A Deep Dive into Zachary Edward-Brown’s USA TODAY Crossword Debut: "Hold It (Freestyle)"
Zachary Edward-Brown steps into the spotlight with his debut USA TODAY crossword, a themeless wonder titled "Hold It (Freestyle)." Edited by Anna Gundlach, this puzzle offers a refreshing break from traditional themed crosswords, relying instead on clever clues, lively fill, and an overall satisfying solving experience. Let’s unpack this intriguing creation and explore what makes it a noteworthy addition to the USA TODAY crossword collection.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge the collaborative effort behind the scenes. Edward-Brown extends his gratitude to Amanda and the USA TODAY team, highlighting their instrumental role in refining the puzzle to its final polished form. This collaborative spirit is often a vital ingredient in crafting excellent crosswords, with multiple perspectives contributing to the overall quality and ensuring a seamless solving experience for the puzzler. Edward-Brown’s willingness to collaborate further, indicated by his email address, speaks to his dedication and passion for crossword construction.
The "Freestyle" designation, coupled with the title "Hold It," immediately signals a departure from the norm. The title itself is a cleverly placed hint, foreshadowing the answer to 35 Across: DONT GET ANY IDEAS. This subtle connection adds an extra layer of appreciation for the constructor’s meticulous attention to detail. In a themeless puzzle, the constructor has the freedom to prioritize entertaining entries and challenging clues without being constrained by the overarching narrative or structural requirements of a themed puzzle. This freedom allows for a showcase of wordplay, clever misdirection, and contemporary cultural references.
One of the standout features of this particular freestyle puzzle is the evident care taken in selecting the fill. A good themeless puzzle relies heavily on its longer entries, anchoring the grid and providing opportunities for imaginative clues. While the write-up doesn’t specifically highlight any particular fill entries, it does note that there are many "fun entries". The success of a themeless crossword hinges on the constructor’s ability to weave together these longer words with shorter, connecting entries, ensuring smooth crossings and minimal reliance on obscure or crosswordese words.
The editor, Anna Gundlach, also deserves recognition for her contribution. An editor’s role extends beyond simply proofreading and correcting errors. A skilled editor can help to elevate a puzzle, suggesting alternative clues, identifying potential ambiguities, and ensuring consistency in style and tone. Gundlach’s expertise undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping "Hold It (Freestyle)" into the enjoyable puzzle that it is.
Beyond the words themselves, the visual aspect of the crossword grid often contributes to the overall solving experience. Edward-Brown cleverly draws attention to the "boots" (the black squares at the bottom of the grid) and "antennae" (the black squares at the top of the grid). These black square formations are not merely random placements; they evoke the image of ALIENS (41A: Little green men), adding a playful, visual theme to the grid despite the absence of a traditional word-based theme. This creative use of black squares demonstrates a level of artistry and attention to detail that elevates the puzzle beyond the purely linguistic realm. It demonstrates how a constructor can layer meaning and enjoyment through visual cues, rewarding solvers who notice these subtle nuances.
The puzzle’s design, combined with the challenging yet fair clues, likely offers a satisfying and engaging experience for crossword enthusiasts of all skill levels. A well-constructed themeless puzzle should provide a balance between accessibility and difficulty, allowing solvers to make steady progress while still encountering moments of delightful frustration and eventual triumph.
The debut of Zachary Edward-Brown is an encouraging sign for the future of crossword construction. His willingness to experiment with the themeless format, his attention to detail in both the fill and the grid design, and his collaborative spirit all point to a promising career in the world of puzzles. The success of "Hold It (Freestyle)" serves as a testament to his talent and a welcome addition to the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of USA TODAY crosswords. It leaves solvers anticipating his future contributions and hoping for more puzzles that showcase his unique style and clever construction skills. It’s clear that Edward-Brown has a passion for the art of creating puzzles, and his willingness to collaborate suggests a desire to continue learning and growing in the field. The crossword community eagerly awaits his next creation, confident that it will be another engaging and rewarding puzzle-solving experience.
