Will Shortz - Crossword Puzzle Editor

Just a brief note....Will Shortz, the editor of the New York Times crossword is celebrating his 30th anniversary as editor! Today's newsletter had a little interview with him. Here's one question that I rather enjoyed reading.

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David: Crossword puzzles have remained popular for more than a century. Why do you think that is?

Will: Every kind of puzzle has its own appeal. I think, as human beings, we’re hard-wired to be problem solvers.

Crosswords are especially popular though, because they’re so flexible. They can be made easy, medium or hard. They can be small or large. Straightforward or tricky. Modern or classic. There’s a crossword for everyone.

The pattern of black-and-white squares is alluring. As humans we like to fill empty spaces. It’s curiously satisfying to fill in the white squares.

Finally, I’ll say that crosswords are especially well-suited to the modern age, in which the world moves at lightning speed and our minds race from one thing to the next. A typical crossword has 76 or so answers, each on a different subject. The brain jumps from topic to topic to topic. Crosswords today feel more attuned to the times than ever.

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And if you are interested in learning more and solving some free puzzles by Mr Shortz, there is also a lovely article here.