This past week I read a new book, Crossworld: One Man’s Journey into America’s Crossword Obsession. While I don’t think very many Americans have a crossword obsession, I have one, at least when it comes to the New York Times crossword, which I do religiously. (My favorites are the hard ones, Thursday through Saturday.)
It was a flawed but enjoyable book (here’s the first chapter), and it prompted me to take a step toward something I’ve always wanted to do: construct my own crossword. It’s been a mini-goal of mine to someday get a crossword published under my name in the Times, so I may as well start trying. Plus, it’s just fun.
I found and read some great crossword-constructing tips from constructor Tyler Hinman, and I’ve already begun making a puzzle. I’ve come up with a punnish theme and several theme entries, but my fill doesn’t seem to be working so far, so I might have to reposition the theme entries and start again.
This is something I’m doing for the sheer enjoyment of it, and it feels good.
I’ve LOVE doing crossword puzzles since I was a kid! I’m always working on one, the harder the better. Sometimes I have one almost completed except for that one elusive clue. I’ll keep it ‘open’ until I eventually solve it in a ‘dawning light’ moment. Okay …I know … geek! :)
Have you ever done a British cryptic crossword? They’re very different from the American kind. Just curious.
I’ve done cryptic crosswords – the Sunday NY Times runs one every few weeks. I think they’re the same as the British version, with all the weirdly punny and anagrammatic clues. They’re fun. :)
And Joel: I am a fellow geek, so it’s OK.