Alan Connor is a journalist at BBC. He covers a range of topics including technology, consumer tech, and artificial intelligence, often intersecting with themes related to books and current events such as the Russia-Ukraine War and UK politics. Alan's work has been featured in The Guardian, AOL UK, and Yahoo News UK.
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Alan’s articles predominantly cover reviews and opinion editorials related to crosswords, puzzle-solving, crossword setters, cryptic crosswords, and crossword books. Given this focus, he is likely to be interested in pitches centered around the latest trends or innovations in the world of crossword puzzles.
He may also appreciate expert commentary from established figures within the field of puzzle creation or those who have a deep understanding of cryptic crosswords.
Since his coverage focuses on content & publishing as well as lifestyle topics alongside gaming themes related to crossword puzzles, consider pitching ideas that touch upon these areas while still being relevant to his main interest in crosswords and puzzle-solving.
This information evolves through artificial intelligence and human feedback. Improve this profile .
In the example clues below, I explain the two parts of each: the definition of the answer and the wordplay – the recipe for assembling its letters.
The Guardian has recruited a crossword compiler with a difference: he is entirely fictional
The Guardian is the friendliest place for new solvers. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s your welcoming party
By: Alan Connor
When human solvers battle artificial intelligence, who is able to think more cryptically, faster? And are some devious clues just too tough for software?
By: Alan Connor
The Times hosts an annual crossword-solving competition and it remains, until such time as the Guardian has its own version, the gold standard.
By: Alan Connor
Do you, when you encounter dictionary compilers' lists of words of the year, wonder: does anyone actually use these phrases?
By: Alan Connor
We apply the Crossword Test to see whether terms like ‘romantasy’ have entered general usage
The Genius is the Guardian's toughest crossword. Setters get inventive: in February's Genius , by Qaos , the grid turned out to be a representation of the end of The Shawshank Redemption.
Which public figure has appealed most to cryptic setters this year?
By: Alan Connor
From crosswords to quizzes, murder mysteries to number puzzles, brain-teasers are more popular than ever. But who are the fiendish minds behind them? The Guardian’s crossword editor introduces six top setters
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