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"I don’t change the facts to enhance the drama. I think of it the other way round, the drama has got to fit the facts,
and it’s your job as a writer to find the shape in real life."
Hilary Mantel


Jul 22, 2016

Characters in Motion Series spotlights A Pledge of Better Times


I'm featured at the wonderful Layered Pages blog, sharing insights about the characters in A Pledge of Better Times.

My thanks to Stephanie for some wonderful interview questions for this series! I've so enjoyed reading other authors' contributions and highly recommend them.

Characters in Motion: Bestselling Author Margaret Porter


Jul 15, 2016

Monmouth's Execution Anniversary & More



 On this date in 1685, the Duke of Monmouth--a half-brother of my protagonist the Duke of St Albans--was executed on Tower Hill. Here is my article on the event for the English Historical Fiction Authors blog:

An Execution Timeline: The Duke of Monmouth's Last Days

It is the second time I've written in detail about this gruesome event, also depicted in A Pledge of Better Times.

Here are links to other history blogs I've written lately:


Playing the Provinces: 18th Century Actors on the Move, Part 1 (Liverpool & Manchester)

Playing the Provinces: 18th Century Actors on the Move, Part 2 (York, Bristol & Bath)

The Tragic Tragedian: William Brereton of Drury Lane

The Herbal in England: A Brief History