Crossword Nation Via Email: Heartfelt Gratitude

Quincy the Spell-Checker

A message to Subscribers:

When we launched the Crossword Nation email service in 2011, we did so in response to folks who wanted an "extra" Tuesday puzzle to solve during the week. I had originally planned to run it for 10 years, but something wonderful happened on the way to the crossword forum: I met a delightful new constellation of friends who subscribed to our little puzzle.

Today, 731 crosswords and 14 years later, it's time to walk off stage -- with the final applause directed at our beautiful audience -- you, the Subscribers.

Joys and Sorrows -- But Mostly Joy

During the past 14 years, I've had the pleasure of tiptoeing into your homes, with puzzle in hand, every Monday night. There have been joyful nights -- like the Monday night our neighbors brought home their new baby (he's now 9 years old!). And devastatingly-sad nights -- like the Monday night after my mother died.

Crossword Nation Puzzle No. 731

But through it all, you've been there to share a penchant for puzzles and words. What a joy it has been to hear from you as you shared your solving journeys.

For 14 years, you've allowed me to engage in unacceptable levels of punnery:  MetroGnomes, Mash Confusion, Sheep Tricks, geek choruses, selfie-reliance, skinny genes, mall de mer and Oscar de la Yenta.

You've generously endured drive-by food puns: Hugs and Knishes, Campy Scampi, the film "Kashablanca," Pumpkin Piety, Parmadillos, Feta Blockers, Scream Cheese, Papaya Hemingway, Gore Vidalia, Eggs Over Sleazy, Truffle Kerfuffle, "Much Ado About Stuffing," The Ugli Truth and "Carb Your Enthusiasm!"

I've had a blast creating the puzzles. But without you, these crosswords are simply words on a page. By solving them, YOU brought them to life, and for that -- I am deeply grateful.

Special Thank-You Wishes

I am indebted to Amy Reynaldo for allowing Crossword Nation puzzles to be blogged on Diary of a Crossword Fiend, her one-of-a-kind website. Thank you for supporting creators of independent puzzles.

During the Crossword Nation run, the puzzles were blogged meticulously and beautifully by Janie Smulyan and Adesina Koiki. This is a blogging Dream Team, and a constructor's dream. Thank you for writing hundreds of thoughtful essays that inform and celebrate the art of puzzlemaking.

There are people who routinely talk me off the ledge. They are the test-solvers who see the early versions of the puzzles and flag wonky words and "what was I thinking?" corners. I've been the beneficiary of their sound counsel. Anne Ellison, George Barany, Howard Barkin -- I salute you! Bob Klahn (now departed) offered invaluable advice. Thank you, kindly, for supporting me.

Finally, I want to thank Glenn Turner and the good folks at Stand Alone who carry the Crossword Nation puzzles on their app. Stand Alone stood behind me from the very beginning, and I look forward to continuing our relationship via the app offerings.

The final puzzle of this series will be published in a few hours. Be well, Dear Subscribers, and thank you for supporting the email delivery service. I will miss you.

Cruciverbally Yours,

Liz

An elegant "Bolero" is an apt recessional.

CODA

Refunds

Within the next two or three weeks I will contact all subscribers personally with details about full refunds, or partial refunds for unused portions of your subscriptions. Please allow me a few weeks to accomplish this. I want to reach out to you personally because many of you have become friends over the years. I'll be in touch with you soon.

If you have immediate questions, please don't hesitate to write to me at CrosswordNationEditor@gmail.com

Where to Find Me!

Though this service is ending, I hope you'll continue to solve my daily puzzles in the L.A. Times (they're free!) and the New Yorker crosswords.

This December, my new book of puzzles, Crosswords for Classical Music Lovers, will be released. From time to time I share free bonus puzzles on my website, so I hope you'll stay in touch by signing up for notifications via the Crossword Nation blog.

Ciao, my Friends.