The last two weeks with WordPress have been trying! The recent updates caused many issues for my sites. However, I believe I have everything under control. Finally…


One big issue was the “Classic” themes. For whatever reason, they quit working correctly. I don’t know why, I can’t explain it. I think the last WP update changed the blocks significantly, and the classic themes are having a hard time recognizing the changes. If you’re having trouble with WordPress, here are a few things I learned this week.

Change your theme. Go to Appearance/Themes/. In the search box, select Feature: View All. Then, select “Hybrid themes.” These themes were built specifically for the block editor. They still use the customizer, in most cases.
The minute (I’m not kidding) I switched my themes, everything on my blogs calmed down and fell into place. I’m using Hever on Word Craft Poetry, and my author blog. On Unicorn Cats Publishing Services, I’m using Morden.
Explore what you can do with your pages. WordPress now offers several block patterns you can use to customize a front home page for your site. (I’ve redone mine! Check it out!) Click the + on a page and browse all the blocks. Then, choose patterns and see what you can create! I’m very pleased with the results.
Widgets are found at the bottom of these hybrid themes. They are not as conspicuous, as they once were. I like the clean look of the pages and posts. Our poetry and writing are front and center now.
Another thing I really like is the option to change the background colors. What’s really great is that color populates to the post or page when you’re creating and writing. No more eye strain!
These hybrid themes are much better now than when they first premiered. If you tried them before but didn’t like the look, try them again. You might be pleasantly surprised.