By Alison Chino

In keeping with the this month’s theme at Arkansas Women Bloggers, I’ve been contemplating RISK.

And possibility.

Thinking about the risks I want to take in blogging and in life makes me excited!

So here are some ideas for taking a risk with your blog this month.

Because taking risks and having new ideas make blogging so much fun!

1. Write a public letter to one of your internet heroes. 

Is there a blog or a column you have been reading for years? A person whose ideas you could not live without? Someone who makes you laugh. Or cry.

Write them a gushing letter full of compliments and heartfelt thanks. Then publish it on your blog. 

(Bonus points if you find your hero’s address and actually snail mail the letter as well!)

2. Write exactly what your readers want.

Do you have an email newsletter? Maybe consider sending this letter out to your subscribers:

Dear beloved readers,

Will you do me a quick favor? Hit reply to this email and ask me one question you’d love to know the answer to. It can be anything!

I will use your replies as my next several blog posts.

Thanks so much for reading! 

You make blogging so much more fun!

XO

Even if you only get four questions back, that’s four more blog posts/writing prompts than you had before. 

You could also ask this question on Facebook if you don’t have an email newsletter.

3. Write an advice piece.

Is there a skill or hobby or craft you’ve been learning about lately? Even if you don’t feel like you’re an expert, you probably know more than I do. Tell me how to repair my wood floor. Tell me how to get started on quilting. Or how to narrow down the massive number of paint color choices for a room. How do I dress for an interview? Or start a podcast? 

If you’ve been working on a project of any kind over the last few weeks, you have acquired knowledge that someone needs to know. You could be the answer to someone else’s Google search!

4. Make a vlog.

Putting yourself out into the world via video can feel like a HUGE risk if you have never done it before. It also can seem daunting, but a one minute video of you doing something as simple as introducing yourself can help your readers connect with your personality. 

So dig out a cute outfit, set up your phone and give it a go! 

We want to see your pretty face.

If you’re in a rut or looking to take a risk this month, give one of these options a try.

Or tell me other risks you are hoping to take this month! I’m super curious!

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far it is possible to go.

T.S. Eliot