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Showing posts from September, 2023

Mainstream Published Puzzle № 2: Labor Day (September 7, 2021)

My second puzzle to see the light of day was published in the Wall Street Journal on September 7, 2021. It was tied to the Labor Day holiday because the theme had to do with labor union-related puns. Since this was published, I actually haven't had anymore themed puzzles published. I switched almost entirely toward constructing themelesses because themes simply weren't coming to me. This puzzle evolved from me wanting to make something about the fun phrase "SQUAD GOALS," but not finding the right angle on that one. [ Download PDF to print and do ] This is what my brainstorming note looked like: Crossword Puns about Groups “Union for beekeepers” HONEY BUNCH - 10 “Union for bouncers” BRUTE FORCE - 10 “Union for massage therapists“ RUBBERBAND - 10   “Union for photo editors” CROPCIRCLE - 10 Maybes “Union for yoga instructors” ELASTIC BAND - 11 -used in crooked crosswords 2014 puzz “Union for astronauts“ LAUNCH PARTY - 11 -not used before AFAIK “Union of massage therap...

Your Six Pack Sure Looks Swell, Sir! (Themeless № 2)

I had a lot of fun making this 15 by 15 themeless. I tried to keep it feeling like a Thursday to Friday level, but still with some challenging areas. This one didn't quite find a home in any of the major publications because for the Times, it had a few gridkillers that weren't quite elegant enough, and for other publications it was perhaps a little too edgy/horny. 😈 I hope you enjoy the solve!