One more tip when compiling puzzles for newspapers: They tend to have a fixed grid size which they’re very reluctant to change. And this could be your foot in the door to get a job as in-house compiler in future. But don’t be put off approaching those who do… they still buy puzzles from freelancers sometimes. Larger newspapers and magazines tend to have regular, in-house crossword compilers. Start with smaller publications… not with The Times and so on! Most magazines and lots of magazines have crossword puzzles and might be interested in buying your puzzles. Also, some buyers prefer crossword puzzles that haven’t been created by a computer – so always check first. You can use these if you wish (although the good ones tend to be quite expensive). If you’re into crossword puzzling you might know that you can actually get computer programs to help you create and/or solve crossword puzzles. Just look up whatever your clue is and get a list of words which mean something similar and which could be the basis of your clue. You can either buy one or find one free online. Need word help? Get a thesaurus.Ī thesaurus is a really handy way of finding clue ideas for crosswords. Most crosswords either have simple clues or cryptic clues – don’t mix both types in the same crossword. Now the fun begins! The next stage is to create a clue for each word. Divide these into two lists, one of ‘Across’ words and another of ‘Down’ words. Once your grid is complete number every square that contains the first letter of a word. Number every square that contains the letter of a word Finish off by filling in the spaces with a blank. Now try to fit in the smaller words around them. Pick five or six of the longer words from your list and try and link them together in the centre of the page, starting with a horizontal. Avoid too many words that use Z, Q and X for the same reason! 4.
#CREATE CROSS WORD PUZZLE PLUS#
Try and choose words which include lots of ‘often used’ letters… such as the vowels A, E, I, O, U plus S, T, L, M, N… which will be easier to fit together.
Include both long and short words… but don’t have many words under four letters. (But you don’t necessarily need to use them all.) 3. This will be your ‘word bank’, to draw words from for your puzzle. Now write a long list of words which relate to your theme. But it will make it much easier to come up with words and clues.
You don’t necessarily have to reveal what your theme is to your readers.
#CREATE CROSS WORD PUZZLE TV#
For example something like history, or geography, travel, film and TV or famous people etc. Start by thinking of a theme for your puzzle.
#CREATE CROSS WORD PUZZLE HOW TO#
Here are seven tips on how to write crosswords: 1. You don’t need to be especially good at English. Especially good if you’re a dedicated crossword puzzler. This could be a great sideline opportunity for you. So there is a healthy demand for people to write and sell crossword puzzles. After the front and back page, the sport and the TV sections it’s high up on the list of ‘most read’ pages. You might not realize it, but the crossword is still one of the most popular parts of many newspapers… with lots of people buying a copy for that reason alone.
0 kommentar(er)
