====== The Puzzles & Fiction Department ======
> Anyone can write about what happened last week. What sets this newspaper apart is everything else.
//- Marcus Harrow, Former Head of Fiction & Puzzles//\\
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[[https://crosshare.org/crosswords/DBBT5W1vsw7f2rcreMeH/scoop|{{  :crossword0.png?400}}]]
Not so affectionately known as the 'Dumping Ground' amongst other departments, the Puzzles & Fiction Department nevertheless makes invaluable contributions that the Gazette would not survive without (or so they like to think). From the weekly crossword, to the not-so-weekly film reviews, and even (with some luck) the occasional short story, the department helps add that extra bit of polish to each issue. The struggle to secure consistent spots in the newspaper continues; Puzzles has managed to claim a page in a ground-breaking negotiation, but at the expense of Fiction, which is now left with the occasional scrap when space needs to be filled.\\
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The department's frequent name changes (formerly known as, in order of recency, 'Fiction & Puzzles', 'Puzzles & Comics', 'Misc.', 'Puzzles & Sports', 'Sports & Other', 'Sports') evidence its internal turmoil and the turnover of employees is the highest out of any department. Idealistic authors and puzzle setters go in (along with a handful of out-of-favour journalists from other departments) while disillusioned or disgruntled writers are spat out. Marcus Harrow, the previous head, quit two weeks ago after only three months in the job. The details of his resignation are still largely unknown.\\
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One of the Gazette's newest employees is his replacement, [[gms_and_npcs#ben_c|T.C. Strange]]. Chosen ahead of several established members of the department (a subject of much controversy), she seems to delight in the intrigue and speculation. Always keen to hear the latest gossip (as long as it's not about him), xe has managed to establish a reputation as an affable, if somewhat secretive, boss. Nevertheless, some bitterness remains from her appointment... and there is no shortage of rumours about what exactly fae is hiding. Regardless, his arrival has brought with it some much-needed praise from those in the puzzle world, finally bringing a challenge to the New Glabe Lookout's well-respected crossword.\\

===== Previously, in Seldona... =====
As well as internal barriers from the higher-ups, the cultural shift away from traditional media in the last few decades brings its own challenges to the department. There certainly isn't a lack of content to review; the rise of streaming services and fiction blogs means there is more to consume than ever before. But with that comes a decline of interest in theatrical releases and hardbacks --- and newspapers. Bite-sized 'quotable' shows and books dominate while more involved plots are relegated to passion projects. The lack of corporate sponsorship has seen a surge in grass-roots efforts through crowd-funding, with some success.

The world of puzzles is more sheltered, both receiving less online competition but also less public attention and support. Crosswords survive on their historic reputation, but have become relatively niche compared to the new wave of 'gameified' puzzles, delivered through apps rather than the post.
===== Relevant NPCs =====
^Name ^Pronouns ^Description ^
|T.C. Strange|any|T.C. Strange, Puzzle Head. Enjoys repeatedly adding the mystery factor.|
|Grace Raye|she/her|A member of the Puzzles and Fiction Department and one-time aspiring author. Mostly relegated to working on the newspaper's  horoscopes, much to her chagrin. Makes no secret amongst the newspaper's staff that she doesn't believe in all that junk.|
|Marty Keenan |he/him | Marty is a new face at the New Glabe Gazette and younger than most employees, barely looking a day over twenty. From what you've seen of him so far, he seems friendly and enthusiastic, if a little confused by his new workplace.|