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

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

Actor, writer, historian, and national treasure Sir Tony Robinson joins Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill on Rock, Paper, Swords! to talk about his first adult novel, House of Wolf — the opening volume in a bold new Anglo-Saxon trilogy.From his fascination with King Alfred the Great to how a tragic loss reshaped his creative life, Sir Tony discusses storytelling, optimism, and finding new purpose in his late seventies.📚 Buy House of Wolf: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781408731536🔥 In this episode:⚔️ Why King Alfred still captures our imagination📖 How Tony lost — and rewrote — an entire novel by hand❤️ Turning grief into creativity and renewal🎭 Reflections on Blackadder, Time Team, and storytelling🖋️ The joy of starting something new at 79🎙️ Hosted by Matthew Harffy & Justin Hill🔗 All podcast links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords#TonyRobinson #HouseOfWolf #KingAlfred #AngloSaxonHistory #HistoricalFiction #Blackadder #TimeTeam #RockPaperSwordsPodcast #WritingCommunity #AuthorInterview #HistoryPodcast

What did it really mean to face death in the Roman arena? 🏛️In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill talk with historian and bestselling author Dr Harry Sidebottom about his new nonfiction book, Those Who Are About To Die: Gladiators and the Roman Mind.Drawing on archaeology, ancient texts, and years of research, Harry reveals the brutal truth behind the Roman obsession with violence — and what gladiatorial combat tells us about their society, politics, and psyche.🔥 In this episode:⚔️ Who the gladiators really were — and what drove them to fight.🏛️ How Rome’s arenas shaped identity, power, and the idea of civilisation.📖 The difference between myth and reality in our understanding of gladiators.🗡️ What modern audiences can learn from Rome’s fascination with death and spectacle.If you’re fascinated by ancient Rome, gladiators, or the mindset of empire, this episode is essential listening.📚 Get the book Those Who Are About To Die here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781529154009🔗 All podcast links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords