To be clear, this is my first crossword puzzle to design, not solve.
I’ve been a crossword addict for a long time, and after stumbling upon a blog series by editors and contributors of the New York Times daily crosswords I decided to try designing my own.
It’s hard.*
Click on the image to download a PDF copy.
I used Crossfire, a crossword editing tool, which helps tremendously. Besides formatting the puzzle correctly and helping you build the grid, Crossfire suggest fill words, based on dictionaries that you can either download from crossword constructor sites or create on your own.** After discovering how challenging it is to create a workable puzzle with a great tool like Crossfire, I’m even more amazed at the people that did it for decades completely by hand.
I’m not going to submit my first puzzle to the NYT because (1. the theme is solid, but not clever, 2. I used compass directions twice to make the fill work, 3. I feel there are just a few too many esoteric or outdated words.)*** However, if you’d like to try it, you can download and print the PDF file right here.
So, I’ve created my first crossword puzzle. Next step is to create my first really good one. :)
* I’m guessing it gets easier when you’ve done it more than once.
**I’m creating a dictionary right now of all words and phrases related to the best era of music in the history of mankind, the 1980s.
***In other words, I’m certain that I’m not a crossword-designing prodigy whose first attempt was brilliant.