AOL

Keeping an online journal, or 'blogging' (short for web logging), is an excellent way to be published instantly online.

You can write your own lifestyle column, comment on the news, showcase your poetry or prose, or simply keep a diary. Follow these six steps to start blogging now.

Create your blog
Choose your blog format. You can have either a private blog, which you share only with invited friends and family, or a public one, visible to anyone on the internet. Bloggers can become famous - so be prepared.

Need inspiration?
Read a selection of high-quality AOL blogs: Look back on the heyday of rock 'n' roll in Air Guitar, enjoy ghost stories and family life with Jeanette's Jottings, and enjoy a glorious mix of Sudoku, quotes and other curiosities from Specimen Days.

Set up the structure
You can choose the layout and colours with a custom blog, or have it all done for you with a simple blog. Then add photos with AOL Pictures.

Invite your friends
Once you've created your first entry, you can create a list of people you want to share it with. Save it in your favourites so you can update it easily. Send in a link to be considered for publication on AOL.

Develop a writing habit
Update your blog regularly to avoid disappointing your fans. You can IM an entry to your AOL Journal anytime. Set up an Alert so you know when someone's left a comment.

Join the blogging community
Share your journal and tips with other bloggers and the AOL community on the message board. Visit the Here To Help journal for support from UKLeaderBks.