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

Matthew Harffy
  • 5.0 (11)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 4D AGO

    Massacre, Resistance, and Love: Carolyn O’Brien on Peterloo and 1930s Britain

    In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy talk with historical novelist Carolyn O’Brien about protest, power, and forgotten voices in British history. From the Peterloo Massacre to the rise of fascism in 1930s Britain, Carolyn explores how radical politics, women’s lives, and working-class resistance shape her fiction. We discuss writing politically engaged historical novels, the responsibilities of historical storytellers, and why history’s margins often hold its most urgent truths. 🎧 Listen now and discover how history, fiction, and resistance collide. 📚 The Song of Peterloo:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781789550757 🔗 More episodes & links:https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords ❤️ Support the podcast:https://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast

    1h 18m

  2. FEB 6

    Sharon Bennett Connolly on Medieval Princesses, Power & the Norman Conquest

    In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy speak with historian Sharon Bennett Connolly about medieval princesses, royal daughters, and women’s power in the Early Middle Ages. Drawing on Princesses of the Early Middle Ages, Sharon explores how women shaped dynasties through marriage, diplomacy, and inheritance, and why their influence has often been overlooked in traditional histories of the Norman Conquest. A fascinating conversation for anyone interested in medieval history, women’s history, and the realities behind popular myths. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Buy the book, Princesses of the Early Middle Ages: Royal Daughters of the Conquest: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781399091022

    1h 8m

  3. JAN 23

    Vaseem Khan on Crime Fiction, Empire & Writing Action in The Edge of Darkness

    In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy are joined by bestselling author Vaseem Khan to discuss historical crime fiction, empire, and his novel The Edge of Darkness. Vaseem talks about writing crime stories set in post-colonial India, the challenges of research and authenticity, and how history, setting, and action combine to create gripping fiction. The conversation explores violence, pacing, power, and the responsibility of writing about the British Empire with honesty and nuance. A must-listen for fans of historical fiction, crime novels, and action-driven storytelling. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords

    1h 15m

  4. JAN 9

    Essie Fox on Retelling Wuthering Heights, Gothic Fiction & Writing from a Ghost’s POV

    In this episode of Rock Paper Swords, Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill speak with novelist Essie Fox about her latest book, Catherine – a Gothic retelling of Wuthering Heights told from Catherine Earnshaw’s perspective. Essie explores the enduring power of Emily Brontë’s novel, the risks and rewards of retelling a literary classic, and why writing Catherine as a ghost opened up new emotional and thematic depth. The conversation also dives into unreliable narrators, Gothic tradition, historical language, and how writers balance authenticity with accessibility. A must-listen for fans of Gothic fiction, classic literature, and historical storytelling. 🔗 https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Buy the book, Catherine: A Retelling of Wuthering Heights: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781917764421 Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Essie Fox's website: www.essiefox.com

    1h 14m

  5. 12/26/2025

    Historical Fiction Writers Reflect on 2025 & What Comes Next

    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

    1h 7m

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 11/21/2025

    Michael Jecks on Medieval Murder, Writing 40+ Novels, and the Secrets of Historical Crime

    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: Patreon: https://patreon.com/rockpaperswordspodcast Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords

    1h 16m
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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

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