You could create them first in a word processor, too - it's not the same as a quiz where you can just copy and paste it into a template later and submit, but I do it in MS Word sometimes, just to plan out the grid before I do it in the crossword template. I make a 15x15 table (or 17x17, 11x11...), choose my words, or choose a pattern if that's what you want, and fit them together in Word, so that I don't end up boxing myself into a corner or something when I am creating the crossword for real.

I'm in awe of those of you who can compose your crosswords on the computer. I have to sit sweating over a pad of graph paper, with a pencil and a good eraser.

Thanks Skunkee, I will do that in future :-)

Thanks also Johnowales, it is not that I don't want to do U.S. or other nationality crosswords and quizzes because I would do them if I were playing alone. Foreby the fact it is nice to do UK based ones, it is in my case, easier to do UK ones when I am sharing crosswords with my friend on the telephone as she & I only really can do these ones without taking hours to get through those more obscure ones.

Also, on a general note, is it possible to show numbers of letters for the required word(s) at the end of the clue when possible?

:-)

many thanks again

t_s

To guitargoddess and agony,

I have seen in passing, crossword programs advertised online for creating them. I have not tried one but it might be an idea for making them to see if they work out before putting them on the template here. Perhaps a practice template on FT might be a thing to look at then folk can train on using them before going 'live'?

t_s

This may sound like a really silly question, but I just made my first crossword template, but now that I've come away from it, I can't find it again! Could someone possibly point me in the right direction? Thanks a lot!

Richard

It's o.k. I've found it thanks to a helpful team mate!

I don't want to come across as a grumbling person, and I am not usually this impatient, but is there a cap on waiting times for submitted crosswords?

I submitted a crossword about twelve days ago, just as soon as I got the nod for creating crosswords (I had already prepared a few crosswords), but my crossword is still in the queue.

I am really sorry if I have managed to irritate some of the editors, who I am sure do their best, and yet still probably get such mails regularly. Sorry guys!

Whoops.

Is there a limit on the number of clues you can have in a crossword?
I know the crossword title page says "Suggested number of clues- 20 to 50", but I have made a 15 by 15 crossword that has about 60 clues.
Would that be a problem?

Because of so many clues, I have exceeded the 60 percent mark by a long margin. So should I delete a few clues, or let the crosssword be the way it is?

I am waiting for an answer, and hence I have not submitted this crossword at the moment, but another one in its place.

Please tell me what should I do.

No, there is not a limit to the number of crossed letters and please don't delete any clues for that reason. The percentage quoted is a minimum number. We have a few talented crossword creators who are able to achieve 100% crossed letter, and my hat goes off to them.

Secondly, crosswords are like quizzes and we prefer that you work on one all the way through to completion, and not jump back and forth between puzzles. This way, things learned form getting one puzzle online can be applied to subsequent puzzles.

Edited to add, I re-read your posts and saw that your question had nothing to do with % of crossed letters but was strictly about number of clues. The same answer applies!

Thanks very much.

As regards working on two crosswords simultaneously, I had already completed the other crossword, but was intending to submit this one first, so there is no question of jumping between puzzles.

I see a cake...happy birthday, skunkee!

Puit> I've taken a quick look at your submitted puzzle. You might want to wait to get feedback after I've edited your first puzzle. There are some changes you'll need to make that will most likely apply to your second puzzle as well.

SilverMoonsong, Thanks for having a look at my puzzle.
I am waiting for the feedback. I will immediately make the necessary changes in both the crosswords.

Along with some of the upgrades Terry has implemented, we can now accept numeric or alpha-numeric puzzles.

There will be some very strict rules along with this:

Only our most experienced authors will be allowed to submit a crossword puzzle with numbers, since they will be more difficult than a regular puzzle. If you are unsure whether or not you will be allowed to submit a numeric puzzle, please send me a PM and I'll be happy to discuss it with you.

They must be unique and interesting - in other words, a simple addition or subtraction puzzle will not be accepted.

I'll update and clarify this as we work out the details and rules. In the meantime, if you have questions, feel free to ask.

How do I know my crossword has been submitted? There isn't a message showing up for me like when I submit a quiz.

Under the "My Crosswords: Edit" screen, it should show you which puzzles are online, offline, and which have been submitted.

Thanks. It says it's been submitted.

Is the crossword queue on a first come first serve basis?

First come, first serve - you mean those who submit their puzzles first are taken care of first? Pretty much, yes.

That is what I meant. Also, do the crossword editors have specific categories they edit? I'm just curious.

Yes, each editor has specific categories, although I'm a Universal Editor. There are a few categories that are mine to edit, but I can take care of puzzles in any category if necessary.

Thanks. Much appreciated.