Clues Are All Around Us

Everyone’s heard of writer’s block—that dreaded moment where you’re just staring at a blank screen, waiting for inspiration to show up.
Making crossword puzzles has its own version of that. It’s not the grid. Not the symmetry. Not even the black squares.
It’s that first clue word.
You’re staring at a fresh puzzle layout, and all you need is one good entry to kick things off. Just one. Then you’re off and running.

Where Do Clue Words Come From?

Honestly, clue words could be a blog topic all on their own. (And let’s be real—I’ll probably keep coming back to it.)
But here’s the short answer:
Clue words are everywhere.
You just have to notice them.

The Library Effect

The other day I was at the library, doing the usual browse-through-bookshelves routine, when a title jumped out at me: The Field.
Boom. That was it. My first word.

Signs, Parks, and Serendipity

It’s not just books. Sometimes it’s a walk in the park. Literally.
As I’m writing this, I’m standing under a park sign that includes the words:
May. Fine. Craft. Show. Square.
That’s five clue-worthy words in one glance.

Keep your eyes open.
Every sign, label, or lyric is a potential clue.

Capture the Clue

When something catches my eye, I try to stash it quickly:

• Apple Notes is my usual go-to.
• Sometimes I dictate into Voice Memos or text myself if I’m out and about.
• Later, I copy-paste them into my puzzle workflow.
  The system isn’t fancy, but it works.

Clue Cascades

Some words trigger entire puzzle runs. Like the time I decided to use the Beatles as a theme—not in the grid, just as a quiet starter word for each day’s mini.
John. Paul. Jorge. Ringo.
(I was working in a 5x5 grid so I made George, Jorge.)
I did the same trick with Moe, Larry and Curly of The Three Stooges.

Clues from the Airwaves

TV and music? Endless idea generators.

• A background line of dialogue.
• A lyric I forgot I knew.
• Even a random scroll through playlists.
  Once, the letter “B” got me thinking about Bear Grylls—and next thing I knew, “‘Man vs. Wild’ adventurer Grylls” was my clue. Someone playing the puzzle wrote:
  "Somehow possibly the first time I've seen 1A's clue. Thanks for the puzzle."
  That kind of comment? Instant joy.

The Takeaway

Don’t overthink it. Clue words aren’t rare gems. They’re more like finding shells on the beach.
You just have to notice them.

Check out my mini crosswords here:
https://crosshare.org/erk