Exploring Faith, Courage, and the Untold Women Behind American Liberty
In this exclusive Writers and Authors interview, we sit down with Margaret Cotton, author of The Radiance of Grace, a powerful historical narrative that brings to life the extraordinary courage and faith of three overlooked women who helped shape the foundations of American liberty.
📖 The Radiance of Grace is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dQPeZD
🌐 Visit the author: https://www.mjcottonbooks.com
✍️ Writers and Authors: What first inspired you to tell the story of Mary Dyer, Katherine Scott, and Anne Hutchinson?
Margaret Cotton:
It began with a simple moment—pulling a book from a library shelf instead of pushing it back. That small decision sparked a cascade of events and an insatiable curiosity about women’s religious leadership in colonial Boston.
Shortly after, I was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities independent study grant, which allowed me to dive deeper into the lives of Anne Hutchinson and Mary Dyer. As I researched, I realized something was missing—no one had truly explored the power of their friendship.
These women endured unimaginable trials, yet their loyalty, grace, and faith bound them together. Over decades of research, they became companions to me, and eventually, I knew their voices deserved to be heard.
✍️ Writers and Authors: Was there a defining moment when you knew this story had to be written?
Margaret Cotton:
Yes—one unforgettable courtroom moment.
After Anne Hutchinson was condemned and publicly rebuked, a young woman rose, walked forward, and took her hand. Together, they walked out. That woman was Mary Dyer.
Anne’s final words echoed: “Better to be cast out of the church than to deny God.”
That moment stunned me. I needed to understand the depth of their bond and the courage it took to stand together in defiance. From that point on, the story began to take shape.
✍️ Writers and Authors: You paused this project for nearly twenty years. What brought you back?
Margaret Cotton:
Life has seasons. When I first attempted the book, everything felt overwhelming—family transitions, career changes, and even the loss of my research when my laptop was stolen.
Years later, after writing my first book (Raised!), I gained confidence in my ability to tell stories with both truth and imagination. Personal loss and life experience shifted my priorities.
In 2023, I returned to the research—and this time, everything flowed. The timing finally felt right.
✍️ Writers and Authors: Why is this story so important to understanding American liberty?
Margaret Cotton:
These women lived more than 150 years before the Constitution, yet their questions and sacrifices laid the groundwork for what would become the First Amendment.
Their courage contributed to pivotal developments like the Rhode Island Charter of 1663, which offered unprecedented religious freedom.
Their story reminds us that liberty wasn’t simply granted—it was earned through sacrifice, often by voices history overlooked.
👩🦳 Women Who Changed History
✍️ Writers and Authors: What qualities in these women resonated most with you?
Margaret Cotton:
Their friendship. Without question.
They faced banishment, imprisonment, and even death—but together, they transformed despair into purpose, resilience, and reform. They embraced forgiveness, faith, and the courage to challenge injustice.
Their strength wasn’t just in defiance—it was in love, loyalty, and conviction.
✍️ Writers and Authors: Anne Hutchinson’s words still resonate today. Why?
Margaret Cotton:
Her belief in a personal relationship with God challenged the very structure of authority in her time.
Even today, we wrestle with the balance between institutional authority and individual conscience. Her words force us to ask: Where does true authority come from?
✍️ Writers and Authors: What do their lives teach us about courage?
Margaret Cotton:
That courage is deeply personal.
Readers take different lessons from their stories, but one truth remains: freedom is not self-evident—it comes at a cost. These women remind us that resilience, compassion, and conviction can shape the future.
📚 Writing History with Heart
✍️ Writers and Authors: How did you balance historical accuracy with storytelling?
Margaret Cotton:
Carefully—and respectfully.
I relied on trial records, letters, journals, and firsthand accounts. About 95% of the dialogue and behaviors are grounded in documented sources.
But where history was silent—especially regarding the women’s relationships—I used informed imagination to bring their humanity and connection to life.
✍️ Writers and Authors: Was there a document that deeply influenced the narrative?
Margaret Cotton:
Absolutely—the trial transcripts.
They revealed personality, wit, and courage in ways nothing else could. Those records were invaluable in shaping authentic voices.
✍️ Writers and Authors: How did you approach emotionally powerful scenes?
Margaret Cotton:
I immersed myself completely—reading transcripts, then stepping away to reflect and pray.
When I returned, the words flowed almost unexpectedly. It felt less like writing and more like witnessing.
🌟 Themes That Still Matter Today
✍️ Writers and Authors: Why is freedom of conscience still relevant?
Margaret Cotton:
Because it defines how we relate to faith, belief, and even each other.
Free will—including the freedom to believe or not—is a precious gift. These women remind us that protecting that freedom requires vigilance and courage.
✍️ Writers and Authors: How did faith shape their actions?
Margaret Cotton:
Their faith wasn’t passive—it was active, guiding their decisions even in the face of death.
They believed deeply that “all is well, or will be soon.” That conviction gave them strength beyond circumstance.
🎨 About the Book Cover
✍️ Writers and Authors: What does the cover represent?
Margaret Cotton:
The time period, the courtroom trials, and most importantly—connection.
The hands held symbolize the strength of relationships during adversity.
✍️ Writers and Authors: What feeling do you hope readers get from it?
Margaret Cotton:
Courage and hope.
This is not a dark story—it’s ultimately uplifting.
📖 For Readers
✍️ Writers and Authors: Who has responded most strongly to the book?
Margaret Cotton:
Historical fiction readers, along with organizations focused on women’s history. Churches have also been incredibly welcoming.
✍️ Writers and Authors: Why rediscover this story now?
Margaret Cotton:
Because it matters—right now.
We are still grappling with questions of freedom, leadership, and equality. These women’s stories remind us that progress requires courage from all—men and women alike.
✍️ Writers and Authors: What do you hope readers take away?
Margaret Cotton:
I hope they pause, reflect, and feel inspired.
We don’t need perfect conditions to live meaningful lives. Joy, purpose, and courage are available—even in the hardest seasons.
💬 Final Reflections
✍️ Writers and Authors: Has this journey changed you?
Margaret Cotton:
Absolutely.
These women showed me what courage and faith truly cost. I hope I would have the same strength if called upon—but like them, I trust that each day brings enough grace for what lies ahead.
📚 Discover the Story
If you’re drawn to powerful women’s stories, faith-driven courage, and the hidden roots of American liberty, The Radiance of Grace is a must-read.
👉 Get your copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dQPeZD
👉 Learn more: https://www.mjcottonbooks.com
