Frequently Asked Questions

What is this place?

• Welcome, friend! You find yourself upon the Island of Misfit Puzzles, a forested, misty land full of crossword puzzles. Here you can unwind and explore indie crosswords. Themed minis (5x5s with at least two related answers) are added on weekdays and themeless midis (7x7s up to 11x11s) are added on weekends, all at midnight New York City time. In addition, larger special puzzles (15x15 or greater) are added sporadically. Each grid size has a set photo for easy identification when scrolling.

Why are the puzzles misfits?

• Some of the puzzles that call this island home came here by choice, while others spent long journeys adrift at sea before the tide marooned them here. Don’t worry! They’re all quite happy and well-adjusted now. It’s simply that the puzzles you’ll find here may not completely fit in elsewhere in the crossworld. This could be due to unorthodox themes or niche vocabulary, but quality and fun are still top priorities.

Who makes these puzzles?

• Ian Rathkey, a Mandarin teacher who enjoys crosswords, geography, and all things China. Oh, and hikes through misty, forested islands.

I have some misfit puzzles of my own. Can they find a home here?

• Of course! This island welcomes all sorts with open arms. If you have a puzzle you think would be happy here, please reach out to my contact info below to see if we can get them settled in.

Where is the Island of Misfit Puzzles located? It’s not coming up on Google Maps.

• The Island of Misfit Puzzles is located far off some remote, forgotten shore, hidden from passing ships by a near-constant blanket of fog. But you may find that the pictures on this site bear a striking resemblance to the Alishan National Scenic Area in Taiwan.

What if I still have questions that haven’t been answered yet?

• Never fear. If you have any further questions or inquiries simply shoot an email to islandofmisfitpuzzles@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.