be given the utmost consideration.

Jimmie Butler's writing class was instrumental in providing me with the insight and tools to improve my writing. The skills to evaluate my work and to see writing in a critical way were very helpful. However, it has made me very impatient with poorly-written novels--a welcome side effect.

Joni L. Freshman, DVM

Colorado Springs, CO