New crossword published in the LA Times today! (Saturday, November 2nd)
Got a new themeless published in the LAT today! It's been about 2 years since I had a mainstream outlet publication so it feels nice. I like how the editing process came along, I feel like the LAT team respected my voice but smoothened the rough edges out and made sure it was fair and enjoyable to solvers. Give it a try! SPOILERS AFTER THIS POINT! Some notes on the puzzle: My favorite long entries are ROOKIE MISTAKES, CAKE TASTINGS, and TECH STARTUPS. Almost all the clues I submitted for those were printed with minor edits. I gave 2 clue options for CAKE TASTINGS, and I did like my alternative of "Bites before the big day?" but I also had some misgivings about it since I feel like you have to earn the ? if that makes sense. Someone on Diary of a Crossword fiend commented that they had SAKE TASTINGS / SENAC for it, which gave me a little laugh. I guess it could fit in Japan? But they do have cake at weddings there, too, although as I go down a little hole researching Japa...