CRUCIVERB.COM
Constructing => General Discussion => Topic started by: jskonie on February 20, 2011, 07:05:17 PM
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Hi all,
I'm an avid crossword solver looking to starting create some puzzles of my own. Any tips for a beginner as far as coming up with theme ideas? It seems like the most effective themes are based around puns, but is this necessarily the case or are there simpler theme ideas to start with? I take it that this is something that comes with experience, so I'm just looking for a place to start. Thanks for your help!
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You definitely get a better grasp of themes as you progress. I started making crosswords less than a year ago, and I am still figuring some of this stuff out. What I did (and not entirely recommended) was to dive right into making a crossword to see if I could do it. Unfortunately, I made some reasonably bad themes and had to wait months to receive a rejection. I think the best themes are ones that you would enjoy as a solver, so if you have been a solver for a while, look over some of the puzzles on this site or xwordinfo.com to see what theme ideas you like.
Something I have been trying to do to increase my knowledge of themes is to see what the theme is in that days NYT, and see if I can come up with a similar one. For example, the other day I saw a puzzle where every theme answer started with a synonym of common (usual, standard, etc.), so I tried to emulate that, but with a different word to base the synonyms off of.
Read up on themes where you can, and if you are not already a member of the cruciverb mailing list, I recommend you join that too, since you can get a lot more feedback quickly than through this forum.
Hope I was helpful and not just rambling on. Good luck in your efforts!
-Jeff
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Please see the following page:
http://www.cruciverb.com/index.php?action=ezportal;sa=page;p=70
This list of theme types was put together by Mark Diehl and is available in our crossword dictionary:
http://www.amazon.com/21st-Century-Crossword-Puzzle-Dictionary/dp/140272134X
- Kevin
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Patrick Berry offers an excellent examination of themes and construction in general in his book "Crossword Puzzle Challenges for Dummies."
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Thanks for posting this thread! There are great points that I would’ve never thought of.
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I was wondering about similar thing. Any update on this thread and how your puzzle development is coming along?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
markowiczko
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That was a great themes.. Thanks for the tips!
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When I started out I focused on geography. Its a theme where you just cant fail - just too many (weird) places in the world! ;D Seriously, as a newbie I would try to think of a very broad theme that can supply you with plenty of leeway and loop holes. Later on you can narrow it down and make it more difficult. Mind you though, I still seem to be stuck at beginner level! :D
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These tips really helped me to start of for me. Very helpful. :)
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I found it quite interesting to read in this thread that so many people love SOLVING puzzles but find it difficult to CREATE them. Generally, do you think that people who solve things (analysis) are not good at creating things (synthesis)?
Sorry, I know I am off topic but couldn't resist the opportunity to post her. Happy to move it if necessary.
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You can also use online crossword puzzle dictionary to find those pesky missing words. Now you can solve all your crossword puzzles!...but mind it you should your own after go for it..it is just a substitute..nothing else..
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nice theme tips for beginner.nice thread
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Patrick Berry offers an excellent examination of themes and construction in general in his book "Crossword Puzzle Challenges for Dummies."
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hey lskoni,
I am sure you improved after these tips. Can you publish an example of a puzzle made by yourself?
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Thanks for posting nice thread. Tips u have given here are useful to me.
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The Crossword Puzzle Dictionary at $6 is a bargain
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Yes you are right
good post
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Something I have been trying to do to increase my knowledge of themes is to see what the theme is in that days NYT, and see if I can come up with a similar one. For example, the other day I saw a puzzle where every theme answer started with a synonym of common (usual, standard, etc.), so I tried to emulate that, but with a different word to base the synonyms off of.
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Thanks for this thread. I learned ideas from all of you. This is my hobby, answering crossword puzzle.
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Please see the following page:
http://www.cruciverb.com/index.php?action=ezportal;sa=page;p=70
This list of theme types was put together by Mark Diehl and is available in our crossword dictionary:
http://www.amazon.com/21st-Century-Crossword-Puzzle-Dictionary/dp/140272134X
- Kevin
this is great! i've been looking for good themes also, thanks for sharing!
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Great thread! There are many great points that I would have never thought of and the tips are priceless. ;D
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I like the question about analysis versus synthesis. I think many people may be good at both but these skills do not necessarily come bundled together. I think good synthesis skills are less common.
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This list of theme types was put together by Mark Diehl and is available in our crossword dictionary:
http://www.amazon.com/21st-Century-Crossword-Puzzle-Dictionary/dp/140272134X
- Kevin
Thanks, Kevin! This is very helpful for a complete newbie like myself. Coming up with themes is a lot trickier than I imagined it would be, but I'm starting to get the hang of it. Thanks again!
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Hi everyone!
I'm also an avid crossword solver looking to starting create some puzzles of my own.
Any tips for a beginner.PLEASE ADVICE!
Thanks!
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You really can take surveys at home and make money! for those interested only!
Thanks again!
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I have an idea for a theme that might be fun for you to try. Let me know if you're interested and I'll be glad to share it.
Magus, an erstwhile constructor.
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Hi, just joined today. Years ago I used to run a community magazine and created a crossword for the second issue to fill up some space. Was amazed how difficult it was get anywhere until copied a blank from a newspaper and managed to fill in with my own words, which suddenly made it easy. After that the clues were a cinch but obviously had to do one each month after that and offer a prize etc. Even had one or two guys sidle up to me and start pumping me for help with some of the clues. But sadly no bribes!
But that seems to have been in simpler days cuz it didn't even occur to me to use themes and stuff. Just grateful to get proper words that fitted across and down so I start with coming up with the clues.
So can anyone explain, now I'm thinking of starting again, why themes are apparently so important?
Helen
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Based on my experience you need to have some general plan of some sort. As somebody already said it above here, geography is crucial at the beginning stages of development.
Hope that helps