Taking care of the writing by taking care of the writer
Our Story
Instructive Companionship
The path from idea to final draft involves acts of imagination, honesty, precision, and revision. At the core of our practice are the instructive interactions we design to inspire and align these acts.
Creative Insight
Each Hillside coach is an accomplished writer, teacher, and editor responsive to the emotional experiences of writing. We model close attention and honest self-reflection.
Ways to Work with Hillside
Our coaching services reflect our belief in writing as a lifelong pursuit.
Our support for college-app writers ranges from single exploratory sessions to comprehensive one-on-one courses. We also support other applicants.
We cultivate a lively and imaginative artistic connection that is serious about pursuing the art of writing with fun and inventive approaches.
Whether providing a new writer with instruction and inspiration or an established author with feedback and direction, we uncover opportunities for progress.
In live talks, webinars, and junior class workshops, founder Allan Reeder opens fresh ways of seeing and thinking for students embarking on college-app writing.
What Clients Are Writing About Hillside Support
I was blown away by what Hillside helped my son to accomplish. I wasn't privy to anything but the final work. His essay really captures his personality. I almost had tears reading it. He is not a kid who uses superlatives, but he raved about the assistance and advice. I can't thank you enough for all your help.Parent, Newbury, MA
Thank you so much for all of your help, support, and encouragement in this challenging time for me. It meant a lot to know that you believed in me and in what I had to say. I will always laugh at that pessimistic kid who said he did not have anything to write about.Student, Lexington, MA
I really appreciate your focus on process. You've encouraged my daughter to slow down, and in doing so allowed space for reflection and self-discovery. I think that with teenagers, especially girls, the tendency is to deflect attention away from yourself. Looking inward is inherently more challenging.Parent, Sudbury, MA
You’ve been an invaluable mentor, kindling in me a passion not only for words but also for the often overlooked images in daily life and complexities in characters. Thank you for your meticulous and innovative coaching!Writer, Los Angeles, CA
My daughter had never had such one-on-one instruction, and I think your very thoughtful, gentle, and inquisitive approach to helping her express herself was a tremendous gift to give her. You always made her feel that her thoughts and impressions were important. I'm so thankful for the attention you paid.Parent, Wellesley, MA
Our son feels that his writing has improved enormously from working with you. His confidence has certainly been boosted. What a great experience for him!Parent, Belmont, MA
Seeking support for a college applicant?
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The Latest from Hillside
Leave the Story Open (and the Window Closed)
The first thing she saw was the open kitchen cupboards. Then she heard a crunch underfoot: cat kibble strewn all over the mustard-tiled floor. The kitchen drawers were rifled, containers of cereal overturned; the coffee cake she’d bought (but pretended to make) for her mother’s visit that day had a bite taken right out of the middle. She looked up and saw the window — which opened onto a fire escape — ajar, her dish towel blowing slightly in the breeze. And she knew, with a shiver, that she had a problem.
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Diving Deep
I once helped a college applicant who wrote beautifully about a terrible place to swim. It was a stretch of bay marked by strong currents, stinging sea lice, and a pungent smell when the tide stole the water altogether.
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The Other Side of the Desk
I’ve always known how overwhelming the college application process can be, but this is the first time I’ve experienced it firsthand with my own child. I’m continually struck by the level of accompanying stress, but what I didn’t see coming? The stress I would feel as her parent.
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