Crosswords – hand made…

While I use quite sophisticated computer programs to help me make the puzzles, the programs are only a tool. The puzzles need to be made by a person because they are a game, the reader matching their wits against the compiler. There is a sense in which the puzzles have particular flavours. And of course they should always be fun.  

I select every word from lists of possibilities offered by my computer programs. I try to think about what is already in the puzzle, what these readers will enjoy, what somehow fits the puzzle. I also try to include different sorts of questions, something for everyone - for the science buffs, the history heroes, the literary giants, the kids, the movie queens….because these puzzles are often done by a few people sitting around having coffee.

I also enjoy putting a person or an event into the puzzles, something I’ve read about and think should be celebrated in this way. Or I might include a book I am reading, a play or opera I’ve gone to, a place I’ve visited. At times like New Year it’s fun to put a message like Happy New Year into the puzzle.

I think it’s important to be playful.

Visit the Snodger website to try some of the puzzles >