If a Crossword clue makes it clear that I am looking for the answer to be a surname, need I still put '(surname)' in the clue?

Example:
Garfunkel's partner, looking for the answer Simon

Not sure if all CW editors feel the same, but to my mind, you *have* indicated that you want it to be a surname, by using the surname in the clue.
You have to give the players the information they need, but nothing says you have to lay it all out for them, cut in bite size pieces...

I agree with agony. There's no need to add (surname) to that clue, it is perfectly clear as it is.

Spanishliz
Editor in Movies/Sports/Geography/Crosswords

that's what i thought, just making sure. thanks to both of you

Part of the challenge of solving crosswords is the "mystery" in the clues.

Anyway, in your case, a five-letter solution is not going to be solved very successfully with "Paul". ;-)

I concur with agony and liz. If you make it clear in the clue, you don't have to spell it all out for the player.

I'm sorry if this sounds like a silly question, but for fill in the blanks questions, the crossword guidelines state that "Missing words in a phrase etc. should be indicated by three underscores". If the answer consists of more than one word, does that mean that you should put three underscores in for each word or three underscores for the entire thing?

I remember being told by an editor when a crossword was sent back to me for correction that you should just have one blank, then put a note that says (3 words) after the quote or question or whatever.

GG is correct.

"Your question should ___ (3 words)" [look like this]

...[look like this] is your answer that fits in the grid.

I hope that made sense.

I think the confusion is in the expression, 3 underscores. That's to indicate the length of the blank. It should be three long ___, no just one _ and not a ton ___________.

Thanks for that added clarification, skunkee, that's the part that I was scratching my head over!

Sue (shuehorn)

Thanks for the clarification - now I understand what to do with the underscore.

I was wondering whether, (like quizzes), do crossword templates also have a time limit? In other words, do crosswords that have not yet been submitted after a certain period of time also run the risk of being deleted? I only ask as I have found myself really taken with crossword creation, and wouldn't like to have three or four on the go that may be deleted.

I seem to remember it's actually quite the opposite with crosswords. They won't go away, even when you deliberately try to delete one! (Unless that situation has changed.)

Leau,

You're correct--at least from an author's view. I have tried to delete crosswords, but they refuse to go away!

Paige

Haha it is indeed true. The only way you can scrap the template is to wipe off all clues and answers and change the title to something else.

I don't think you have to worry much about editors coming in and manually deleting your crosswords, either. We would MUCH prefer you to take as much time as necessary in order to do a good job!

If you do have any worries, because of taking several months to work on a crossword, you can always put DO NOT DELETE in the title. It's most likely not necessary, but it doesn't hurt.

Thanks to all of you who replied. Now I don't have to worry about rushing my crossword. I can take my time.

I'm certainly plaguing the forums with crossword questions of late. I am just wondering how more experienced crossword makers get around the differences in UK/US vocabulary. I want to use the word "taps" as an answer in my "Charmed" crossword, but it has just occured to me that people in the US (and possibly other countries now that I think of it), use the word "faucets". Should I just scrap that answer and think of another, or is there a better way that wiser minds than mine have come up with?

Oops, and I meant to type "occurred", not "occured". Spelling gremlins got me there.

We use 'taps' in Canada too!
If you put in the Introduction of your puzzle that British expressions and spellings are used, it's fair warning to anyone before they decide to try it.
You can also incorporate it into your clues or hints.
For example, British word for kitchen water source [TAP]
or, Kitchen water source (British).

Having variations in terminology is actually an advantage for crosswords in FT! If you ever get to a position where you can't think of a British word to fill the space you can try American English and so on. I always use that little cheat Though when I'm going to fit in the word pantyhose in a crossword is anyone's guess

Thanks Skunkee I will definitely do that.

Pantyhose eh jonnowales? Well you never know. Thanks for the tips, they are much appreciated, believe me

'taps' is British terminology? didn't know that!