by Katherine Baicker & Ross Trudeau
[.puz][PDF][Solution] Difficulty: 3.5/5
Just a couple of crossworld links to share with this week’s puzzle!
-A24 just put out a book of 99 movie-themed crosswords, edited by film writer and New Yorker puzzle constructor Anna Shechtman. There are plenty of names you’ll recognize on the constructor list, including Rosswords regular Amanda Rafkin!
–Lollapuzzoola kicks of on the 27th in New York City! It’s once again hosted by Brooke Husic and Sid Sivakumar. Jessie and I plan to attend and compete in the pairs division. (“Compete” might be the wrong word; my strong sense is we’ll be more inclined to screw around.)
Thoughts and spoilers for “Take It as a Compliment” after the jump. We are indebted to Kelsey (of crosstina aquafina fame), Bruce, Moose, Rohan, and Tara for offering their input as test solvers this week. Thanks, guys!
Kate: I’m thrilled to have another opportunity to co-construct with Ross, who deserves his very own ode. (Opal of mine? Omission of construction? Never mind.) Hope you have as much fun solving as we had constructing!
Ross: It’s always a distinct pleasure to work with Kate, one of my most indefatigable and creative themed puzzle collaborators. I do believe you’ll see our names together in print again before too long!
Actually, there were far fewer options of these O + valid word string examples (that maintain the pronunciation of the newly-generated word) than we thought there’d be. The relative tightness of the theme set makes this one extra appealing to me!
Happy solving, friends!