Mom! We're Doing An Initiation! - Themeless #12

Hi!

I was working on a totally different (to-be-submitted) puzzle when I stumbled upon the bottom right stack in this grid - it was totally unusable because of how niche 65-Across is, but I was stoked to repurpose the stack into a blog puzzle and to let 65-Across shine.

After working the stack into a new grid, I was a little worried about being able to match the juiciness in the top left, but I ended up with something I'm super super happy with that's so so me.

Definitely my two most favorite triple stacks I've ever found, and they're in the same grid!

(Also, the title's a reference to 16-Across' movie, so slept on, will definitely put OOZMA KAPPA in a grid one day)

Hope you enjoy this one, more coming soon!

- Jack

Constructed by Jack Scherban with the free cross word creator from Amuse Labs

I Think I Left My Consciousness In The Sixth Dimension - Themeless #11

 Hi!

This one has 64 words, which is the lowest I've ever tried to construct.

When making a puzzle, there's a constant battle regarding getting the cleanest, freshest fill - choosing a word count this low definitely made that battle harder, but I'm happy with the result. There are certainly a few points of weaker fill than what I'd normally be okay with, but nothing too bad I think.

Hope you enjoy this puzzle, another one's coming right around the corner - stay tuned!

- Jack

Created by Jack Scherban with the online crossword maker from Amuse Labs

A Specific Flavor of Mellow Earnestness - Themeless #10

 Just got back from ACPT 2026 - such a fun weekend!

Between ACPT and CrosswordCon (the Friday morning before), it's been a whirlwind of meeting so many new and cool crossword people :)

I made this crossword to put out at the "puzzle table" for CrosswordCon. It was my first time making a physical "me" crossword, as opposed to the ones I've been making for this blog, so I was excited to add my own visual flair to the final product - I'm stoked with how it turned out!

So, along with the digital version that you can solve here, I'm including a pdf print-out with the cool-ified version I made for CrosswordCon. Print it out if you can! (pdf-printout)

Created by Jack Scherban using PuzzleMe's online crossword puzzle maker

Showing Some Skin - Themeless #9

 Hello!

Recently came across one of my favorite clues of all time.

I was reading through Natan Last's new book (Across the Universe - great read!), and each chapter starts with (presumably) one of his favorite crossword clues. One of these clues was [Drag to court], from an Erik Agard blog puzzle (feat. Paolo Pasco). You might've realized this clue happens to be in my grid (at 13-Across), too.

I ended up using the same answer in my grid when filling, and as I was writing clues I realized I could never write a better clue for it than [Drag to court].

So, I've decided to use it as an homage to Erik and to hopefully give solvers that haven't seen it the opportunity to crack it for themselves.

Here's the link to the Erik's puzzle with that clue - check it out!

http://gluttonforpun.blogspot.com/2017/12/puzzle-259-themeless-81-with-paolo-pasco.html

Constructed by Jack Scherban with the free crossword puzzle generator from Amuse Labs

Total Dumpster Fire

 Hello!

Loved making this midi (11x11) and may try to make more of these in the future to sprinkle in between my full-sized puzzles - especially if it means uploading more!

This one was a part of my application to be a constructor for Lil AVCX, an indie crossword outlet with a focus on midis, but unfortunately I got rejected. Still, very happy with how this turned out and I think it deserves a spot on the blog.

Hope you enjoy!

Created by Application using the free cross word generator from Amuse Labs

We're Not in the Ocean Anymore, Toto - Themeless #7

 Even though 37-Across was certainly my seed entry for this one, I'm very happy about 1-Across making it in. I got a bit diabolical with my cluing on it, as I've used the exact same clue [Flying fish?] in a previous puzzle (#4) and with a completely different answer. This puzzle's title is also a bit of a hint, so I hope it isn't too tricky! (pdf, solution)

(edit) - I was just made aware of a typo in the answer for 12-Down - heads up for that and my apologies!

Created by Jack Scherban using PuzzleMe's crossword maker

Blowing Up Your Speakers - Themeless #6

As a huge Scott Pilgrim fan, I was super excited to use 1-Down as my seed entry. This title doesn't just feel like a fitting descriptor for listening to 1-Down's music, but also literally describes several music fight scenes in the movie - hope you enjoy! (pdf, solution)

Constructed by Jack Scherban with the free cross word generator from Amuse Labs