"Puzzles are an avocation, they are not a vocation" – that's the advice Will Shortz got from his father. All over the world crossword puzzle enthusiasts are grateful Shortz did not take his advice.
Shortz has been the editor of the crosswords in the New York Times – the gold standard in newspaper crosswords – since 1993. He is a true 14-letter word starting with 'C' and ending with 'T'...
Jesse Mulligan asks him about his passion for puzzles, tips for solving them and the future of crosswords.
Will Shortz says anyone keen on trying to create crosswords should check out Cruciverb.