Graduation from the University of Virginia School of Law, Will Shortz, The New York Times crossword puzzle head editor always wanted to do something big in life.
Something that he had interest in. The only person who holds a degree in enigmatology i.e., the study of puzzle master NPR’s weekend edition since the inception of the program in 1987.
Here is a crisp interview with the crossword Kin-Will Shortz:
How did you enter into the world of puzzles?
I had been making puzzles at the age of 8. At the age of 14, I submitted the first one to National Sunday School Magazine for publication.
I became a regular contributor to Dell puzzles by the age of 16. My childhood has revolved around puzzles.
How much time do you take to construct one puzzle?
It varies from puzzle to puzzle. The size matters so do the difficulty level. On average, a regular New York Times crossword takes 4–29 hours. Well, editing takes that much of time, not creation.
Crossword quizzes are created by freelance contributors across the country, and the best one is selected by me and twisted a bit if required.
What do you do?
I get approximately 75–100 crossword every day, and I have to publish only seven as there are seven days in a week so there is one puzzle in a day.
The biggest challenge is to go through the mails and know the corresponding contributors, Most of the clues in the crossword that I receive is mine.
What contributors also like is that each one of them receives a response. I tell them what I liked in the puzzle and what I didn’t.
In the end, I make sure everything is accurate and I keep editing for freshness, humor, occasional twist and difficulty level.
You are also a part of crossword tournament? What is it like?
I direct the annual American Crossword Puzzle Tournament. I founded this event at the age of 25 in 1978 and I’m lucky to keep directing it every year.
This is the largest crossword tournament in the world. There are approximately 700 contestants every year and 1000 attendees.
Word Puzzle Championship in New York was also started by me in 1922. This tournament is held in a different country every year.
In this competition, there are not only crosswords but others like Sudoku, Ken-Ken, logic, maths, and visual puzzles so that you can complete equally.
Which country is the best when it comes to solving puzzles?
The U.S is the best. The country has won championship 12 times in 19 years. Hungary & The Czech Republic are also very good. Japan & Germany also have good teams.
Do you compete in any of the word puzzle tournaments?
No. no. I prefer directing the championships rather than participating in them. But I initially competed way back 1979 in Cleveland, Ohio that was sponsored any a bookstore.
They rewarded $1000 for solving the 24-hour difficult crossword. You can take the help of all the books in the bookstore.
This was before the age and popularity of the Internet. Luckily, I won the competition within 9 and a half hours and received the prize of $1000.
Best advice to someone who wants to enter the world of words?
Play free crossword puzzles every day.
Also, start making fresh puzzles from today onwards. No matter whether you write or you go for an online word game.
Think differently and write something interesting. Join the National Puzzlers League which is the oldest puzzlers organization.
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