There was a time, not so long ago, when we would memorialize our deepest secrets in diaries. These diaries were hidden from view, tucked away under beds and at times even locked. Not anymore. More and more people are turning to the web to broadcast their deepest secrets, perhaps as a form of liberation. Here are a couple of the web’s best secret forums.

1. PostSecret

lonliestStarted by Frank Warren, PostSecret is a blog project that invites people to mail in decorated postcards that contain a secret they have never shared before. At times fun, most secrets really tug at your heart strings as anonymous secret-sharers reveal tales of love, loss, abuse and beyond. What started as a community mail art project has now gone beyond viral, with the author holding talks around the world and publishing multiple books. Frank’s purpose? To empower both the secret teller and tellee (i.e. us).

2. No Time for Love

no-time-for-love

A newer, more specialized site, No Time for Love is a website devoted to people anonymously sharing their greatest regrets. The site explains, “No Time for Love collects stories of regret from people dealing with the delicate balance of life, love and labor. In a reality where time is finite, prioritizing love, in any form, can be challenging. This project acknowledges that struggle.” A little less anonymous than PostSecret, this site shares your first name or initial, age and location. The result? Regret is a global phenomenon.

These sites reveal something important, writer. If you are honest, people will listen. We all want the opportunity to read someone’s deepest, most candid feelings and thoughts. When people ask me how they can develop as a writer, the first thing I say is to start a blog. At first, keep it anonymous. Don’t use your name and don’t tell anyone you are doing it. Just write. You’ll be amazed by what will happen if you a) take the pressure off yourself by staying incognito and b) commit to writing for an audience.

So take your diary digital. There is a world of voyeurs waiting to enjoy it.