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Learn to crack the cryptic code!
If cryptics have always bamboozled you, now you’re chance to learn to crack the cryptic code. I’m running a class this Saturday, at the Weston Creek Community Centre, from 1–4 pm. All the details are...
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How to make a crossword cake
I made these crossword cakes for the launch of my two Dummies books on cryptic crosswords, back in 2012. I thought you might be interested in the recipe, which is a family favourite, and the method....
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Gemini cryptic dissection
This is my dissection of the Gemini Cryptic Crossword 7470, from the Wed 16 Sept issue of the Canberra Times. As usual, definitions are underlined, except in double definition and cryptic definition...
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How to write a cryptic clue — anagrams
It’s hard enough solving a cryptic clue, but what’s the process that goes into writing these little beasts? The early steps in creating a cryptic crossword are similar to those for writing a regular...
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Filling the grid
People are often very curious about the process I go through to write a crossword. Do you start with the words? Or write the clues first? How do you even … The quick answer : Grid > Words into the...
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Why your book needs an index
It’s common practice in the publishing industry for non-fiction authors to have to provide the index for their book themselves. This leaves you with a few decisions to make. You can leave out the index...
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Damn Fine Course
I heard about James and her Damn Fine Words course through a colleague I do subcontract editing and writing for (and yes, James is a she). My friend had done it a few years ago, and couldn’t speak...
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Indexing 101: Too Many Locators
Open Book © Tom Eversley, ISO Republic One of the ways you can spot a badly written index is the number of page number references used after an entry (we call page references locators, cos these...
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Indexing 101: Improper Adjectives
So, what’s another trick of the indexing trade, for you to hunt out? Adjectives. It’s really poor form for an index entry to be just an adjective. Even if there are a bunch of subheadings that follow...
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Indexing 101: Plurals
It’s time for your indexing lesson again. I bet you can’t wait. The standard for book indexes is to use plural forms of countable nouns. So in an index for a book about the wildlife of Indonesia, you...
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