Australian Crosswords

I regularly get asked whether the crosswords I write are “computer-generated”. People seem to assume that techonology can replace all manual effort, even thinking. All types of published crosswords originate on a computer in some form, whether it be from grid design through to final copy or just the final copy itself. All publishers use software and so demand crosswords in formats that can be easily incorporated into their publishing systems. These days all images I supply are as PDF pictures and clues are generally text to allow a publisher to apply their own in-house style. I’ve been sending image and text files via email since before I started the Stickler in 1998. Robust crossword compiling software has been around since the early 1990s and while some veteran setters in that era would prefer pencil and paper, I doubt any current professional setter would still set crosswords without using software.
So, how much of the professional crossword production process is computer and how much is setter? Let’s say, no matter what kind of crossword, a setter/puzzle company can choose to create the whole thing “automatically” or, at the other extreme, choose to do the whole thing by hand and just deliver the final copy in an acceptable digital format. In reality, a cryptic crossword setter falls somewhere in between and uses crossword software mainly to assist in grid-filling and to export the final product, online references and dictionary software to help with clueing and possibly a wordprocessor to manage wordlists.
A computer is an essential part of a setter’s work as it is with just about every modern job, but it’s just a tool.

Earlier this year I talked about the first steps a would-be setter should take before having a crack at writing their debut cryptic crossword. There are lots of mistakes made even by someone who has solved for many years make because setting requires a different perspective, one not everyone is capable of this. Here are some pointers for new setters: Keep it simple: It’s really easy to complicate things right from the off. You should want to create a simple cryptic that you can put together without too much effort and those trying it out can solve without too much effort. It’s actually easy to make an easy clue more difficult than the other way round, so get the structure right first and tweak later. Grid: I can’t tell you how important it is to get the grid pattern right. The right grid will give you the best chance at picking the right words to clue and the solver will also get a better chance at solving. I’ve seen too many new setters opt for a complicated grid like one with four 15-letter words running around the outside with the goal of creating something the looks special. The nett result inevitably is a mixture of ordinary, unusual and obscure words as the setter is overly restricted by the outer words. A balanced grid is needed with a variety of lengths, obeying the grid rules I’ve mentioned before. Don’t assume that every published grid is a good one. Words: Most solvers are would-be setters and they collect clues they think of during their solving career. It’s common for a new setter to then try and squeeze this collection into their first crossword – a ready-made set of clues and answers. Don’t do it! By all means put in one or two, but do it cleverly: not 1 across or 1 down, where multiple first letters get tied up, but somewhere central where the seeded letters don’t overly influence further word selection. Before adding a new word in, have some idea on how you would clue it: don’t pick difficult words to clue as one poor clue will undo any good work shown in the rest of the puzzle. Unravelling the grid to get rid of a nasty word can be a horrendous task: pick your words wisely. Clues: I’m not going to dictate here except to say don’t write a clue that you wouldn’t like to solve yourself; make sure you understand exactly how and why a device works before you use it; don’t assume that because a professional setter uses a device that it’s worth using (you have to be comfortable in its use and ready to justify it – “Joe Bloggs” uses it is not adequate justification); try to have a “concise dictionary” mentality with answers, definitions and wordplay components; use a mixture of different devices and always look back over your clues with a solver’s perspective. Tools: Even if you think you may only write one cryptic crossword it’s worth finding some software to help you. The main reason I say this is that it’s hard to follow my guidelines above without it. You could spend hours thumbing through a dictionary or inserting letters into word pattern website and still you won’t end up with a grid full of suitable words. A program like Crossword Compiler has been $49US for over 20 years and is unbeatable value. The basic version is all you need to write your first cryptic – you can add fancy bits (grid filling add-on, dictionaries etc) later if you want. If writing cryptics turns out to be not your thing, then the software can still be useful for creating any kind of crossword, wordsearches and sudokus for use in the classroom, for newsletters or on the web. I’d love to hear from anyone who wants to give cryptic crossword writing a go – always happy to pass on advice. If you don’t want to commit to buying software, I’ll also knock up a suitable starter grid with words for you – just ask.