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 #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 #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

Puzzle #111: Tough Stuff (with Rafael Musa)

Hi friends, Very cool themeless puzzle this week, a collaboration with the incredible Rafael Musa! (if OneDrive prompts you to log-in, try opening in a private window) .puz PDF Solution Mmm... patterned pumpkin roll

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