Website Design

Instead of writing, I am sitting here contemplating new website design. I am going crazy trying to learn html, css, and everything else needed to design a website and I'm wondering if it's worth the effort. I mean, I know I need a website for promotion, but while I've got nothing to promote is it really necessary? Is a blog enough--that is, woulda blog be enough if I actually wrote in it?

I'm guessing a basic site would be enough, but does that mean switch to wordpress or stay with this blog and just link it to a poorly, obviously home-made site? I just wish I knew more than I did about this and that it could be easier that it is...I guess that's why people make money doing it...