Aphelion

I know, how can a crossword puzzle help one improve writing? Let me explain a little and you'll get the point.

I'm no Guru on crossword puzzles, but an interesting observation came to light: Local puzzles----such as the one in my hometown newspaper-----often play on word usage. To solve a puzzle, words must be stretched to their limits! And that can be a great help in using words, mostly adjectives, in new and unthought of ways.

I don't do them at home, just at work during break-times and lunch time.

Not only that, they're a great way to actually expand your vocabulary.

Here's a good online crossword for people who are just starting out. (ie, not terribly difficult):

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/ (click on "crossword")