UBC Professor Transforms Crossword Hobby into Published Works

Mark MacLachlan, a chemistry professor and Dean of Science at the University of British Columbia, has turned his passion for crossword puzzles into a remarkable achievement, having published numerous puzzles in prominent newspapers across the United States. This unexpected journey began during his leisure time, as he sought a creative outlet beyond his academic responsibilities.

In an interview with CityNews, MacLachlan shared, “This is what I do in my vacation time and evenings and weekends when I can find 15 or 20 minutes that I can apply to relaxing.” His interest in crosswords ignited around 1999, leading him to explore the craft behind these puzzles. After several years of enjoyment, he discovered that anyone could submit crosswords to the New York Times.

Encouraged by this newfound knowledge, he submitted his first puzzle for consideration in 2007. Despite facing initial rejections, his perseverance paid off in 2016 when he successfully published his first puzzle in the Los Angeles Times. MacLachlan proudly reflects on this accomplishment, stating, “I worked harder for that one than anything else that is on my wall,” while gesturing to a framed piece in his office.

Since that breakthrough, MacLachlan has seen a total of 75 puzzles published in various esteemed outlets, including the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Crafting these intricate puzzles requires a considerable investment of time, with MacLachlan dedicating upwards of 80 hours to each one.

“My process begins with developing a theme, which often stems from observations in my environment or common phrases that can be reimagined for a crossword format,” he explained. Once the theme is established, he constructs the grid, fills it with black squares, and organizes the words around it. To aid in this creative effort, he employs software that ensures the puzzles remain accessible, avoiding overly obscure terms that would require solvers to consult a crossword dictionary.

MacLachlan describes his role as a “cruciverbalist,” a term for those who enjoy, solve, and create crossword puzzles. As he prepares for another busy academic year, he remains committed to his unique extracurricular pursuit. “I will probably dabble in some puzzles until the Christmas vacation, and then I’ll have some dedicated time to work on my next ones,” he stated, indicating that his passion for crosswords continues to thrive alongside his academic responsibilities.

Through this journey, Mark MacLachlan exemplifies how a simple hobby can evolve into a gratifying and successful creative outlet, enriching both his professional and personal life.