Puzzle #18: 7xwords (Director's Cut)

Over on Malaika Handa's site 7xwords there's a very cool project going on: an attempt to create a 7x7 crossword puzzle with every possible valid configuration of black squares.

Various constructors, both brand newbies and seasoned veterans, are all contributing puzzles. And today you can go and solve my contribution to the project.

As a way to help promote the project, and let's be real--just for fun, I've made an alternate puzzle with the same grid pattern. Hope you solve them both, and then go and check out the rest of the 7xwords puzzles if you haven't already.

Mmm, bread

Comments

Puzzle #104: Triple Threats

Hi friends, Today's puzzle is a themed offering, and a lesson in striking while the iron is hot. It's one of my oldest crossword ideas, but I was never quite able to make a grid that I was happy with for it. Years later, I revisited it. I did find my grid-making skills had improved, but I dithered in making and cluing it. By the time I sent it around and got feedback from venues, I got told by not one but two different editors that they already had a very similar puzzle in their queue. Such is life! I still love this theme, and I'm happy I finally managed to make the puzzle a reality. I'm excited to see the different paths people took with a similar concept as well, so keep your eyes peeled for those other puzzles. Thank you to Geoffrey Schorkopf for invaluable help in testing this puzzle! You can find Shannon and I over at The Defector . If OneDrive prompts you to log-in, try opening in a private window. .puz PDF Solution ...

Puzzle #109: Steamed Hams but it's a Cryptic Crossword (with Alex Boisvert)

Friends, you're in for a treat! Today's puzzle comes to us via the incredible mind of Alex Boisvert, Simpsons fan and all-around boon to the crosswording community . Alex was kind enough to pitch this idea, and collaborate with me on this cryptic, which was a ton of fun to make. We think you'll enjoy it regardless of your level of Simpsons knowledge/appreciation. Thank you to Steve Mossberg and Tyler Hinman for their help in testing this puzzle. Alex says: "I had a lot of fun and learned a lot about cryptics from Will while working on this puzzle. Enjoy!" Mmm, donuts If OneLook prompts a login, try using a private browser window. ipuz can be solved with the Crossword Nexus solver . ipuz PDF Solution and Parses Created by Will and Alex using PuzzleMe's free crossword puzzle maker

Puzzle #110: Crossword Cinematic Universe

Hi friends, Back with a themeless puzzle--I think there's a lot of fun entries and clues in this one, so I hope you enjoy. Lil AVCX is currently looking for folks who want to apply to be part of the 2026 roster , so check that out! Lately, I've been making some puzzles for People magazine--you can check them out on their Google Play or iPhone app if you'd like to solve some celebrity-themed puzzles (including some other fantastic constructors like Shannon Rapp, Robyn Weintraub and Neville Fogarty) (if OneDrive prompts you to login, try opening in a private window) .puz PDF Solution Mmm… sticky toffee pudding Created by Will Eisenberg

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