So Much in Common!
Puzzle Notes
Dear Crossword Nation Friends,
As we begin 2025, I'm determined to keep a cruciverbal resolution: that is, to make fewer puzzles with "revealers." Now, I've made my share of puzzles with revealers, especially when working with markets like The New York Times which ran my puzzles for 21 years. I had to include revealers (puzzle answers that "reveal" the theme) in some daily crosswords because they don't carry titles. This practice helps solvers crack thematic codes. Sunday puzzles are a different animal because they carry titles which serve as "revealers" or an extra clue to unlocking the theme.
But here's my concern: while useful at times, revealers have been overused in recent years. I believe that themed puzzles -- even easy Monday and Tuesday-level grids -- should retain a "puzzle-y" quality, with appropriate levels of wordplay and thematic trickery. Aren't we drawn to crosswords for that very reason?
Oftentimes I'd solve a puzzle and then stare at the answers and try to figure out the "theme." When there was a "Eureka!" moment, I'd jump for joy! The theme shouldn't be so nebulous as to require a paragraph of instructions or unnecessary revealers. A well-written crossword will provide enough hints to crack that code! Do you have a strong opinion about "revealers"? If so, drop me a line -- I'd like to hear your take on this.
Okay . . . so, in creating today's puzzle for you, I toyed with embedding a revealer (gah!), but decided against it. The title will do the heavy lifting, and the theme should unfold. If you're stumped as to the theme, we've included a color-coded answer grid, but . . . let's rely on our brains to do the cruciverbal work. The more we exercise that code-cracking muscle, the easier it is for us to suss out even the most rascally theme. And so, onward we go!
Welcome to Week 710 of Crossword Nation. Please enjoy "So Much in Common!" as your diversion of the week. Happy Solving and have a Peaceful 2025!
Cruciverbally yours and with respect,
Liz
P.S. We hope that you're enjoying the Crossword Nation puzzles, and that you'll give them a good rating on Amy Reynaldo's site. Your positive ratings help us stay strong and independent!
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Solvers of The New Yorker puzzles: Please check out my most-recent crossword, rated as "challenging"
Mini Crossword Aficionados: For a quick solve, please try the Daily Mini Crossword in the L. A. Times. It's free! Simply bookmark and visit daily for a new puzzle.
Recovering Lost Puzzles: If, for some reason, our weekly puzzle email doesn't appear in your mailbox on Monday evenings, no worries -- you can always "re-send" the puzzle to yourself.
But first ....
- Please check the Spam folder. Sometimes the Crossword Nation emails are redirected to Spam folders. This can happen after a software or system update. If it's not in the Spam folder, then try Step 2.
- Visit the Subscriber Portal and Re-send the Puzzle To Your Mailbox. You can always send the latest puzzle (or any puzzle from our archive) to yourself. Visit here:
https://xwnation.puzzleanywhere.com/enable-account/
Choose the "Resend Puzzle" link at the bottom right of the page. From there, you can choose which puzzle to send to your mailbox!
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If you enjoy our 'indie' Crossword Nation puzzles, please give them a positive rating on Amy Reynaldo's blog, Diary of a Crossword Fiend. Your ratings help keep our little puzzle shop independent and strong!
Ade Koiki blogs our puzzle every Tuesday. Simply page through Amy's blog to find the Tuesday blog posts. http://crosswordfiend.com/
Happy solving and be well!
Liz Gorski