Cryptic Crosswords
About me
I now live in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand (after many years in Auckland, hence the URL). I am a Brit married to a Kiwi. We have two children, one studying environmental science, and the other a PhD in mathematics, both at the University of Auckland. I'm now retired, but my day job was a software developer. I'm mainly responsible for the code that animates Mr. Bean and Peppa Pig.
About "Māyā"
Māyā (Sanskrit माया), literally means "illusion" and "magic". However, the term has multiple meanings depending on the context ... in later Vedic texts and modern literature dedicated to Indian traditions, Māyā connotes a "magic show, an illusion where things appear to be present but are not what they seem" (From Wikipedia).
My crosswords have appeared in these magazines:
(the AUT student magazine)
 |
 |
|
...and some written for the website of the Crickle wordgame are available here ...plus a few miscellaneous ones such as “Science, Miss Hawthorne!” and “A crossword jigsaw!” are available here |
|
|
Some of them can also be solved on your phone! Thanks to the Alphacross app. Also, see here for a selection for PCs and Macs, just download the Across Lite app to play. |
Why do I do it?
Apart from the fame and riches, you mean? In my opinion, compiling cryptic crosswords is stand-up comedy for introverts. If I can get a laugh (or groan) when someone solves a clue, I feel my work has been worthwhile.
Comments on my crosswords
“I thoroughly enjoyed your puzzle. Some wonderfully devious surfaces and great constructions, lots of why-didn't-I-think-of-thats, a few that had me thoroughly stumped for far too long.”
David Tossman, cryptic crossword setter for the New Zealand Listener
“Thank you for creating your wonderful crosswords this year. It is so nice to be able to rely on getting a great crossword and on time too!”
Carolyn Enting, Editor of Good magazine
“I already did it. I was stunned.”
Anthony Horowitz, author, playwright and screenwriter, on a crossword themed around his work.
“Māyā, for ages I have been meaning to get on the blog and comment on your fantastic crosswords. This one has pushed me over the edge! Thank you for such clever cluing. I love the local-isms, use of te reo Māori, local people and places. Thank you!”
Dr Ocean Mercier of Victoria University, Wellington
“I met a person the other day who was raving about how good the crossword is! Said she always finds it challenging.”
Michelle Bennett (Office Manager at BENEFITZ)
“Best. Crossword. Ever.”
Tara Eastwood of The Androzani Team.
“Congratulations. You have a convoluted, tricky and extraordinarily devious mind. I promise not to disclose this to another soul.”
Kevin Ireland, poet, novelist and friend.
“We solved your puzzle on stream and enjoyed it very much! The 21-letter anagram is a true tour de force.”
Jamie Ding.
“I puzzled for a bit and then it clicked about the prison-related words. I really don’t know how you do it!”
Geoff Adlam, formerly managing editor of LawTalk (published by the NZ Law Society).
|
If you are interested... ...in featuring a quirky, original cryptic crossword, tailored to current events and/or content in a publication... (or wish to contact me for any other reason) ...please get in touch by emailing: maya (at) mayaofauckland (dot) com. |
PS I have also written some (non-crossword-related) novels.
For uncounted centuries did Humanity fight and play, and commit strange and terrible deeds in bright halls of its own imagining; whilst around its Dreaming Domes, the dark and ruined Earth lay forgotten.
My book(s) are available here, here, here, here, here and here.
