Folks, I’ve been a little quiet because I’ve been hard at work revamping my website. Like the skilled coder I am (ha ha ha), I managed to create a critical error on my website and broke my site. Normally, if something like this happens, it’s an easy fix. Remember, I design and manage websites as a side gig. I rarely encounter such a huge issue.
Unfortunately, the theme I loved that someone else built hasn’t been updated in four years. What does that mean? The old theme ran perfectly on an outdated PHP version. However, some of the plugins and other elements I’m using require an update to a more current version of PHP.
When I upgraded the PHP, it caused a critical error because the theme hadn’t been upgraded to be compatible with the new version. I had a choice after I broke my site. Lose all my plugins and extra features or change my theme. I supposed I could have rewritten the code for the theme, but if I’m doing all that work anyway, I might as well upgrade and freshen up my site for 2023.
The result is a softer, more minimalistic look. I love the lack of clutter and the way everything flows more smoothly. I also went with an Open Source framework that gets upgraded nearly weekly. This should prevent me running into the same issue again.
While I was at it, I added a carousel of all my books to the homepage. I also added a book grid to my Books page. I may change these around some as new releases hit. For example, I might feature a particular series, new releases or seasonal favorites.
I hope you like the changes and find the site easy to navigate. While I have your ear, have you signed up for my newsletter? In the coming months, I’ll be adding some details about Cupid’s Crossing and my books you won’t find anywhere else. This is the insider information my subscribers get that no one else does. You’ll also gain access to A BRIDE FOR BEN, a short novella set in Cupid’s Crossing.
Thanks for bearing with me as I revamped my pages. I’ll have more news this week in my newsletter and choose a winner from the last newsletter’s drawing. Love you all!
Lori Soard
XOXO
