FRIDAY PUZZLE — There is this theory among some crossword solvers that the puzzles they enjoy manifest themselves in one of two ways: They are either generated in an undisclosed location by highly advanced computer technology, or they are handmade by wizened intellectuals, who sit in their ivory towers, smoking their pipes and wearing their jackets from the Tweed-of-the-Month Club.

The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in the middle. Not the above middle, mind you, but many of the best crosswords are, in fact, made using software assistance under the control of human beings.

Also, not all constructors are necessarily wizened. Daniel and Anne Larsen are good examples. Two and a half years ago, Mr. Larsen, then age 13, made his New York Times Crossword debut as the youngest person to have a puzzle published in this paper, which freaked me out a little considering that I know what making a crossword entails, and I wrote this at the time:

When I was 13, I was famous in my family and among friends for losing things. I also could not walk across a room without injuring myself or someone else in the process. Most young people are going through a lot at that age, both internally and externally, and it’s always incredible to me that there are a few who have it so together that they can accomplish truly amazing things. And then there is the whole birthday present thing. When I was 13, I asked my parents for things like a jet pack or for “The Partridge Family” star and heartthrob David Cassidy, depending on availability. It would never have occurred to me to ask for a digital word list to make my crossword puzzles better, as Mr. Larsen did, primarily because 1) those things didn’t exist back then, and b) I didn’t have it as together as today’s constructor apparently does. I have to say that I admire Mr. Larsen for his singular focus, and I sincerely congratulate him from the bottom of my arthritic old heart.

So I think we can all agree that 13-year-olds making crosswords for The Times, or even being interested in crossword puzzles, is an incredible thing.

But wait. There’s another Larsen. And she’s into puzzle making, too. Anne Larsen is a student at — wait for it — Harvard University, and she and her younger brother have collaborated on a few crosswords to date. This puzzle is Ms. Larsen’s New York Times Crossword debut. I hope to see more from her.