Rock, Paper, Swords! - the Historical Action and Adventure Podcast

In this end-of-year bonus episode, Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill reflect on the past year of reading, writing, and podcasting — and look ahead to what’s coming next.They discuss the books that shaped their thinking, Bernard Cornwell’s The Winter King, Tolkien, Roman history, Churchill biographies, audiobooks, and the reality of trying to finish novels before Christmas.A thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation for readers, writers, and anyone who loves historical fiction and historical adventure.🔗 Follow & support the podcast:https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords

A Christmas Mystery with a Twist! 🎄In this festive episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy sit down with author Gareth Rubin to discuss his unique "You Solve the Crime" novel, Murder at Christmas!Gareth dives into what it’s like to write a modern-day, Poirot-style mystery where the reader is tasked with solving the case. He also reveals the fascinating structural challenges behind his novel The Waterfall (a story within a story within a story) and shares his thoughts on the significant impact of AI on authors and the publishing world.Plus, hear the hosts' latest writing updates (first drafts, word counts, and editor emails) and their festive plans, including Christmas menus (goose and suckling pig!).Episode Highlights:Gareth Rubin on his "You Solve the Crime" murder mystery.The discussion on job losses for translators and illustrators due to AI.The secret behind the magician's disappearing box murder mystery.Matthew Harffy's experience at the Hans Zimmer and Gladiator live orchestra concerts.Links:Buy Gareth Rubin's book, Murder at Christmas: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781398543485All Rock, Paper, Swords! Links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsSupport the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcastLeave a Tip on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswordsKeywords & Hashtags:#GarethRubin #MurderAtChristmas #YouSolveTheCrime #RockPaperSwords #HistoricalFiction #JustinHill #MatthewHarffy #WritingTips #AIMurderMystery #ChristmasBooks #NewRelease #HistoricalPodcast #AuthorInterview

In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill welcome writer and academic Dr Victoria Whitworth to discuss her new book:The Book of Kells: Unlocking the EnigmaVictoria takes us deep into the world of early medieval art, manuscript culture, monastic life, and the enduring mystery behind one of the most iconic artefacts of the British Isles.From pigments and parchment to spiritual symbolism, cultural context, and the sheer strangeness of medieval creativity, this conversation blends history, art, storytelling, and humour.We also explore her research process, her time living in Orkney, how she approaches writing for academic and general audiences, and why The Book of Kells continues to fascinate historians, artists, and readers alike.🔍 In this episode:What makes The Book of Kells so uniqueThe strange, spiritual & playful imagery hidden in the manuscriptHow monks created vibrant art with natural materialsWhy early medieval art still captivates usVictoria’s research journey & artistic insightsHer experience living in Orkney and writing about landscape, faith & identityThe challenges of writing accessible yet rigorous historyThe ongoing mystery: who made the Book of Kells and why?Rock, Paper, Swords links ➜ https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsBuy The Book of Kells: Unlocking the Enigma: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781788541800

Join hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill for a captivating chat with Michael Jecks — master of medieval murder, creator of the Templar and Bloody Mary series, and author of over 40 historical mysteries.From co-founding the Medieval Murderers to exploring how the publishing world has transformed over three decades, Michael shares his insights into plotting crimes, juggling multiple series, and keeping history alive through fiction.Discover how he builds stories that blend fact, intrigue, and murder, what it’s like writing for publishers like Boldwood and Severn House, and why he’s still passionate about his craft after 30 years.📚 Books Mentioned:The Piazza MurdersAshes of RebellionFields of GloryDeath Comes in ThreesSwords in the Snow (by Matthew Harffy & Steven A. McKay)☕ Support Rock, Paper, Swords:Patreon: https://patreon.com/rockpaperswordspodcastBuy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords

What really happens at literary festivals?In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, historical fiction authors Matthew Harffy (Bernicia Chronicles, A Time for Swords) and Justin Hill (Shieldwall, Viking Fire) sit down to talk about the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of literary festivals — from meeting readers and other writers to book signings, panels, and the chaos of travel and deadlines.They share their experiences of festivals big and small across the UK and Europe, offer tips for authors attending their first event, and discuss what makes these gatherings so important for connecting books, writers, and audiences.📲 All Podcast Links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordshttps://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast🔥 In this episode:✍️ What authors love (and dread!) about festivals🎤 Behind-the-scenes stories from panels and signings📚 Why literary festivals matter for writers and readers✈️ How travel, networking, and book promotion all collide🎭 The fun — and fatigue — of the literary life#RockPaperSwordsPodcast #HistoricalFiction #WritingCommunity #LiteraryFestivals #AuthorLife #BookEvents #MatthewHarffy #JustinHill #WritersOnWriting #BookPodcast