Words: 77 (16×15)
Average Length: 5.40
A gardener, an insurance agent, a calculus professor, a low-cost lender, and a baby food executive submit novels to a publisher. All are rejected. Why? Solve and find out!
Words: 72
Average Length: 5.42
I’m not usually one to pat myself on the back – for one thing, I’m not that flexible – but I’m really pleased with this grid. It’s packed with juicy answers, including Taylor Swift lyrics, two historical French scandals, some schmaltz, and jeans from the ‘70s. I hope you enjoy it!
Words: 11 (5×6)
Average Length: 4.73
The inspiration for this puzzle came from a Brian Bilston poem, “Hear, [1 Down], and Everywear.” If you’re not familiar with him, Brian Bliston is an English poet who is funny, sharply observant, self-deprecating, and brilliant at exploiting the weirdness of the English language.
Words: 77
Average Length: 4.86
Some time back, I passed a frustrating morning trying to get through to a live person at various institutions, each of which robotically reassured me of my valued status. A couple of hours later I figured out a way to create a puzzle around the statement beginning at 20 Across. (I don’t believe the statement generally is true, but if it is, why does it keep happening?) Any way, I hope you solve this in less time than you normally have to wait on hold.
Words: 42 (11×11)
Average Length: 4.81
This puzzle is my entry to the Crosshare monthly midi contest (theme: music; I promise I didn’t pay anyone to choose that, but thanks, Sommersmith!). If you’re not yet familiar with Crosshare (crosshare.org), it’s a wonderful online community for independent crossword constructors, as well as for people who enjoy solving puzzles by independent crossword constructors.
Words: 72
Average Length: 5.31
Get those neurons firing – this one will probably put up a fight. Just a couple of notes: (1) the new book from 3 Down, “Everybody’s Fool,” is excellent. (2) If you ever get the chance to fly 60 Across, do so – my 12-hour flight from DC to Dubai was a pleasure! (3) If you ever get the chance to go to Iceland (see 47 Down), do so – it’s a beautiful, friendly, fascinating country with a great music scene.
Words: 19
Average Length: 4.37
I wish the people I’ve listened to since my high school days would stop dying, especially at such young ages. RIP Jimmy Buffett. For all his wonderful, good-time music, my favorite song of his is “Come Monday,” a beautiful ballad. Here’s a link to Buffett introducing and then singing it.
(As drafted last Friday, this post continued: “here’s hoping we make it through this week without any more musicians leaving for that great gig in the sky.” Since then, at least two well-known musicians, Steve Harwell (Smashmouth) and Gary Wright (“Dream Weaver”) have passed. What is going on?!?!)
Words: 70
Average Length: 5.34
Like some subatomic particles, crossword-worthy words or phrases sometimes pop into existence in my head and quickly vanish. (This usually happens either in the bathroom or while walking my dogs.) Occasionally, one will leave enough of a trace to make its way into my “crossword ideas” spreadsheet. 20 Across was one such phrase; the other theme entries were manufactured in what passes for an internal brainstorming session these days. I hope at least one of them triggers a snicker/giggle. Enjoy and share!
Words: 17 (7×7)
Average Length: 4.71
Another musical hero gone. Maybe he’s jamming with David Crosby and Jeff Beck. Thanks, Robbie, for all the great music!
For anyone who’s new to my puzzle site, I posted a series of 30 Mostly Musical Minis (some masquerading as Midis) in 2022. Check them out!
Jeff's Puzzles