Who Is Nicholas Minshall?
Nicholas Minshall — author, puzzle creator, and lifelong storyteller — grew up a child of the 80s with the sand between his toes. Raised along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Nick found adventure everywhere: from biking around Boca Ciega Bay to exploring the swamps and bayous that sparked his love of discovery.
From Band Geek to Wordsmith
Welcome to Nicholas Minshall’s Word Search World! Explore a growing collection of puzzle books created to entertain, inspire, and give your brain a fun workout. From casual solvers to puzzle pros, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
The Adventure Begins
Nick’s adventures began at a young age, and like Dennis the Menace, he was a constant troublemaker. Little red tricycles were all the rage for toddlers back then but Nick had bigger plans, as he would soon have his very first two-wheeled bike.
Throughout his younger years, he spent a lot of time exercising, playing with friends, and doing everything he could to live a healthier life. And. growing up along the shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast gave him many opportunities to live a better life.
Unfortunately, the sun would eventually bleach his read hair a darker brown.
The Band Geek
At just 11, Nick discovered music, excelling on the French horn while developing a deeper passion for language arts. He began writing short stories, many of which were shared in school and even showcased at the local public library. By 1994, he received recognition from the Pinellas County School Board for his creative talents — proof that storytelling was already in his DNA.
The Hacker Generation
Nick’s curiosity soon turned to technology. His first computer was an IBM PS/2, later upgraded to a 486DX. In the 90s, computers weren’t plug-and-play — every detail had to be manually configured. Volunteering at the Science Center of Pinellas County, Nick rebuilt nearly 100 donated machines for classrooms. As a reward, he built his own PC from spare parts — sparking a lifelong love of tech and learning.
Worldly Adventures
As he grew older, Nick followed his passions across the United States and beyond. He traveled to nearly every state in the lower 48, then set out to teach English overseas. While exploring the farthest corners of the globe, he continued writing — capturing the stories, people, and cultures that shaped his worldview.
Nick Meets His Match
In 2006, Nick married along the beaches of the Queen City of the South in the Philippines, where he now makes his home. While he traded in the nomadic lifestyle, he never gave up his passion for writing. Over the years, he has authored more than a dozen self-published books and created online content for clients across the globe.
Today, Nick is the founder of 125 Puzzles, a publishing brand dedicated to themed word search collections. By blending nostalgia, pop culture, and creativity, he’s building puzzle series for fans of movies, TV, music, books, nature, and more — bringing joy and challenge to puzzle lovers everywhere.