I like experimenting with different size grids that support theme sets that probably otherwise wouldn't appear in standard puzzle outlets. This one started with 19-Across, and then I found 24-Across and 36-Across in a word list, and that seemed like enough for a puzzle, even though it's not a particularly inventive theme. Maybe this is more like a midpoint between a fully themeless puzzle (with no "connective tissue" among the entries) and a fully themed puzzle (with a tightly-defined, exhaustive set of theme entries); hence, the "lightly themed" tag on this post. However you interpret it, I think there are some fun entries and clues in this one, and solving will hopefully teach you some things and tickle your brain. Enjoy the solve, and share if you do! Constructive feedback in the comments is always welcome. Download links:   [ puz ]   [ pdf ]   [ solution ]        Direct link: [ play online ]

  This one is a a full-sized puzzle with mirror symmetry  and an interesting theme, I think. I had fun finding the rest of the theme entries after the idea came to mind when I read 18-Across' name recently. Some of them may be obscure to you, but I think they're gettable from the crosses and the theme idea. I'm not totally pleased with the arrangement of blocks in this grid: 47 blocks is a lot, and I acknowledge that the "flow" from top to bottom is restricted. So, I'm wondering if anyone has better ideas for how to manage a theme set with many mismatching odd lengths like this one (5, 9, 9, 11, 15). I did try to arrange some of them as downs, but nothing worked out just right. (I'm open to suggestions and advice here!) Enjoy the solve, and share if you do! Constructive feedback in the comments is always welcome. Download links:   [ puz ]   [ pdf ]   [ solution ]        Direct link: [ play online ]