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.
Today’s