Will Shortz—The New York Times crossword editor, NPR puzzle master, and affable subject of the crossword documentary Wordplay—is in town this tonight for a Portland Arts and Lectures gig. The Mercury caught up with him to pick that puzzling brain of his.

Check him out tonight at the First Congregational Church (1126 SW Park), at 7:30 pm. More info at the Portland Arts and Lectures site. Will tells me he’ll be doing plenty of audience participation, a la the kinds of puzzles he airs on NPR. Eat a dinner that will make you sharper, before you hit this event.

And now, a word (or several) with Will:

Got any crossword tips?

If you have an answer in the grid, fill in what you know and build out from there. Use the more unusual letter for the crossing answers—those will help more—like a J, K, or Q. If you have an answer in the grid that’s not crossing with anything, consider the possibility it’s wrong. Don’t hesitate to guess, but don’t hesitate to erase something if it’s not working out. If you get stuck, put the puzzle down and come back later.

So do you do your puzzles in pen or pencil?

I’m a pen guy, usually. I like the way it rolls across the paper.

You don’t need to do much erasing?

Ha! I write over if I have to.