Puzzle #73: Panic! At The Ballet

Hi friends,

Hope you're doing well. If you didn't see it on Daily Crossword Links, I recently wrote an essay about crosswords entitled "On Trust." I hope you'll give it a read if you're interested in constructing puzzles, or just in learning about the constructor's mindset.

In the essay, I talk a bit about what I think goes into making difficult puzzles that are still satisfying to solve. Though my 🧩 generally tend towards the easier side, this one's an attempt to make a puzzle that's a firm challenge throughout while still being fun and fair. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!

Many thanks to Norah and Steve for helping to test this one.

.puz

PDF

Solution

Mmm, flourless chocolate “wave” cake

Comments

Puzzle #86: Financial Planning (with Kate Chin Park)

Hi friends, Got a really special one this week with the inimitable Kate Chin Park. You can solve her amazing puzzles over at Crosswords Schmosswords and see her work as an edit ör at the New Y ö rker . Thanks to Norah for helping test this one. I'm hopeful to keep this trend of weekly puzzles going, at least for a bit, this summer. If you're enjoying them, drop me a line! I'd love to hear from you. .jpz PDF Solution Mmm, strawberry rhubarb bars

Puzzle #93: I'm Only One Man (with Norah Sharpe)

Hi gang, Back with a new themeless after a little hiatus. The puzzle work continues apace! I'm part of a lovely leadership team over at Lil AVC X, along with Rafa Musa, Olivia Mitra Framke, and Sally Hoelscher. We recently finished putting together the team of editors for 2024, which includes Norah Sharpe (under her government name)! This puzzle, like every collaboration with Norah , was a joy to make. Norah says, "The structure of this one was inspired by some of the gridwork that Brian Thomas has been up to lately (see this one and this one ). My favorite clues are 16A, 39A, and 51D. Thanks as ever to Will for having me over. There's only a few days left to send in your applications for the 2024 Lil AVC X roster! Details here . And speaking of Lil, please try our "Happy Hour" midi from earlier this week." (If OneDrive prompts a log-in, try opening in a private window) .puz PDF Solution Mmm, mini smores cups

Puzzle #91: A Little Bit Alexis

Hi friends, Got a fun little themeless for you this week. Thanks to Norah and Alex for help in testing this one. Norah and I also have this week's AVCX Cryptic , so give that one a go! (If OneDrive links prompt a login, try opening in a private browser window.) .puz Solution PDF Mmm, chicken shwarma pizza

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