Each clue in this puzzle needs one small adjustment before it can be solved; the across clues 1A, while the down clues are feeling a little too 6D!
This is my second variety cryptic, it's a simple device that I expect has been done before but was good fun to put together (and hopefully to solve!). Shouldn't be too tricky, I hope.
I liked the concept; new to me. That said, I think the adjustments should still make sentences, so a few like 15A and 20A seemed off, while 8A and 12A were hits. I think 13D might also be defining GYM RATS instead of what you have there, so be cautious not to make a tricky puzzle unfair. That said, I had fun throughout, so a job well done on your part!
Thanks for the comment. Fair point on making real sentences — my focus was mostly on finding an interesting set of different devices the adjustments can form so that each clue felt like a fun new idea, but I respect that it might add some confusion to the solve. I’ll have to check some of the ‘remove a letter’ puzzles I’ve done to see what they usually form. I’d argue 15A would be a valid sentence with some generous repunctuating e.g. ”Made a call, er… angry to some extent” but 20A is certainly a lost cause. Re 13D: ”they” is often used as the gender neutral singular pronoun so I’m not sure I see the problem. Thanks for solving!
I see what you're saying about 13D, but pronouns usually operate based on context: i.e., antecedents that help to clarify whether you're talking about a singular or plural. The surface implies plural ("soldiers"), so while you can make the argument that it's intentionally deceptive, as with most cryptic conventions, I'd personally avoid doing so. I totally hear what you're saying, though, and I get that it may hurt the surface: [In verse, many soldiers appear in good time with one who works out often (3,3)].
BTW, I think it's totally fair to have the alterations make non-words in the grid or in the clues, but I do think the instructions should indicate as much.
I see your point for 13D, and though I do think the original clue is fair, it’s probably better to be precise in a gimmicky context such as this, so I’ve amended the clue.
I’ll mull over whether I’ll change the instructions, but your feedback is definitely appreciated, thanks again.