Sum of their parts – Grid 1

For Women’s Day 2024, 1ACross is happy to present “Sum of their parts”, a special series of puzzles put together by several talented cruciverbalists from across the globe.

Starting from today, 4th March, we will be publishing a new Mini grid each day at 11:00AM IST (8:30AM Bahrain), culminating on 8th March. Two lights from each of the first four grids when combined form a clue phrase with eight words. The solution to the clue put together from these is in Grid 5 and has to be identified by the solver.

All those who wish to participate must submit each of the 5 Mini grids as well as the bonus form accompanying the last grid, on or before EOD 15th Mar. 2024. All those who submit entries have a chance to enter our new leader board for 2024. Annotations for the puzzle will be posted in the blog on Saturday, Mar. 16th, 2024.

The title of this special series is also symbolic of the synergetic impact of each woman on her family – As you solve the grid, please take the opportunity to appreciate the women in your family and the countless things they do for you.

The Team (Grid 1)

Aashwina: Crosswords are a hobby that I have embraced after my retirement from active work life along with social causes (education at the primary level ) and they keep me occupied and also mentally active. Participating in IXL and meeting brilliant setters and solvers has been the highlight of this year so far. I have set grids in 1Across and hope to increase my output this year. A big shout out to all women setters! May our tribe increase !

Claire: I’m Claire and I have been been setting cryptic clues for the last 10 years and solving them for most of my life. I have a deep love for cryptic crosswords and it saddens me to think that women setters are underrepresented in the crossword space. I have had the privilege of solving many quality clues from some of the world’s finest female setters. I have also learnt so much from many female setters and solvers and have turned to them for guidance and assistance on my crossword journey. Although born in the UK I have lived near Brisbane, Australia for over 20 years. I live with my husband Barry and 2 adult sons, Pete and Sam. I will always be a very proud Mum, no matter how old they get! I work in the disability field and love my job to pieces. I am delighted to celebrate IWD2024 with you all through our shared love of crosswords.

Debbie: Debbie Manber Kupfer grew up in London, but somehow ended up in St. Louis, Missouri, where she lives with her family including two very opinionated felines. She works as a writer, editor, and puzzle constructor and is the author of the young adult fantasy series, P.A.W.S. Her puzzles have appeared in Penny Press and Dell magazines. She believes that with enough tea and dark chocolate you can achieve anything! Visit Debbie Manber Kupfer on her website Paws 4 Puzzles or on Facebook.

Debasmita: I teach Economics at a university in Odisha. In my spare time I solve cryptic crosswords. Occasionally I set grids under the pseudonym of Metacryptix in a couple of blogs.

Heidi: I’m a retired speech-language pathologist enjoying life back in my home state of Hawai’i. So glad to have connected with this community of like-minded wordplay enthusiasts!

Mona: I love cryptics and all kinds of puzzles. I am proud of being a woman. Happy women’s day and let love and kindness prevail 💗

Qrypt On Y X: (Co-ordinated with the setters and helped to edit the clues): Woman on Wonderlust

Sowmya: (Founder of 1Across.org. Conceptualized / created this puzzle series). Sowmya is the puzzle editor at Amuselabs, compiler Hypatia for “The Hindu” and has independently published Cryptic Crossroads 1, 2 and 3. She has compiled more than 1,200 crossword puzzles published over the last 10 years.  She is also the recipient of two Guinness Awards for Crochet.