Last Lil of my 2025 mentorship *sniff sniff*. I’m not crying, you’re crying… And it’s my first meta—but not my last. Because tearing my hair out while drafting complex-ish things is my new version of fun.

The working title of this puzzle was “I Swear I Didn’t Predict the Louvre Heist.” I still maintain my innocence. The only thing I’ve ever stolen is a bottle of Coke. And that’s only because I totally forgot to pay for it. (Sorry to the Bulk Barn that existed in my hometown mall.)

Today’s @puzzmo.com comes from my brain. So, I’ll either just say “sorry” now or “you’re welcome” depending on your feelings about it. puzzmo.com/puzzle/2025-...

Here’s the deal! Subscribe, renew, or buy a gift subscription from avxwords.com from now thru the end of the year, and get a new meta mini pack, free. After subscribing, send a blank email to [email protected] with “mini meta” in the subject line, and we’ll send you the pack. Honor system!

Me and Kareem taking over @puzzmo.com crossword today in our first (but not last) collab 🙌 www.puzzmo.com/puzzle/2025-...

Thanks @sallyhoelscher.bsky.social for blogging about my USAT solo debut yesterday! usatodayxwordblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/october-21-2025.html?m=1

@amiewalker.bsky.social and I have today’s Universal puzzle (my debut with them!). Here’s the linkyboo… syndication.andrewsmcmeel.com/puzzles/crosswords

I’ve got this week’s boswords.org puzzle! Big thanks to the team for having me—and for Jeff for boldly accepting to be the featured solver. The loveliest crew. @boswords.bsky.social

We are excited to be releasing Puzzle #1 of the Boswords Fall Themeless League tomorrow night! Thanks to all who have joined so far, and there's still time to join the fun! For more info, a short video explaining the Fall League, and to register, go to boswords.org.

As we move toward our fall subscription drive, we hope you’ll consider supporting us in part bc we are an independent media company. No, crosswords are not as vital as journalism. But yes, all content that we consume matters, and it should be as free as possible from corporate control.

I had to write a puzzle for my newest stage of adulting. I feel you, Monica Geller!

@sallyhoelscher.bsky.social and I with today’s USA Today crossword. We’ll only swipe a bit of your time. My USAT debut too! puzzles.usatoday.com

I feel like I’m at the Oscars and I’m nominated in the same category as Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. I’m almost tempted to write hashtag blessed… but I’ll spare you.

Put on your dancing shoes! Tonight we have an 11x12 puzzle by roster member Carina da Rosa (@carinadarosa.bsky.social) called "Sorry, Patrick Swayze, But I Put Baby in the Corner."

As I develop my crossword persona, I think it’s becoming a sassy ‘90s Disney princess. Here’s my puzz today over at @puzzmo.com! www.puzzmo.com/puzzle/2025-...

We're beyond thrilled to present puzzles by this fantastic set of constructors at the second Midwest Crossword Tournament, October 4, 2025 in Chicago! Read more about them and register now at midwestgridfest.com

Today we bring you the latest midi from roster member Carina da Rosa (@carinadarosa.bsky.social‬). It's a 13x11 titled "That's What She Said." We think you'll enjoy how this puzzle manages to be light-hearted and educational at the same time.

Thanks to Igor and the team for including me in their Apple fun (and being so lovely to work with). Baby’s first mini…

Dena and I have today’s crossword at @wsj.com (my debut with them!) Print, online, choose your own solving adventure. www.wsj.com/articles/sta...

Thanks to the Lil AVCX team (and especially my mentor @sallyhoelscher.bsky.social) for this wicked cool opportunity. Cue the ABBA!

Having my @puzzmo.com debut today (and my crossword debut) feels like my birthday. I’m gonna buy cake and Marie Antoinette this day up. Don’t worry, I won’t lose my head… www.puzzmo.com/puzzle/2025-...

I can’t tell what makes me more excited: getting the opportunity to make crosswords or gaining all of these fab crossword friends. Or buying cake. All 3, obvi.