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

Matthew Harffy

The Historical Action and Adventure Podcast - making history come alive! Bestselling authors chat about writing action and adventure stories, diving into some of the more quirky and unusual aspects of history, with a detour through music and its role in their process. Each episode covers different exciting themes, often with brilliant guests. Get bonus episodes and more by supporting the podcast on Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast or Buy Us A Beer at - https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords

  1. 12/19/2025

    GARETH RUBIN: Murder at Christmas, AI in Publishing, and The Joy of Structure

    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

    1h 6m
  2. 12/05/2025

    Decoding The Book of Kells — Dr Victoria Whitworth on Art, Faith & Mystery | Rock, Paper, Swords!

    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

    1h 14m

Trailers

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Historical Action and Adventure Podcast - making history come alive! Bestselling authors chat about writing action and adventure stories, diving into some of the more quirky and unusual aspects of history, with a detour through music and its role in their process. Each episode covers different exciting themes, often with brilliant guests. Get bonus episodes and more by supporting the podcast on Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast or Buy Us A Beer at - https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords

You Might Also Like