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

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:

• Patreon: https://patreon.com/rockpaperswordspodcast

• 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