I'm a writer, and I'm trying to build a website...

I appreciate your activity. As a writer one should always express his esteemed writing skill on to the internet, you get a great audience for this. Your concept of not spending on this is also safe and good. Why don't you try publishing some brief e_books on the subjects which are always wanted by the net readers. This e_book publication would add a better luck to you faster. Wishing you all the best in your deed.