How do I write better clues?

A good clue is fair but not obvious. A few habits go a long way:

1. Match part of speech and tense. If the answer is plural, the clue should read as plural. If the answer is past tense, so is the clue.
2. Keep the difficulty consistent. A puzzle where every clue is a curveball is exhausting; mix straightforward definitions with the occasional bit of wordplay.
3. Avoid using the answer's own words (or close relatives) inside the clue.
4. Read it cold. If you didn't already know the answer, would the clue get you there?

When you're stuck, open the clue library — it shows how other constructors have clued the same answer, which is a fast way to find a fresh angle or confirm your instinct.