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ABOUT THE AUTHOR, SUSANNAH SEARS
					My love of cryptics began in my teens, although it was a reluctant relationship at first.  My mother was an avid solver, and tried many times to get me to join her at the weekly cryptics in the local newspaper.  At first I refused to believe anyone could decipher their twisted phrases, but after solving my first clue, I was hooked.  I soon found constructing cryptics was even more fun than solving them, and began to create them as a hobby.  Eventually I got up the nerve to market them, and somehow convinced staff at The Ottawa Citizen to give me a try.  A series of ten puzzles began on Canada Day, 2001.  Thanks to all the kind solvers who wrote in with their encouragement, the series was extended into a regular weekly feature in September.
		If you're still reading this, then I'll tell you a little about my background.  I was born and raised in the suburbs of Montreal, but moved to Toronto for university.  I got my degree in journalism from Ryerson in 1993.  Before writing cryptics, I worked as a media analyst and a television reporter, among other less interesting things.  My husband and I moved to Ottawa in 1999.  Aside from cryptics, my interests include acrylic and silk painting, and writing--both fiction and non.
	Here's the part where I'd like to extend my thanks to everyone who encouraged my pursuit of cryptic creation: All the readers of the weekly puzzle, especially those who have taken the time to write in with their evaluation. The late Alan Richardson, cryptic author extraordinaire at The Montreal Gazette.  It was his work that convinced me these mysterious crosswords were worth solving. Alan Lee, who took over for Richardson many years ago.  His weekly creations proved just as challenging.  He has been exceedingly kind in offering feedback, help and encouragement. The staff of The Ottawa Citizen, who took a chance on my eccentric avocation, and who have been nothing but enthusiastic throughout the process. My first journalism teacher, Mr. Bill Tierney, who taught me to love the complexities of the English language. Anyone who surfs onto this website, whether or not they find it worth staying. And finally, my wonderful family, for believing my strange scribblings were worthwhile. Thank you,  Susannah
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