The Ukrainian edition of A Time for Swords just became a lot rarer! On 1st of August, there were 977 copies of that book stored in a warehouse that was hit by a Russian attack. All the copies were burned. :-(

For thousands of years, a solar eclipse has been a prophetic harbinger of a spectacular, epoch-making event. Just saying. #VoteBinface #Clacton

I just watched Spider-Man: Brand New Day and I'm not much of a #Marvel fan but I enjoyed it more than The Odyssey. I'm not sure what to make of that…

Want access to all the Rock, Paper, Swords bonus episodes and other great rewards? Get a whopping 80% off all Patreon tiers during the month of August. Sign up now using the code 80AUGUST26 #Bargain #specialoffer #sale #summersale

New Rock, Paper, Swords! episode! 🗡️ Prof. Tom Licence joins us to explain why Harold Godwinson's famous "forced march" to Hastings in 1066 isn't backed by the sources — the evidence points to ships instead. His new biography Harold: Warrior King is out 11 August. ▶️ youtu.be/mA7vuyIZ

New Rock, Paper, Swords! episode! 🗡️ Prof. Tom Licence joins us to explain why Harold Godwinson's famous "forced march" to Hastings in 1066 isn't backed by the sources — the evidence points to ships instead. His new biography Harold: Warrior King is out 11 August. ▶️ youtu.be/mA7vuyIZ

Here's a preview of our Odyssey bonus episode, free for everyone. 🎬 And if you like what you hear: all Patreon tiers are 80% off for the whole of August with code 80AUGUST26 🎧 open.spotify.com/episode/3juy... 💳 youtu.be/CjOfzRkyZQU #RockPaperSwords #TheOdyssey #LimitedOffer #Podcast

Want access to all the Rock, Paper, Swords bonus episodes and other great rewards? Get a whopping 80% off all Patreon tiers during the month of August. Sign up now using the code 80AUGUST26 #Bargain #specialoffer #sale #summersale

Twenty years ago we lost David Gemmell, one of the finest fantasy writers ever to have lived. Gemmell’s books gave me something to aspire to and kindled a flame within me for the heroic and the tragic that burns strong to this day.

Here it is. My manifesto for the 2026 Clacton By-Election. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Join me, clean up Clacton and let's make 13th August Bin Day! #VoteBinface #VoteyMcVoteface #YesWeTinCan

New episode! 🗡️ Matthew talks to David Gilman about THE KNIFE MAKER OF VENICE — a brother and sister torn apart by Barbary pirates in 1604, sold into slavery across the Mediterranean and Venice. Plus a mysterious plaque, pantsing vs. plotting, and a wild paratrooper story. 📺 youtu.be/vXISZuc5xVg

#Writer friends: looking for recommendations for #editors for someone planning to self-publish. Preferably editors you've actually worked with and can vouch for. #author #writerslife #writingcommunity #amwriting #writer #writing #authors #booklover #bookworm

I never imagined the response my post about the ship in Nolan's #Odyssey would get. I said I enjoyed the film, but still got a ton of abuse. Yet my point remains: the Viking ship used was anachronistic. And there's a Bronze Age replica, the Argo, built in 2008, that fits better.

Bane of Bernicia is still reduced to only 1.99 in ebook in the UK on Amazon until the end of July! Over 300 ratings and an average of 4.7 stars! What are you waiting for?! #BerniciaChronicles #Beobrand #Action #History #Adventure #AmReading #histfic

Did you know I've written a novel set in 19th-century America? Dark Frontier takes place in Oregon in 1890. Here you can read all about the inspiration behind the story. www.bloomsbury.com/uk/discover/... #western #histfic #writing

I saw The #Odyssey yesterday and whilst I enjoyed it I can't be the only person to have kept wondering why ancient Greeks were aboard a poorly disguised Viking long ship. I recognised the Draken Harald Hårfagre immediately!

Pre-order the new edition of Wolf of Wessex by 23.59 Friday 24th July with the code “SUMMER26” to receive 25% off RRP Exclusively on Waterstones website and app. www.waterstones.com/campaign/jul... #wolfofwessex #WPreorder #hozbooks #bloomsbury

Last week I lost my oldest friend. Here is my tribute to Alex Forbes, taken much too soon. www.patreon.com/MatthewHarff...

It's been a difficult week and I need cheering up, so share some interesting photos of where you are or what you're reading. Cheers!

This famous Madrid bar and its indefatigable gnome-like owner,Amadeo, inspired a scene in one of my novels. Do you know which one? #author #writerslife #writingcommunity #amwriting #writer #writing #authors #booklover #bookworm

In Foyles in Denmark Street, London. I popped in and signed the books of mine they had in stock.

New episode of Rock, Paper, Swords! ⚔️📚 Writing news from Matthew Harffy & Justin Hill then a listener Q&A. Battle scenes. Music when writing. Killing darlings. D&D. Westerns. The line between #histfic and fantasy. And why Jack Reacher is basically a medieval knight. youtu.be/nJTrf3iZAp8

So glad I stayed up for that game! What exceptional heart from the England team in the face of such a hostile environment. #MexEng #FWC #USA26 #FIFA

Wonderful day out yesterday watching Fiji v Wales. Friends, sun, rugby, beer and barbeque. Who could ask for more?

There's nothing better than dinner at my mum and dad's.

We're going to be answering listener questions on the podcast in one of the next episodes. So if you have questions about anything for Justin Hill or me, reply to this or drop us a message. #ama

Out soon! Doherty pens a compelling tale of the clash of civilizations during the Roman Empire's crumbling and bloody collapse. Overflowing with intrigue, adventure, love, betrayal, and bravery, this is historical fiction at its most epic and promises to be the start of a fantastic saga.

A quick coffee and delicious "almond croissant cookie" at @arthauscoffee before getting the train to Wales to visit my parents. Have a great Friday!

New book coming soon. Swords of Troy by Anthony Riches. Muscular, imaginative and effortlessly entertaining. Anthony Riches gives a fresh take on a timeless saga and breathes new life into the most famous epic of all.

Great day out with my mate Gareth in Bristol. Good company, nice beer and food, and a result for England!