Words: 66
Average Length: 5.42
“The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.” I constructed this puzzle shortly after the US presidential election. The poem that underlies the grid’s theme – considered one of the most important poems of the 20th century – was written just after the first World War. It precisely captures the anxiety and dismay of the current moment. You can read the full poem here.
Words: 18
Average Length: 5.00
This grid started with 1 Across because I’ve been watching the NFL playoffs, but then when I went to clue it, I kept remembering the brilliant opening credit sequence of Airplane!, which you can see here.
Words: 71 (14×15)
Average Length: 4.96
On Sunday afternoon (Jan. 19), I sat down to construct a basic word ladder puzzle. When I started to clue the puzzle, I realized the quote from Dr. King referenced in 1 Across and 62 Across would be a good framing device. Originally, I thought I’d post this puzzle in late March, since I’ve got several other grids lined up already. But given that today commemorates Dr. King, whose message was founded in 62 Across, and is simultaneously the inauguration of a man whose message fosters 1 Across, I decided to rush the puzzle out the door, so to speak. Let’s all do our best to turn 1 Across into 62 Across!
Words: 75 (16×15)
Average Length: 5.33
Here’s a straightforward, somewhat international (Japan, Ireland, India, Russia, Italy, Iceland, Oman, England) themeless. The seed, however – 52 Across – comes from America, where every 800 number leads to automated hell.
Words: 28
Average Length: 4.79
Laugh about it, cry about it, construct a crossword about it: the incoming imperialist-in-chief has threatened to wrest a certain large North Atlantic island from a long-time ally. Let the fun and games begin.
Words: 18
Average Length: 5.00
I’ve always loved the print that’s referenced in 8 Across. I used the artist’s name as the seed, and then crossed it with the subject of the artwork and a long-time Japanese emperor. Best solved with a warm glass of sake.
Words: 70
Average Length: 5.40
Here’s a mostly gentle themeless built around an adage, a request/order, and an item of kitchen storage that I’d never heard until recently and don’t have room for in any event.
Words: 78
Average Length: 4.64
I wish you all a New Year filled with 38 Across. I thank all 6.1 thousand of you who have solved my puzzles in the past year. You come from 55 different countries and generated nearly 15 thousand views. I hope you’ll be back for more in 2025!
If you ever have any questions or suggestions, or if you might be interested in co-constructing, shoot me an email at jeffspuzzles@gmail.com. Thanks, and all the best for 2025!
Jeff's Puzzles