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/14768/9781398543485
All Rock, Paper, Swords! Links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Leave a Tip on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords
Keywords & 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 Enigma
Victoria 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 unique
The strange, spiritual & playful imagery hidden in the manuscript
How monks created vibrant art with natural materials
Why early medieval art still captivates us
Victoria’s research journey & artistic insights
Her experience living in Orkney and writing about landscape, faith & identity
The challenges of writing accessible yet rigorous history
The ongoing mystery: who made the Book of Kells and why?
Rock, Paper, Swords links ➜ https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Buy 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 Murders
Ashes of Rebellion
Fields of Glory
Death Comes in Threes
Swords in the Snow (by Matthew Harffy & Steven A. McKay)
☕ Support Rock, Paper, Swords:
Buy 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/RockPaperSwords
https://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
What happens when a medieval manuscripts scholar teams up with a bestselling thriller writer? You get The Tales of the Lawless Land — a gripping historical adventure series set in the chaos of the 14th century.
In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill sit down with Beth and Boyd Morrison, the brother–sister duo behind the swashbuckling adventures of Gerard Fox and Willa.
We talk about:
⚔️ Writing medieval action with thriller pacing
📜 The impact of the Black Death & the Hundred Years’ War
⛪ Excommunication, faith, and survival in the Middle Ages
🔎 Researching manuscripts, relics, and real historical locations
🗡️ Why Gerard Fox is like a “medieval Jack Reacher”
If you love historical adventure, medieval history, or the thrill of Templar secrets, this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen & subscribe everywhere: Rock, Paper, Swords Podcast Links
Support the podcast:
https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswordshttps://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
🔥 Meet Tacfarinas — the forgotten African rebel who defied Rome under Emperor Tiberius.⚔️ Archaeologist Dr Joanne Ball reveals how his guerrilla war shook the empire and rivals Arminius and Spartacus.https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwordsSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast🍺 Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswordsWas Tacfarinas Rome’s forgotten rebel? In this episode of Rock Paper Swords, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill are joined by Dr Joanne Ball (archaeologist, historian, and author of Tacfarinas: An African Rebel Against Rome).We explore the extraordinary story of Tacfarinas, a Numidian soldier-turned-rebel who defied the Roman Empire under Emperor Tiberius. From guerrilla warfare in North Africa to comparisons with figures like Arminius and Spartacus, Tacfarinas nearly destabilised Rome’s control of the region for nearly a decade.Dr Ball reveals how archaeology, ancient sources, and modern research bring his story to life — and how Rome underestimated this desert fighter again and again.🔹 Topics covered:Tacfarinas and his revolt against RomeRoman North Africa under TiberiusComparisons with Arminius, Verus, and SpartacusGuerrilla tactics vs Roman legionsFolk memory and the legacy of Tacfarinas todayIf you love Roman history, rebellions, and the untold stories of Rome’s enemies, this episode is for you.📚 Guest: Dr Joanne Ball – archaeologist, Roman battlefield specialist, author of Tacfarinas: An African Rebel Against Rome🎙 Hosts: Matthew Harffy (Bernicia Chronicles) & Justin Hill (Shieldwall, Viking Fire)👉 Subscribe for more on Rome, Vikings, medieval warfare, and historical fiction. Support us on Patreon for bonus episodes!#Tacfarinas #RomanHistory #AncientRome #JoanneBall #Arminius #Tiberius #Spartacus #RomanEmpire #NorthAfrica #RockPaperSwords
Author Simon Tolkien (grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien) joins the Rock, Paper, Swords! podcast to talk about his powerful historical novels, his research into the Spanish Civil War, and his work with Amazon’s Rings of Power.
https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
🍺 Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords
In this interview, Simon shares how he moved from courtroom thrillers to sweeping historical fiction, why the 1930s still matter today, and how his grandfather’s influence shaped his own writing journey.
Highlights:
Writing The Palace at the End of the Sea & The Room of Lost Steps
Researching the Spanish Civil War and 1930s New York
Insights on J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, and the First World War
Simon’s involvement in Amazon’s Rings of Power
Why history, memory, and storytelling still resonate today
If you love history, Tolkien, or epic storytelling, don’t miss this episode!
Buy the books from our bookshop.org store:📚The Palace at the End of the Sea - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781662528644
📚The Room of Lost Steps - https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781662528668
#SimonTolkien #SpanishCivilWar #Tolkien #LordOfTheRings #RingsOfPower #HistoricalFiction #Podcast
Our guest today is Angus Donald, author of the Outlaw Chronicles, about a medieval gangster called Robin Hood, a 17th-century series about an unusual but rather brilliant chap called Holcroft Blood. And writing as Angus Macallan, he has also tried his hand at fantasy with the Gates of Stone.
We previously had Angus on the podcast to talk about his Fire Born series, set in 8th century Europe. His newest book, out at the end of August, is Templar Traitor, the first in a trilogy based on the true story of an Englishman who fought with the Mongols on the side of Genghis Khan.
Welcome to RPS, Angus.
https://angusdonaldbooks.com/
Buy Templar Traitor from the RPS Bookshop (affiliate link): https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781835980903
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords
Tips for Writing, Publishing and Marketing Your Novel: How we sold over 750,000 books!
Today’s guest is author, J.C. Duncan. He is the author of The Last Viking Series of novels about Harald Hardrada and the The Light of the North saga, a historical fantasy series set in a world where the Vikings clash with Christian Crusaders. As well as writing, J.C. Duncan is also a bladesmith and there can’t be much cooler than forging blades!
Justin of course had a novel about Harald Hardrada, so I think this is going to be a very interesting chat!
Welcome to RPS, J.C. Duncan.
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords
Tips for Writing, Publishing and Marketing Your Novel: How we sold over 750,000 books!
https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords
Adam Lofthouse is the author of action-packed historical fiction set in ancient Rome, such as The Path of Nemesis trilogy, and The Enemy of the Empire books. His latest series,
The Shadow of Rome, starts with Eagle and the Flame, which is out soon.
Welcome to RPS, Adam Lofthouse!
Buy Adam's books: https://www.adamlofthouse.com/
Other books mentioned:
The Complete Roman Army by Adrian Goldsworthy:https://amzn.eu/d/6B3ABys
24 Hours in Ancient Rome: A Day in the Life of the People Who Lived There by Dr Philip Matyszak: https://amzn.eu/d/5UI6O7o
Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome by L.J. Trafford: https://amzn.eu/d/9pX9Aew
Rock, Paper, Swords is three years old!
In this episode, Matthew and Steven take a look back at some of the highlights of the last three years and then turn to the future with a very big announcement!
Don't miss this one!
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords
Patricia Bracewell's website: https://www.patriciabracewell.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords
Patricia Bracewell is the author of the Emma of Normandy trilogy, which started with her first novel, Shadow on the Crown and concluded with The Steel Beneath the Silk. She served as Writer in Residence at Gladstone’s Library in Wales and has appeared at many Literary Festivals and writing conferences in the U.S. and the U.K.
We had the pleasure of meeting Patricia in Devon last year, so it is great to have a chance for a longer conversation now.
Welcome to RPS, Patricia!
Pete Brown's website: https://www.petebrown.net/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords
Pete Brown is a British author, journalist, broadcaster and consultant specialising in food and drink, especially the fun parts like beer and cider. He writes for newspapers and magazines around the world and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s Food Programme. He was named British Beer Writer of the Year in 2009, 2012, 2016 and 2021, and Fortnum and Mason Online Drinks Writer of the Year in 2015. In 2020 he was named an “Industry Legend” at the Imbibe Hospitality Awards.
We chatted with him about alcohol brewing and drinking by the Babylonians, Romans, Vikings, Anglo-Saxons, medieval folk, and more. It's a fascinating interview, don't miss it!
Welcome to RPS, Pete Brown!
M.J. Porter is an author of historical fiction and nonfiction. She has written about Anglo-Saxons and Vikings as well as three twentieth-century mysteries and Viking age/dragon themed fantasy.
She is a prolific hybrid author, with independently published and traditionally published books.
We met up with MJ at the HNS Conference last year for a quick chat, which you can listen to in a previous episode, but we knew we had to get her back on for a full episode. So welcome back to RPS, M.J. Porter.
https://www.mjporterauthor.com/
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords
Buy UPRISING, this week's sponsor from Paul Bernardi! Buy link for Paul Bernardi's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F38L728Z
We don’t have a guest today, instead Steven and I are going to talk about something that has been in the news this week and its impact on history and how we perceive the finality of historical events. But before that we’re going to give you some updates on what we’ve been up to and some changes to our Patreon.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g9ejy3gdvo
https://time.com/7274542/colossal-dire-wolf/
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/407781/these-fluffy-white-wolves-explain-everything-wrong-with-bringing-back-extinct-animals
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Our guest today has designed countless book covers, including all of Steven’s independently published books! Oliver Bennett is a graphic designer and co-founder of MoreVisual, a graphic design and digital media company based in Leicester, England.
Founded in 2013, More Visual specialises in a wide range of graphic design services such as website design, logo design, and corporate identity design. You can find everything a writer might need on More Visual’s author portal: https://bookartwork.com/
Welcome to RPS, Oliver Bennett!
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast
You can buy us a beer and get a shoutout too, by heading to buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords
Donovan Cook is the author of the Ormstunga Saga series set in the Viking world and inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. His second series, The Charlemagne's Cross Series, is published by Boldwood Books.
Donovan was born in South Africa but raised in England, where his fascination with Medieval History, especially the Vikings and Norse Mythology, took root. His newest book is Woden’s Spear, the beginning of a new exciting series called The First Kingdom.
Welcome to RPS, Donovan!
https://www.donovancook.net/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast and X https://twitter.com/rock_swords
"You can actually buy a version of Gungnir on ebay although it looks more like a fantasy weapon than historical LINK or this one which is more realistic but just the head £155."