Working: How to Make a Fair Crossword Puzzle
This week, host June Thomas talks to Anna Shechtman, a crossword puzzle creator whose new book is called The Riddles of the Sphinx: Inheriting the Feminist History of the Crossword Puzzle. In the interview, Anna talks about her experience writing crossword puzzles as a teenager and then going on to work with New York Times puzzle maker Will Shortz. She also discusses the subjectivity of \u201ccommon knowledge\u201d and recalls debates with Shortz about which words and phrases were puzzle-worthy.\xa0\n\nAfter the interview, June and co-host Ronald Young Jr. talk more about crosswords and the ever-expanding pool of \u201ccommon knowledge.\u201d\xa0\n\nIn the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Anna shares how much crossword puzzle creators get paid. She also discusses a more sensitive topic: her struggle with anorexia, which coincided with her early interest in crossword puzzles.\n\nSend your questions about creativity and any other feedback to working@slate.com or give us a call at (304) 933-9675.\n\nPodcast production by Cameron Drews.\n\nIf you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows\u2014you\u2019ll also be supporting the work we do here on Working. Sign up now at slate.com/workingplus to help support our work.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices