For much of my life, actually constructing crosswords has taken a back seat to editing the work of others and creating crossword software. Most of my output to date has been cryptic crosswords, using pseudonyms based on star names.

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I've had thirteen thematic cryptic crosswords published in the Listener Crossword series, using the pseudonyms Arcturus and Electra (also Aldebaran for a puzzle published jointly with my wife Magdalen). Bugs by Arcturus was selected for inclusion in the second book of Listener Crosswords from The Times of London era.

In addition, I have constructed many thematic cryptic crosswords for subscription magazines such as The Crossword Club, 1 Across and Magpie, as well as private clients.

When in England, I competed regularly in the Azed clueing competition, winning 10 prizes, including 4 first prizes; I've listed many of my prizewinning cryptic clues below.

I am creating a cryptic crossword series for my wife Magdalen: it started with my proposal of marriage, which of course was done using a crossword, and continues with a themed puzzle for each wedding anniversary. These puzzles are available here for you to try:

I Love You by Starman (Solution)
First Anniversary by Starman (Solution)
Second Anniversary by Starman (Solution)
Third Anniversary by Starman (Solution)

I continue to have a interest in cryptic crosswords, but now that I have settled into the USA and become a US citizen, I have a strong urge to be involved in the North American crossword community. American puzzles turn out to be a great way of discovering the local culture; I'm also finding that my increased knowledge of American puzzle construction is feeding into improvements in my crossword software.

I started the Crossword Man Blog at the beginning of 2009 to write about my learning experiences: posts about the New York Times crossword recorded the clues and answers I didn't understand, as well as any cultural differences between Britain and America that were revealed. I discontinued the daily posts when I became a US citizen in 2011, but continue to produce Cruciverbal Cheat Sheets (research pieces about specific topics that I'm trying to master).

I also compete in the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament and have slowly improved my performance over the last few years:

Photo by Don Christensen.

I gave a talk about The Differences between UK and US Cryptic Crosswords at the 2011 American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, illustrated by a British Crossword Boot Camp puzzle.

My ultimate ambition is to get puzzles published in the American press, and I have already begun submitting ideas to the editors of the New York Times and Los Angeles Times puzzles.

Here is a selection of my prizewinning cryptic clues: