Overview

The project explores how a fully customized WordPress build can serve as a maintainable author platform. Rather than focusing solely on front-end aesthetics, I prioritized the underlying framework; building custom data structures and reusable logic to handle books, reviews, and metadata in a scalable, extensible way.

Backend Development Focus

I created a custom plugin registering two Custom Post Types (CPTs): Books and Reviews. Each CPT was configured with custom taxonomies, meta fields, and REST API support, enabling structured content management and potential integration with third-party services.

The plugin includes custom meta boxes for reviewer details (name, location, rating, book selector) and uses a relational approach that links reviews directly to their associated book entry. A shortcode and Gutenberg block output the most recent book or featured review for use anywhere on the site.

Theme Integration

To test the plugin in a real-world context, I built a lightweight child theme using Bootstrap and Sass for layout and responsive design. Custom template files query the CPTs and render reviews and books in a clean reader-friendly format. CSS animations and hover effects add micro-interactions without relying on heavy JavaScript.

Outcome

The final build demonstrates the complete stack of WordPress development; from plugin architecture to front-end integration. It serves as a functional prototype for author sites needing structured content control while maintaining creative freedom through custom theme design.

Reflection

This project highlighted how custom post types and plugins can transform WordPress from a blogging tool into a content management framework. If expanded, I would add front-end submissions for reader reviews and a REST-based feed to connect with external book databases like Open Library or Goodreads.