The hints for today’s NYT Strands are clear if you are a writer.

Strands, the New York Times‘ sophisticated word-search game, features a distinct twist on the conventional word search. Words can be constructed from adjacent letters — vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, with the ability to change directions, forming unique shapes and designs. Each letter in the grid contributes to an answer. A theme links each solution, in addition to the “spangram,” a distinctive word or phrase that captures the day’s theme and stretches across the entire grid either horizontally or vertically.

By providing an ambiguous hint and leaving out the word list, Strands offers a tough challenge that requires more time to complete compared to other games like Wordle and Connections.

If you’re feeling stuck or lack 10 or more minutes to tackle today’s puzzle, we have all the NYT Strands hints necessary for you to advance at your own speed.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: The write stuff

The terms are associated with writing.

Today’s NYT Strands theme simply clarified

These terms pertain to a writing tool.

NYT Strands spangram clue: Is it vertical or horizontal?

The spangram for today’s NYT Strands is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram solution for today

The spangram for today is Pencil Me In.

NYT Strands word list for October 28

• Graphite

• Cedarwood

• Eraser

• Pencil Me In

• Sharpener

• Refill

Interested in other daily online games? Mashable’s Games page has additional hints, and if you’re seeking more puzzles, Mashable’s got games ready!

Visit our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword puzzles, and more.

Not the day you’re looking for? Here’s the answer to yesterday’s Strands.