Crosswords

What's the secret to designing crossword puzzles?

I've always wanted to make up my own crossword puzzles. I know that there are websites where you can make them online, by they are not the same. How do people make those symmetrical square shaped puzzles without using a computer?

Public Comments

1. measurements! I happen to have a school project before and I was asigned to do the boarding. *my fellow groupmates do the rest of the work: art - draw, color mixed media* all i have to do is do the squares by inches to inches, then do some "earshapes."
2. Sometimes we do it on paper, sometimes on a computer. Or a napkin at dinner if my wife will let me. Crossword Compiler seems to be the preferred program. Cruciverb.com is our preferred meeting spot. First, come up with theme. Then, theme entries for it. Then, fill the grid. Then, clue them.