puzzle key?

[MayzieG]

Can anyone explain the puzzle key to me? I’m confused as to how it is supposed to help. Mine will read “Key: Author only” or “Key: Author, last name.” Am I missing something?

[synchrogal]

The puzzle key provides an additional clue. If you take of the first letter of each clue answer the letters will form words in accordance with the puzzle key. For example: If the Key clue is "Author Only", the answers to the lettered clues might be:
A: D(irt)
B: R(ecycle)
C: S(tay a while)
D: E(sophagus)
E: U(nderwear)
F: S(ecretary of state)
G: S(weden)
...at which point I would start looking to complete something from The Cat in the Hat and not a quote from War and Peace. Sometimes this key helps in that I can fill in some blanks and start looking to complete words instead of starting from scratch. And sometimes the keys leave me...clueless.

[MayzieG]

Suddenly, it all makes sense! Thanks