Mansi Kothari makes her New York Times Crossword debut in a collaboration with Erik Agard.
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FRIDAY PUZZLE — If you solve crosswords regularly and have wondered what it would be like to make one of your own — perhaps you would like to see your byline in a publication such as The New York Times one day — you should know that there are experienced constructors who are happy to mentor new puzzle makers. They volunteer their time so that a wider range of voices and worldviews will be present in our crosswords, and that is a good thing. In fact, I think these constructors provide a noble service, right up there with the person who eventually ends daylight saving time so we can all get more sleep.
Learning the ropes from an experienced constructor is important, especially if you would like to see your creation published within the next decade, because puzzle making is not an intuitive art. There are a lot of rules that need to be followed and broken as well. Part of the art is in knowing whether breaking a particular rule is a good idea or whether it’s an idea that will land your puzzle on the reject pile — a mentor can help you with that. Take my word for it, this will save you a lot of time.
Erik Agard, a constructor for The New Yorker and former editor of the USA Today crossword, mentors aspiring puzzle makers, but he also contributes something else: He believes puzzles should be made conscientiously, with the intent to educate.
Some solvers just want an escape from the world to go with their morning coffee, and there is nothing wrong with that. But there is also nothing wrong with learning something from solving a crossword. Awareness is the first step toward understanding, and understanding solves a whole host of problems.
This is Mansi Kothari’s Times Crossword debut, and she acknowledges Mr. Agard in her constructor notes for demonstrating the importance of including entries that make people think. I liked the mix of trivia, pop culture and clues about social topics like the ones in 10D and 34A.
Well done, Ms. Kothari. I hope to see more from you soon.
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Source: Elections - nytimes.com
