A questionnaire about a predefined topic is presented to the user of a computer, either via software or over a network. The questionnaire includes suggestions for clues or words of a word puzzle, such as a crossword puzzle or word search puzzle. The user need only answer a few of the questions. The user may also modify the questions and add new ones. When the user presses a button, the computer presents a custom word puzzle based on the questions and answers. The user is presented with a choice of background pictures also related to the topic, and the option to purchase various grades of the custom puzzle. A private webmaster's configuration area makes it easy to make this questionnaire and puzzle maker available from any website. It also makes it easy to customize the questionnaire, pictures offered and other matters according to the website.