Claire Heywood
@claireheywood.bsky.social
Author | DAUGHTERS OF SPARTA (2021), THE SHADOW OF PERSEUS (2023), THE WANDERING QUEEN (2026) | Only Connect alumna and quiz enthusiast | Interested in classics, archaeology, mythology, writing, books, films, games, gardening
Website: claireheywood.info
Website: claireheywood.info
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Claire Heywood
@claireheywood.bsky.social
· Feb 16
My third novel, The Wandering Queen, is a historical fiction retelling of the legendary Queen Dido - founder of Carthage and tragic heroine of Virgil's Aeneid.
Out now in the UK and US! 📚
Out now in the UK and US! 📚
I've been getting into gardening to support my mental health, and only a few months in I am now obsessed.* I wanted to share this autumn/winter display I put together to give me some colour in the dark months. Hope it brings you some joy this Friday 💚
*not an exaggeration
*not an exaggeration
October 16, 2026 at 3:52 PM
I've been getting into gardening to support my mental health, and only a few months in I am now obsessed.* I wanted to share this autumn/winter display I put together to give me some colour in the dark months. Hope it brings you some joy this Friday 💚
*not an exaggeration
*not an exaggeration
Reposted by Claire Heywood
An elaborate Greek gold hairnet with garnet inlays, dating from the 3rd century BC, an older medallion of Medusa was reused in the centre.
Medusa’s head was a popular motif and used to ward off any evil.
From Taras (Tarento, Italy). On display at Altes Museum, Berlin.
📷 me
🏺
Medusa’s head was a popular motif and used to ward off any evil.
From Taras (Tarento, Italy). On display at Altes Museum, Berlin.
📷 me
🏺
August 13, 2026 at 6:14 AM
An elaborate Greek gold hairnet with garnet inlays, dating from the 3rd century BC, an older medallion of Medusa was reused in the centre.
Medusa’s head was a popular motif and used to ward off any evil.
From Taras (Tarento, Italy). On display at Altes Museum, Berlin.
📷 me
🏺
Medusa’s head was a popular motif and used to ward off any evil.
From Taras (Tarento, Italy). On display at Altes Museum, Berlin.
📷 me
🏺
Writing some very heavy stuff today, but feeling pretty proud of my new manuscript. Just stepped outside to take a dose of beauty. Always stop and smell the flowers!
August 13, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Writing some very heavy stuff today, but feeling pretty proud of my new manuscript. Just stepped outside to take a dose of beauty. Always stop and smell the flowers!
Feeling so good about the manuscript I'm working on. What a privilege to write about things that excite and challenge me. That's when you know you've chosen the right project!
March 3, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Feeling so good about the manuscript I'm working on. What a privilege to write about things that excite and challenge me. That's when you know you've chosen the right project!
I'm sitting and working in the garden. OUTSIDE. And it's not raining? Those in the UK will understand how amazing and strange this feels after the past few months. Bring on Spring! 🙌
February 24, 2026 at 2:30 PM
I'm sitting and working in the garden. OUTSIDE. And it's not raining? Those in the UK will understand how amazing and strange this feels after the past few months. Bring on Spring! 🙌
Beautiful crocuses in my garden
February 22, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Beautiful crocuses in my garden
My third novel, The Wandering Queen, is a historical fiction retelling of the legendary Queen Dido - founder of Carthage and tragic heroine of Virgil's Aeneid.
Out now in the UK and US! 📚
Out now in the UK and US! 📚
February 16, 2026 at 4:44 PM
My third novel, The Wandering Queen, is a historical fiction retelling of the legendary Queen Dido - founder of Carthage and tragic heroine of Virgil's Aeneid.
Out now in the UK and US! 📚
Out now in the UK and US! 📚
I'm very grateful to Dr Alicia Matz for her academic review of my new novel, The Wandering Queen. If you're interested in Dido or the issue of reinterpreting the classics for modern audiences, this is a great read!
At the end of last year, I posted about how I was going to start using my blog to review modern retellings.
The first in the series is now up, reviewing Claire Heywood's new adaptation of Dido www.aliciamatz.com/2026/02/an-a...
The first in the series is now up, reviewing Claire Heywood's new adaptation of Dido www.aliciamatz.com/2026/02/an-a...
An (Academic) Review of Claire Heywood’s The Wandering Queen
This past summer, I was working on the final edits of a chapter I am writing for a forthcoming book on the figure of Dido. My chapter is o...
www.aliciamatz.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:32 PM
I'm very grateful to Dr Alicia Matz for her academic review of my new novel, The Wandering Queen. If you're interested in Dido or the issue of reinterpreting the classics for modern audiences, this is a great read!
So thrilled with this review from the Historical Novel Society, for my new novel The Wandering Queen. The book is out next week, in the UK and the US! 🏺📚
historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-...
historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-...
The Wandering Queen: A Novel of Dido - Historical Novel Society
The story of Queen Dido, legendary founder of the city of Carthage, is retold in surprising and inspiring ways in Claire Heywood’s rapturous novel, The Wandering Queen. Before she was Dido of Carthage...
historicalnovelsociety.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:48 PM
So thrilled with this review from the Historical Novel Society, for my new novel The Wandering Queen. The book is out next week, in the UK and the US! 🏺📚
historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-...
historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-...
Behold this lovely thread, which ranges from an artist who has definitely seen a zebra, to an artist who has definitely not seen a zebra. 🏺
Was International Zebra Day on Saturday.
We're a bit busy, so here's a mosaic of a zebra.
That's us done. 👍
#MosaicMonday
We're a bit busy, so here's a mosaic of a zebra.
That's us done. 👍
#MosaicMonday
February 2, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Behold this lovely thread, which ranges from an artist who has definitely seen a zebra, to an artist who has definitely not seen a zebra. 🏺
My new novel is out next week! Here's a cool little promo. Just absolutely in love with this cover for the US edition.
February 2, 2026 at 2:36 PM
My new novel is out next week! Here's a cool little promo. Just absolutely in love with this cover for the US edition.
Reposted by Claire Heywood
I'm starting a new series with Seed Talks! "The History of Greek Mythology", opening in Brixton & online on 18th February 🏺 More dates to come 🏺
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-histor...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-histor...
The History of Greek Mythology with Dr Shelby Judge
From Mount Olympus to Medusa, discover the fascinating history of Greek mythology and its echoes through the ages. Followed by Q&A.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 10:08 AM
I'm starting a new series with Seed Talks! "The History of Greek Mythology", opening in Brixton & online on 18th February 🏺 More dates to come 🏺
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-histor...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-histor...
Look at this flat. You will not regret it.
www.thisiscolossal.com/2025/01/ron-...
www.thisiscolossal.com/2025/01/ron-...
Near Liverpool, a One-of-a-Kind Art Environment by Ron Gittins Is Saved
Ron Gittins' creativity shone through in every facet of his life, and his unique Birkenhead flat is no exception.
www.thisiscolossal.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Look at this flat. You will not regret it.
www.thisiscolossal.com/2025/01/ron-...
www.thisiscolossal.com/2025/01/ron-...
Just finished drafting 'Part 2' (/4) of my latest manuscript, and feeling pretty chuffed about that! I almost didn't take on this project because I was intimidated by it, but it's coming together one paragraph at a time. Happy Friday everyone!
December 5, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Just finished drafting 'Part 2' (/4) of my latest manuscript, and feeling pretty chuffed about that! I almost didn't take on this project because I was intimidated by it, but it's coming together one paragraph at a time. Happy Friday everyone!
I don't think we talk enough about how smoked mackerel is the tastiest food in the world
November 28, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I don't think we talk enough about how smoked mackerel is the tastiest food in the world
Have a feeling Medea would have really vibed with Lily Allen's West End Girl album
October 31, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Have a feeling Medea would have really vibed with Lily Allen's West End Girl album
Starting to see some really lovely early reviews for my upcoming novel, THE WANDERING QUEEN - out next February. Always a relief when you're putting new work out into the world! It's available for preorder if you'd like to treat your future self.
October 23, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Starting to see some really lovely early reviews for my upcoming novel, THE WANDERING QUEEN - out next February. Always a relief when you're putting new work out into the world! It's available for preorder if you'd like to treat your future self.
Around half way through The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley and finding it enjoyable, original, and highly impressive - especially for a debut. Just brilliant, thoughtful fiction.
October 21, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Around half way through The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley and finding it enjoyable, original, and highly impressive - especially for a debut. Just brilliant, thoughtful fiction.
Going back through my photos from Athens, and thought I would share this beautiful Mycenaean object from the National Archaeological Museum 🏺
Label: 'Bronze dagger with inlaid decoration. A Nilotic landscape with felines chasing aquatic birds among papyrus flowers is depicted on the blade.'
Label: 'Bronze dagger with inlaid decoration. A Nilotic landscape with felines chasing aquatic birds among papyrus flowers is depicted on the blade.'
October 15, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Going back through my photos from Athens, and thought I would share this beautiful Mycenaean object from the National Archaeological Museum 🏺
Label: 'Bronze dagger with inlaid decoration. A Nilotic landscape with felines chasing aquatic birds among papyrus flowers is depicted on the blade.'
Label: 'Bronze dagger with inlaid decoration. A Nilotic landscape with felines chasing aquatic birds among papyrus flowers is depicted on the blade.'
My new novel, THE WANDERING QUEEN, is one of the chosen titles in the Waterstones 25% off preorder sale. Preorder using code OCTOBER25 between now and Friday, and get a juicy 25% off!
#WPreorder
THE WANDERING QUEEN is a Dido retelling, out in February 2026
#WPreorder
THE WANDERING QUEEN is a Dido retelling, out in February 2026
October 14, 2025 at 11:18 AM
My new novel, THE WANDERING QUEEN, is one of the chosen titles in the Waterstones 25% off preorder sale. Preorder using code OCTOBER25 between now and Friday, and get a juicy 25% off!
#WPreorder
THE WANDERING QUEEN is a Dido retelling, out in February 2026
#WPreorder
THE WANDERING QUEEN is a Dido retelling, out in February 2026
Reposted by Claire Heywood
Was prehistory a feminist paradise?
Was prehistory a feminist paradise?
Visions of matriarchal utopia may be wishful thinking, but there’s growing evidence of women wielding power
www.theguardian.com
October 5, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Was prehistory a feminist paradise?
Reposted by Claire Heywood
Friends in UK/ those with friends in UK, please share widely! 🤗 @corabeth.bsky.social @lucianixon.bsky.social @armanddangour.bsky.social @gregwoolf.bsky.social @lejenksbrown.bsky.social @emilylhauser.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ancient-gr...
Oxford University, Nov 24 Monday, 5- 6:30 pm, Kendrew Barn.
Ancient Greek Choir Workshop:
Come & sing the melodious hymns & lyrics written by Mesomedes, Athenaios, & Seikilos! Led by Bettina Joy de Guzman 🤗
Oxford University, Nov 24 Monday, 5- 6:30 pm, Kendrew Barn.
Ancient Greek Choir Workshop:
Come & sing the melodious hymns & lyrics written by Mesomedes, Athenaios, & Seikilos! Led by Bettina Joy de Guzman 🤗
September 24, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Friends in UK/ those with friends in UK, please share widely! 🤗 @corabeth.bsky.social @lucianixon.bsky.social @armanddangour.bsky.social @gregwoolf.bsky.social @lejenksbrown.bsky.social @emilylhauser.bsky.social
Reposted by Claire Heywood
A marvellous scene of daily life for #ReliefWednesday: A #Roman funerary relief depicting the transport of two (wine?) barrels on a four wheeled cart pulled by two oxen. A #dog, probably the driver's beloved companion, is sitting on the barrels. 🧵1/2
🏺 #archaeology
🏺 #archaeology
July 30, 2025 at 6:03 AM
A marvellous scene of daily life for #ReliefWednesday: A #Roman funerary relief depicting the transport of two (wine?) barrels on a four wheeled cart pulled by two oxen. A #dog, probably the driver's beloved companion, is sitting on the barrels. 🧵1/2
🏺 #archaeology
🏺 #archaeology
Today I'm researching Ancient Greek riddles, but can you solve the riddle that, according to one account, caused Homer to die from vexation?
Posed to him by some boys on the island of Cos:
'What we caught, we threw away. What we did not catch, we kept.'
Posed to him by some boys on the island of Cos:
'What we caught, we threw away. What we did not catch, we kept.'
September 23, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Today I'm researching Ancient Greek riddles, but can you solve the riddle that, according to one account, caused Homer to die from vexation?
Posed to him by some boys on the island of Cos:
'What we caught, we threw away. What we did not catch, we kept.'
Posed to him by some boys on the island of Cos:
'What we caught, we threw away. What we did not catch, we kept.'
There's a giveaway running over on Goodreads for advance copies of my new novel, THE WANDERING QUEEN! If you're based in the US you can enter for a chance to win 1 of 10 copies. Open until 29th September. Good luck! 🤞
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
September 20, 2025 at 11:39 AM
There's a giveaway running over on Goodreads for advance copies of my new novel, THE WANDERING QUEEN! If you're based in the US you can enter for a chance to win 1 of 10 copies. Open until 29th September. Good luck! 🤞
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...