Crossword Puzzle Software recommendation

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Back on October 1 2000, a writer named Peter St. Onge posted an amusing article about crossword puzzle construction.

You may read the story at

http://www.thehollandsentinel.net/stories/100100/fea_puzzle.html

St. Onge tells of a neurosurgeon who creates crossword puzzles - mostly for kicks - using software that costs under $100. It’s a complete program and I’d like to buy it - or something like it - but the writer doesn’t seem to be at the Holland Sentinel anymore, and he does not name the software.

So, can anyone recommend a truly professional program for the creation of crossword puzzles?

2

twickster is a professional cruciverbalist; maybe mentioning her name will bring her into this thread…

3

Nope, didn’t need to be called – but can’t help, sorry. The stuff at work is custom written, and I don’t have anything on my machine at home.

Here’s a listing of various software options – and a link to a newsgroup at the bottom. Perhaps someone there would be able to help.

4

Thank you both. I’ll make a lot of use of your referrals, Twickster.

5

Allow me to recommend a paperback book on their construction by Mike Miller Beyond Crossword Puzzles Prentice-Hall.

6

And here’s a great way to fill in those tough corners of the grid.

http://dictionary.langenberg.com/

7

Dear Improbably Blonde,

Thank you so much!!! For the book and the wealth of online references.

As my wife was getting into her car to go to BordersBooks, just this minute, I called out to her to get the Beyond Crosswords book.

Sadly, I can’t buy any xword software at the moment. Made the mistake of mentioning it to my wife and the idea has swooped into the family’s “Oh what a great idea for a Christmas gift for dad!” thing.

Instead of Improbably Blonde I think your name should be Ineffably Thoughtful.

Thanks again, and I hope the Holidays find you healthy, happy and much loved.

Antiochus

8

Glad to oblige! And I got a new sig.

9

Am I missing something or are you looking for stuff like this, or more specifically this ?

10

Dear don’t ask,

I guess some of each!

Thank you.

Antiochus