How constructors meet collaborators
“I notice sometimes crosswords are made by two people. How do these people meet each other, and how do two people work to make one puzzle?” — Anonymous From Christina: Some constructors like working solo, and others prefer working as a team with someone. There are some duos of crossword constructors who almost always share a byline with each other. For instance, Amanda Chung and Karl Ni are a pair of constructors who have always been published together. Desiree Penner and Jeff Sinock are a married couple who have also always shared a byline in their puzzles. Other constructors, myself included, like to work with many different constructors. I’ve shared a New York Times byline with 17 different constructors, and have made puzzles with many more that have been published elsewhere or will be published in the future. I’ve learned things from everyone I’ve worked with, and I always enjoy being challenged by the opinions and insights of other constructors. I’ve picked up new methods of brainstorming or clue writing from different collaborations. As for how I’ve met my collaborators, some are people I’ve met only online through crossword forums, and others are people I’ve met in person at the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament or other crossword events. Of my 17 Times collaborators, I’ve met 12 of them in person, and many have become close friends. I have heard many constructors talk about hitting it off with someone at a crossword tournament and deciding to collaborate on a puzzle. Some sets of co-constructors who have been published in The Times have met on social media. As far as how people collaborate, it depends on the people. My most common method is to brainstorm the theme together, and then take turns working on different sections of the grid. Some of my collaborators prefer writing clues to working on a grid, and in that case I would make the grid and let them write the clues. I’ve also done some fun sessions over a video call where one of us shares their screen, and we work together to decide what words to put in the grid. I’ve never worked on a puzzle in person with anyone, but I have definitely heard of people who happen to live in the same city working on a puzzle side-by-side at a computer.
Solve Friday’s Crossword on Easy Mode!
In today’s Wordplay column, Deb Amlen writes about the occasionally blurry line between themed and themeless puzzles. For expert hints on today’s puzzle, read her column here. Were you able to solve the Friday puzzle with Easy Mode? We want your input! Share your experience with us on the X platform, on Threads or by email. A Quick Cool-DownHow fast can you solve today’s Mini?
Get a ClueMy favorite clue from last week is 38-Across from Saturday, July 19. When you see “case,” think “suitcase.” 38-Across: Case study org.?
How are we doing? Thanks for playing! Subscribe to New York Times Games. If you were forwarded this newsletter, you can sign up to receive it regularly here. P.S. The answer to Get a Clue is TSA.
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