Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Happy New Year!

I just wanted to encourage (actually, solicit) comments from visitors (especially folks from www.fifteensquared.net, who usually have plenty to say!). For example: "Keeper, you're a setter of the first class; I can't wait to see your work in [insert publication name]." Or, at the other end of the spectrum, "Nice try. Don't quit your day job."

Seriously, feel free to comment (anonymously or pseudonymously, if you prefer) on the overall quality/difficulty of the puzzles, or on any specific clues/solutions. I should note that I embrace a more "libertarian" clueing style, as I find Procrustean adherence to Ximenean "rules" limits creativity and playfulness. But I'm aware that certain editors don't tolerate such liberties.

Keeper 002: In Flodden Field

This puzzle is a more straight-faced effort. But, as with my first crossword, there's something of a theme.

Hint: The theme involves two parts of a literary quote (and its source), which might provide a description of the art of setting cryptic crosswords.

12/7 Update: I have revised this puzzle based on some very helpful feedback (Thanks to John and Andy!). Most of the changes were minor (adding, subtracting, or changing a word in a clue), but I did rewrite a few clues, and I actually changed two solutions (7ac and 8dn).

Keeper 001: License to Fill

This crossword began as a single clue (14ac), which gave me the idea for a fun themed puzzle. The finished product was a bit more edgy than I intended (more Private Eye than, say, the FT or Guardian). Apologies in advance if you are in any way offended. I'm a novice at this; no doubt I've broken some unwritten "rules" of cryptic crossword setting. I'm sure someone will set me straight.

 

Oh, I can post the annotated solution once someone comments here and requests it.

(Does anyone know how to attach PDF files to a blog? Blogger seems to allow the insertion of images, but not PDFs.)

Introduction

After doing traditional American-style crosswords (particularly the New York Times) for about three decades, I took a stab at a UK cryptic crossword a few years ago. At first, I was flummoxed. But once I figured out what was going on (many thanks to the helpful bloggers at www.fifteensquared.net), I was hooked. Recently, I've tried my hand at setting cryptic crosswords. Here is some of my work. Feedback is welcome. (Don't worry, you won't hurt my feelings.)