Ready to dive into a crossword that’s as bold and thought-provoking as the issues it hints at? This week’s Defector puzzle, 'Fight For Rights (Themeless),' is no ordinary word game—it’s a statement. Crafted by the dynamic duo Evan Mulvihill and Rafael Musa, and expertly edited by Hoang-Kim Vu, this puzzle is a modern twist on a classic pastime. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Evan, a San Francisco-based cruciverbalist, isn’t just any crossword creator. His work has graced the pages of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Los Angeles Times, but he’s best known for his themeless puzzles that aim to capture the zeitgeist—though he jokingly admits they sometimes miss the mark. When he’s not filling grids, he’s a pharmacist at San Francisco General Hospital, hitting the slopes at gay ski weeks, or curating Spotify playlists with titles like 'Extra Chill Vibes✨ONLY✨.' His indie puzzles and reviews live on his blog, BossWords (https://bosswords.co/), where he brings his unique voice to the crossword world. Meanwhile, Rafa shares the city with his cat, Georgia, adding a touch of feline flair to the creative process.
But here’s the part most people miss: Defector crosswords, launched in partnership with AVCX (https://avxwords.com/), aren’t just puzzles—they’re a movement. Running every Monday, these crosswords are a labor of love from independent creators who prioritize fairness and quality. Thinking of submitting your own puzzle? Hold tight—open submissions are paused until Dec. 1, but you can check out the guidelines HERE (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vsMt8kzQug6h9qe9B2LObcxUFt0T-ESp/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106271002798661393791&rtpof=true&sd=true). And while you’re at it, why not support AVCX’s subscription drive? With a two-month free trial (https://avxwords.com/), you can explore weekly themed and themeless crosswords, minis, cryptics, and trivia—all delivered straight to your inbox or favorite app. Here’s the controversial bit: In an era of corporate-dominated media, AVCX stands out by paying creators fairly and publishing only top-tier content. No corporate overlord, no compromises. But is this sustainable? Or is it a risky bet on quality over quantity? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe (https://avxwords.com/memberships/) and join the conversation—because great puzzles deserve great supporters.
