New York Times, Tuesday, June 7, 2022

My only regret about this grid is that it wouldn't work to have BLOW UP MY PHONE in it! It took me a while to brainstorm the full theme set, but it was old-fashioned, pure thinking without any Web searching (ironic, perhaps), and it was so satisfying to come up with each of the themers and then, finally, the revealer.

When not crosswording, I am a circus artist and coach based in Madison, Wisconsin. You can follow me on Instagram and join my Patreon if you would like to see more of my circus work. And if anyone would like to learn German wheel, teeterboard, juggling, aerial hoop, or static or flying trapeze (or hire me to perform any of them!), you know where to find me!

Thank you so much to my partner, Luke, who always puzzles with me; to my awesome test solvers; and to everyone who has encouraged me and offered feedback, especially the Inkubator team, David and Amanda at Universal, Andrew and John from Boswords, Pavel Curtis, Wren Schultz, and Jess Shulman (the best puzzle buddy EVER). Biggest thanks to Will Nediger, whose patience and amazing mentorship are why I've made any halfway decent puzzles.

Standout debut. It's hard to come up with novel themes, and even harder to land on ones that are accessible to newer solvers. "Phrases that can be punnily described as TECH BOOMS" is IPO-worthy.

What impressed me most was how hard it seems to come up with a fitting set. Even if I'd landed upon the idea of riffing on TECH BOOMS (I doubt I would have), what themers would I have identified? Probably COMPUTER CRASH and TWEETSTORM ... and then I'd have shelved it.

Even after a second look, I find myself studying the theme choices, wondering what I could learn about broadening my search paths.

Wonderful gridwork, too; much better than many experienced constructors can produce. There's some minor CREMA CBER PFC glue, but it's more than offset by the color in EAT FRESH and ON SAFARI.

Not to mention, those long bonuses shine even brighter with clever clues. Repurposing "subway line" and "watching the big game" is Friday-level deliciousness that's still accessible to newbs.

Carly (who I just found out was a test-solver for my latest book!) could have chosen an easier grid layout — those wide-open upper-right and lower-left corners are extremely tricky — and I'm glad she didn't. CRUMPLES / ON SAFARI / MIMICKED for the low, low cost of PFC greatly strengthens the balance sheet.

As with startups, unicorns come around only once every few years. I'm rushing to get my venture cap funds invested into shares of Carly Schuna.

If your computer actually crashes (35-Across) can you still get a "spinning beachball of death"? Well, no, but this is another example of the crossword convention of "close enough."