The twelve-letter word for something truly unsettling? “Bonechilling.” It wasn’t just a vocabulary test, but a clue within a recentNew York Timescrossword puzzle – a puzzle crafted by two university students.
Jeffrey Martinovic, a 22-year-old engineering student, has been building crosswords since his early teens. His latest creation marks his twelfth published puzzle in the prestigious newspaper since 2022, a testament to years of dedication and a natural creative spark.
Martinovic’s passion began with weekend puzzles shared with his mother in theToronto Star. That early connection ignited a lifelong pursuit, a need to constantly find and express his creativity through the intricate art of crossword construction.
The path to theTimeswasn’t immediate. Twenty-three rejections preceded his first acceptance, a humbling reminder of the puzzle’s competitive landscape. Yet, he persevered, eventually becoming a regular contributor to the iconic publication.
For this particular puzzle, Martinovic collaborated with Matthew Proulx, a fellow fifth-year engineering student. Proulx, surprisingly, had never designed a crossword before, drawn to the process by sheer curiosity.
Proulx described the experience as surprisingly accessible, largely due to Martinovic’s expertise. Their combined skills created a harmonious partnership, making the challenge both rewarding and manageable.
The puzzle itself cleverly incorporated ski hill symbols – black diamonds and others – linking them to the word “hill” and providing subtle assistance to solvers navigating the grid. It was a thoughtful touch, adding another layer of engagement.
Typically,Timessubmissions can languish for nearly a year before potential publication. This puzzle, however, defied expectations, moving through the editorial process with remarkable speed after its January acceptance.
Martinovic was astonished by the quick turnaround, noting it was an unprecedented event in his experience. The puzzle was published almost immediately, a rare honor for a crossword constructor.
For Martinovic, this is the culmination of a long-held passion. For Proulx, the experience of seeing his name alongside Martinovic’s in theNew York Timesremains almost unbelievable, a surreal achievement.
Ironically, Proulx confessed to struggling with crosswords even as a solver. He jokingly admitted he needed to improve his skills, now officially recognized as a crossword “author.”
