In other words, design for readers, not for web designers. The basics are important - name, email address. I use pictures mostly because I write about food, travel and people, and the graphics accent them, but pure text would be fine too. Next is a resume of my writing work, then a listing of clips including links to the online work I've done. No animations, no music in the background, and no frames.
Nobody likes to wait.
Get yourself an HTML editor. Up until recently I used AOLPress for this very website. Once you make your page, you need a place to put it. GO to the FreeWebSpace site and the UK FreeISP list for other free providers to find the best space for your needs. If you're using AOLPress, and you happen to be on AOL, posting your page is practically automatic.