Good puzzle; here's some nitpicking that you can either read or not.
1D: If possible to work a US indicator into a clue like this, that's for the best; for instance: [Went away from the wrong side of the road in Utah (4)], which has the bonus of making it seem as if you're doing something with UT. 2D: The surface is a little loose, as in how does a damage "taker" anger this reptile, but it's solid. 3D: I think this is fine, but some people don't like "to" as a connector. 5D: Like 2D, the cryptic part is solid, but how would you use "paler pieces" in this fashion? 6D: Great. 7D: Is a "mat" close enough to being a CARPET? I had no problem with this, but always think about how dictionary-backed your definitions are. 11D: Love this. 12D: A bit of a chestnut, but that's because it's solid. 14D: Not sure if you intended this as an &lit with the !, but I think it's just a fine regular clue. 16D: This, on the other hand, is a solid &lit (if you buy that a TAP is only ever from behind). 1A: I like it. 4A: Sure! 8A: If "Dictator" were a part of the definition, this would be a killer &lit. Instead, it's sort of overlapping (but very cute). 10A: My favorite clue. 13A: I really like this, but I think making the editor the subject [Around middle of winter, dreary editor took things apart (10)] sounds slightly better? 15A: Very nice. 16A: Cute, and Okja was a great film! 17A: Solid. 18A: I think [Los Angeles'] indicates LA'S, but I like the idea of this one.
2D: The surface is a little loose, as in how does a damage "taker" anger this reptile, but it's solid.
3D: I think this is fine, but some people don't like "to" as a connector.
5D: Like 2D, the cryptic part is solid, but how would you use "paler pieces" in this fashion?
6D: Great.
7D: Is a "mat" close enough to being a CARPET? I had no problem with this, but always think about how dictionary-backed your definitions are.
11D: Love this.
12D: A bit of a chestnut, but that's because it's solid.
14D: Not sure if you intended this as an &lit with the !, but I think it's just a fine regular clue.
16D: This, on the other hand, is a solid &lit (if you buy that a TAP is only ever from behind).
1A: I like it.
4A: Sure!
8A: If "Dictator" were a part of the definition, this would be a killer &lit. Instead, it's sort of overlapping (but very cute).
10A: My favorite clue.
13A: I really like this, but I think making the editor the subject [Around middle of winter, dreary editor took things apart (10)] sounds slightly better?
15A: Very nice.
16A: Cute, and Okja was a great film!
17A: Solid.
18A: I think [Los Angeles'] indicates LA'S, but I like the idea of this one.