Hi! I’m Ada Nicolle, and I construct crosswords because it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I post a themeless puzzle weekly on my Patreon Luckystreak Xwords+, but I still try to update this blog as often as I can. My puzzles have also been published in the USA Today, Crossword Club, the Atlantic, and other venues you can find on the “more puzzles” page.
I focus primarily on pop culture and fresh fill-driven themeless puzzles, reflecting modern trends and Gen Z culture. I like to represent people that don’t often get the spotlight in mainstream crossword puzzles, and I figure crosswords are more fun when they feel like they were written by a person living in the present moment. (If you’re interested in keeping up to date with my personal “seed entry” list, a big driving force in my output, check the link in this website’s menu.)
If you wanna collab, say hi, seek advice, ask about commissions, or anything else, shoot an e-mail to [email protected]! If you’re a company hiring for a puzzle editor position, request my résumé!
In the media:
“Meet Xtra’s new crossword constructor Ada Nicolle“, December 14 2022, Xtra Magazine
“Why does the world love crosswords?“, September 16 2023, BBC’s Pick of the World
“How Gen Z Made Crosswords Their Own“, April 13 2024, The New York Times
“The three audiences of Ryan Hecht“, Aug 27 2024, Fill Me In Podcast
“From clickbait to culture“, October 19 2024, Wikipedia Signpost
In your crossword:
19A: [lollapuzzoola 2024 winner ___ nicolle], August 27 2024, Crosstina Aquafina
14D: [Nicolle who occasionally constructs weekend crosswords for The Atlantic], October 3 2024, Atlantic Midi
What people are saying online:
“I posted recently about my admiration for Ada’s themeless style, and she’s certainly primarily known as a themeless constructor. But she mentioned to me recently that she’s being trying to flex her theme muscles, too, and has been posting more themed stuff, with stunning results. It’s kind of like if Michael Jordan had actually turned out to be an elite baseball player, too.” – “Indie puzzle highlights,” Will Nediger (Bewilderingly)
