"Jim Hayes got me thinking hard about my own writing, flaws and all, for the first time in years. I've grown too accustomed to pounding out 'writerly' pieces that my editors like, my colleagues like, not reaching any farther than I have to. Jim helped me deconstruct a feature that had seemed lyrical but in retrospect was brimming with cliches and tangled phrases. He gently reminded me of the power of simple sentences. He got me excited about writing again. " -- Environmental writer

"Jim Hayes taught me that fat kills. Jim Hayes taught me that I concentrate at 80% when I think I'm concentrating at 90%. Jim Hayes taught me that no matter how high-level you think your skills are, you can't take them for granted. Jim Hayes is to journalism what spring training is to baseball and two-a-days are to football. Jim Hayes is that little voice in your head reminding you: 'Good...but not good enough.' "-- Metro editor

"Jim Hayes taught me that good writing is clear thinking. Organize your thoughts, choose your words carefully, and the story will follow. And -- most importantly -- have the courage to write it for all it's worth. I spent many an hour at the San Luis Obispo Telegram -Tribune watching Jim perform his magic, challenging reporters to understand their material and then prodding them to creative heights they surely never imagined. I choose to think my true education occurred in those early morning sessions. '" -- Bureau chief

"Jim Hayes will force you to write with all your senses. He will prod you to dredge up textures and smells and sounds that never made it into your notebook, but were instead tucked away in the recesses of your brain. Then he will serve as your cheerleader, guidance counselor and coach, helping you to work those memories into prose that is richer and fuller than anything you thought you were capable of. " --- Medical writer

"A writing session with Jim Hayes is both intense and invigorating. I recommend it highly. You leave Los Osos remembering why you wanted into this journalism business in the first place. " -- Business writer