ADVANCE compiles guide to writing resources, announces writing groups and support
It’s always challenging to make progress on your writing during the semester, and it is even more difficult during times of change and stress. ADVANCE and the Faculty Research Development Office (FRDO) are collaborating to develop and promote in-person and on-line writing accountability support and to let you know about available tools and resources. We’ll be updating this page as we add partners and learn about other opportunities.
Have a writing resource you like? Email advance at unm dot edu to let us know.
Grant writing consultations with FRDO
FRDO now offers grant writing consultations!
Each 1-on-1 session lasts an hour and is held virtually. Participants are asked to sign-up and upload a writing sample at least 48 hours before their session to give consultants time for a comprehensive analysis. Each consultation is a collaboration aimed at making your proposals more competitive regardless of where you are in the process. Our only goal is to help you succeed! Email frdo@unm.edu with questions.
The sessions are meant to help with a variety of situations.
— Are you just starting out? Let’s talk strategy.
— Was your grant declined or terminated? Plan your resubmission.
— Are you confused by the solicitation? Find clarity.
— Do you need to write for a general audience? Think about translation.
— Have you written a narrative that’s accurate but not compelling? Craft persuasion.
Sign up for a session.
Spring 2026 writing groups at ADVANCE (and online)
Save the dates for upcoming hybrid writing retreats hosted by ADVANCE at UNM and FRDO on Jan. 13 and 14, and March 17 and 18. We’ve scheduled these for times when UNM classes aren’t in session but local public K-12 schools are in session.
The tentative schedule includes:
9:00 – 9:30 – Introductions. What are you working on today?
9:30 – 10:50 – Writing/work session 1
10:50 – 11:10 – Break
11:10 – 12:30 – Writing/work session 2
12:30 – 1:30 – Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 – Writing/work session 3
We’ll keep track of time so you can just write, and ADVANCE and FRDO will provide
lunch and snacks both days (if you’re attending in-person). People can come and go as
their schedules require.
If you think you might want to participate (in-person or by Zoom) please fill out our
extremely short form for January dates or this form for March. You can also RSVP “maybe” to help us make sure the snack count is accurate!
Other online writing groups
Focusmate offers three co-working sessions per week ranging from 25 to 75 minutes for people trying to make progress on writing or other types of tasks. Learn more.
The NCFDD offers ongoing 14-day writing challenges online. They take place for 30 minutes every weekday. Learn more.
Shut Up & Write is a non profit that offers free in person and online groups for between an hour and 90 minutes “whether you’re writing a novel, finishing a dissertation, or tackling daily creative work.” Sign up.
#100DaysOfWriting is a 100-day accountability challenge for academic writers hosted by behavioral scientist Margaret Echelbarger. Register.
Writing resources and support
AcWriMo, or Academic Writing Month, is usually November of each year.
Learn the basic history before you jump in. Then, check out this AcWriMo site, which lets you share accountability goals with writing buddies.
You can also find out more from a writing coach on how it works.
Writing-related tools and software
Trackbear, a free and simple writing tracker.
PaceMaker Planner, more complex progress tracker, offers a free and a premium/paid option.
ADVANCE at UNM writing-related workshop replays
In this virtual workshop Kristina Quynn, director of CSU Writes and Assistant Dean Graduate School at Colorado State University, gives tips on getting into good writing habits.
In this virtual workshop, Maria Lane, a professor of Geography and Environmental Studies at UNM, demonstrates how she works with Scrivener to streamline writing projects.