Author Archives: Sam Donaldson

The 2012 Orca Awards

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Sam Donaldson

We’re back on the black and white carpet, just minutes from the start of the 2012 Orca Awards! Just like last year, this year’s Orca ceremony promises lots of surprises and special moments, including the Margaret Farrar Award for constructor … Continue reading →

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2012 Orca Awards – Best Crossword Nominees

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Sam Donaldson

Mark your calendars: The complete 2012 Orca Awards ceremony will be featured right here at Diary of a Crossword Fiend on Sunday, February 24! Like last year, this year’s celebration of the most outstanding crosswords from 2012 will include awards … Continue reading →

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My Big Fat Fun Wedding: Contest Results!

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Sam Donaldson

Forty-seven solvers from across the country submitted the correct “final word” to My Big Fat Fun Wedding contest in time for the random drawing. What was the final word? Who won? Where can you get the answers to the puzzles? … Continue reading →

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Two Weeks Left to Enter “My Big Fat Fun Wedding”

Posted on May 17, 2012 by Sam Donaldson

There’s still time to send in your entry for my free puzzle contest, “My Big Fat Fun Wedding.” It’s a collection of easy-to-medium puzzles created in celebration of my upcoming wedding this summer. Solvers who submit the correct final answer … Continue reading →

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The 2011 Orca Awards

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Sam Donaldson

We’re here on the black and white carpet, just minutes from the start of the 2011 Orca Awards! It’s a veritable who’s who of crosswording talent, and many are dressed in DIOR or YSL. The excitement is truly palpable!  Before … Continue reading →

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2011 Oryx Awards – Best Crossword Nominees

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Sam Donaldson

On Oscar Sunday, February 26, this blog will host the 2011 Oryx Awards, honoring several of the outstanding achievements in crossword puzzle construction from puzzles published in 2011. Honors will be given in several categories, including Best Easy Puzzle, Best … Continue reading →

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Free Puzzle Contest – “My Big Fat Fun Wedding”

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Sam Donaldson

To celebrate my upcoming wedding this summer, I am pleased to offer a new puzzle contest, “My Big Fat Fun Wedding.” The puzzles are pitched at an easy-medium difficulty level, but I hope beginners and experts alike enjoy them. Solvers … Continue reading →

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