Puzzle 13: Mutant Squash (with Laura Braunstein)
You may have noticed I didn’t have a puzzle up here two weeks ago. I’d like to say that my lapse had something to do with the Jewish holidays, but really it was just me not getting around to finishing a puzzle. At least I already have something to atone for next year!
This puzzle started with a tweet from Chris Adams. (You’re all already subscribed to his puzzles, right?) I wasn’t going to actually construct it, since I didn’t really want to do another quote theme — especially not another one with “adult” language in it — but Laura insisted because the idea was so “baroque and demented”, which is apparently my brand (I think she meant that as a compliment). Anyway, it’s timely, and she offered to co-construct, so here it is. There’s not much else to say about it; you’re either ready to solve this freaky-assed puzzle or you’re not.
In other crossword news, I want to thank Will Nediger for picking JKL M ‘n’ O as one of his Indie Puzzle Highlights for September. Since there’s no official hierarchy of crossword awards, I’m just going to declare this the equivalent of winning an Oscar. Also, Queer Qrossword 2: 2 Queer 2 Qurious is now out. You can get this collection of 32 LGBTQ+-themed crosswords by simply donating $10 or more to LGBTQ+ charity. I’ve only had time to solve a handful of these so far, but they’ve all been great.
