Every now and then I do use a word with QU because of all of the letters, Q is the only one least likely to be in play. I haven't dont today's puzzle yet.

I have a sheet of paper on the side of the desk with a running list of words that I like to start with, and I work out the puzzle on the page on occasion. I've done it enough now I can usually just work on the screen without resorting to pencil and paper.