Anastasia Miliano

If you’ve spent any time in the Inkwell Games community, you’ve probably crossed paths with Jo, our resident puzzle enthusiast, and the person making sure our Facebook Group stays warm, welcoming, and full of good vibes.

Jo didn’t set out to work in community engagement; community engagement found her. From getting hooked on our daily puzzles to building a space where players lift each other up, Jo brings heart, humour, and a whole lot of coffee to everything she does. We sat down with her for a Q&A to learn more about her favourite puzzles, her morning rituals, and the unexpected journey that brought her here.

What drew you to working with the Inkwell Games community?

I love building a community from the ground up, there’s something exciting about being part of a new venture, the initial buzz of a new community is intoxicating, it is like watching your own child grow and flourish!

When Anastasia approached me to try the daily puzzles, I figured I’d play a few. Instead, I got completely hooked. I didn’t even have to think about it, I knew instantly Inkwell was my new chapter! With games this good, I knew we could grow a community that would be fun, thoughtful, and a rewarding!

What’s your favorite Inkwell puzzle, and do you have any signature solving strategies (or superstitions)?

Is this a trick question?  Honestly I’m a big Stars fan!

Ohh I don’t have strategy, I’m seriously no pro, I’ve learned just as much from the community as I have from actually playing. That’s honestly one of my favourite parts about this job: I don’t have to pretend to be the expert. We’re figuring things out together, one puzzle at a time.

Superstitions? Not a superstition, but definitely a ritual. I settle on the sofa with my morning coffee, a blanket, and Remi, my Tuxedo cat, to tackle Stars first and then Fields.

What other games do you play?

I love a little bit of everything—escape rooms, cozy games, mystery games, the occasional geocaching adventure…anything with clues, story, or something to uncover and I’m in.

How would you describe your job to someone who has no idea what a community manager does?

Think of a Facebook Group as a giant living room, I’m the one making sure everyone has snacks, the lights are cozy, and nobody’s flipping the table.

I’m basically a puzzle-loving traffic director, cheer-leader, and chaos-wrangler rolled into one. I keep the community running smoothly, answer questions, celebrate wins, pass along feedback, and make sure everyone feels welcome.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Ohh the people, hands down! The energy, the curiosity, the kindness. Inkwell players don’t just solve puzzles…they cheer each other on, share tiny victories, and make even the trickiest puzzle feel like a team sport. Our Insiders are like an extended family!

What do you like to do when you’re not herding puzzle enthusiasts online?

I’m usually out bouldering, roaming around geocaching spots, digging into my family history, reading, thrifting for that next coveted piece for my closet, or doing a good old-fashioned jigsaw puzzle. Basically: if it involves clues, climbing, or curiosity, I’m probably there.

Coffee, tea, or something else entirely to fuel your day?

Coffee. Always coffee. Tea makes me nauseous (tragic I know, being British), and I don’t drink pop or sugary drinks.

What’s a skill you wish you had or want to learn?

Coding! I dipped my toes into Ruby once, and my brother tried to help, but my brain didn’t compute! One day I’ll try again.

I’ve also always wanted to learn French—there’s just something so cool about being able to switch languages mid-sentence.

If you could have dinner with anyone (living or dead), who would it be?

My grandfather. He was such an interesting man, and I didn’t ask nearly enough questions while I had the chance. I’d give anything for one more conversation.

Can you tell us something about you that would surprise the community?

I am British, (and yes, I have an accent). I'm mom to a beautiful daughter, and a grandmother to four fabulous mini humans!!