Listener 3979

[cruciverbali]

This week's challenge is Huge Ruin (Remote) by Gos

[bobbycollins]

Cheers, Scorpius.

When I originally expressed my grouse I had a shortened (American slang) version of the location in my thick head. I later saw the longer, historical, version and am now fairly happy with the clue.

Having now seen all of the wordplays I also feel that some of the clues were rather sloppy. With a little polishing of clues and (sorry to resurrect this) preamble this could have been a superb puzzle.

Having said all of that I rather enjoyed it.

[midazolam]

the preamble might have made more sense something like this:

Ignoring leading articles, dramatisations of two works (three words each) are represented in the grid. Clues are given in alphabetical order of their answers and some have one letter of the definition part misprinted; in normal clue order the correct letters spell out the writer�s name. The completed grid must be adjusted in accordance with the title of one of the works and the main content of the other.

[cruciverbali]

I don't recall seeing a Listener 'Jigsaw' for a long time, usually the province of Araucaria as Rapparee pointed out, and a refreshing change - not strictly a 'Carte Blanche', as bars are included. Probably not a contender for the AGC, though the clues were challenging and generally fair (with the previously noted exception of that insecticide !)

[cluelessJoe]

Purely as a matter of interest, have any of you guys tried to submit a puzzle to the Listener for publication? I've just waded seriously into my first major attempt which I hope to tidy up and put up for audition quite soon. Anything to which I need to be particularly attentive before so doing? .... I've checked out the general guidelines on the crossword centre but don't have a clue (sorry) as to how receptive they may be to work from a new kid on the block.
If by the remotest chance I succeed, I really look forward to running the gauntlet of this forum later in the year!

[Scorpius]

CluelessJoe, considering number of new setters there have been over the last two years of The Listener I think you'll find the editors are receptive to newcomers. Have you looked at the notes for setters on The Listener's website? If not, here's the link:
http://www.listenercrossword.com/HTML/Referenc e06.html

[cruciverbali]

Go for it cluelessJoe, I for one would love to see you successfully submit a Listener or EV puzzle (and I do think you should consider both, as most of the 'established' setters do). Do you have any idea what your dumpynose will be yet ?

[cluelessJoe]

Scorpius & Cruciverbalist - thank you both for the encouragement ... I'll persevere for sure. After a lot of effort, grid filled and everything now in place except for about half the clues to write / bring up to scratch. Dumpynose might be Nudd which is an old nickname I had about 40 years ago, but there are other options.
Thanks again