Projects

Fundraising Success Stories

Story Machine has supported talented writers and artists to access funding and create new work. Find out more about them here. Usha Rowan is a former English teacher who received National Lottery Project Grant funding from Arts Council England to write her first novel, Milkman’s Son, which is set in Read more
By Sam Ruddock, ago

Amarantha Live

Welcome to Amarantha, where the queen is dead and Lyria’s voice has disappeared. Story Machine and E. R. Traina present a unique reading and music event bringing E. R. Traina’s debut novel to life. About Amarantha Live Amarantha comes to life through live reading and performance. Performed live by a Read more
By Sam Ruddock, ago

Read Lighthouse Journal

Lighthouse Journal is available in print and electronic format. New issues are printed as a limited run of 150 copies. When these sell out, Lighthouse is available to download as a PDF. Get your copy today from the links below. Lighthouse 30: The Neurodiversity Issue – Spring 2026 Lighthouse 29: Read more
By Sam Ruddock, ago

Ice Diaries with Jean McNeil

What do we stand to lose in a world without ice? Jean McNeil presents her Ice Diaries in an immersive event for four people at a time. Jean McNeil invites you to warm up with a cuppa in this Antarctic refuge to hear about her months in the Antarctic. Jean Read more
By Sam Ruddock, ago

Lean Fall Stand /_| with Jon McGregor

In 2004, Jon McGregor set out for a small field hut in the Antarctic, as part of a writing residency supported by the British Antarctic Survey. He never made it there, and spent the next seventeen years trying to write a novel about the experience.  In Lean Fall Stand, a team of Read more
By Sam Ruddock, ago

Tips and Articles

Strengthen Your Arts Council Application by Sam Ruddock The Art of the Grant by Sandra JensenHow to Get Arts Council Funding to Finish Your Book Writing When Ill by Sandra JensenTools for writing, no matter what! Ask an Author by Sandra JensenYou asked questions about completing your writing project. And Read more
By Sam Ruddock, ago

Mentoring and Industry Advice

Mentoring Do you have an idea you want to talk through? An extract you’d like impartial feedback on? Guidance to help you make your work the best it can be? Mentoring is a great starting place to help you make the most of your writing. Working one-to-one, mentoring focusses on Read more
By Sam Ruddock, ago

Coaching

Powering Up Your Confidence Coaching will help you feel confident and ambitious in everything you do. We will help you overcome obstacles, identify and clarify your goals, and develop the plans and structures to achieve them. Story Machine provide a productive, focused, and supported space for you to explore your Read more
By Sam Ruddock, ago

Editorial Support

Your writing, turbocharged. Before you send your manuscript out to agents. Before you start looking for publishers. Get a manuscript assessment or full edit to ensure your book is polished and ready. Your writing deserves an editor who cares Investing in working with an editor can give you the best Read more
By Sam Ruddock, ago