Meet Miranda, Our Staff Writer!

When it’s right, it’s right.

Miranda Fraraccio first joined Lightning Media Partners as a freelance copywriter in July 2021. In that time, she’s tackled many pieces for our diverse client pool, successfully identifying and conveying each client’s unique voice and perspective. Prior to joining us, she’s not only worked as an editor, but she’s also been a radio host, production manager, and rock director (music, not geology).

When the time came to expand our team, we were thrilled to bring Miranda on board as a part-time staff writer. Her skillset and ambition speak for themselves, and we can’t wait to see how she grows within LMP!

To get to know Miranda better, we asked her a few questions about her fascinating career thus far, the differences between communicating for radio versus the written word, and the two separate occasions on which she’s seen a ghost.

What first drew you to writing?

I can’t pinpoint exactly what drove me to write, but I started when I was really little. I’d keep secret journals with a little lock and key on them until, on multiple occasions, I lost the key, rendering them useless. I always liked writing and English classes and found that they were the only places in school where I felt like I could express myself. 

While a lot of school subjects were cut and dry with one right answer, I’ve always loved that writing is up to the author. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong direction to go in when you write — the topic can be about anything you want.

Prior to joining LMP, you’ve been quite involved in the music industry. How does communicating for radio differ from communicating through the written word?

I’ve found that communicating through radio shares similarities with written word, but they have some big differences too. While written word can be very independent, communicating through radio is often a collaborative effort. I’d frequently invite guests, bands, and co-hosts to diversify my show and facilitate deeper conversation. Communicating through radio requires you to creatively find ways to keep people entertained; otherwise, they’re going to turn that dial and listen to another station. That means as a host, you need to come up with discussion topics, be prepared with insightful and meaningful comments on a whim, and keep a personable and friendly tone — whether you’re talking to guests, or having a conversation with yourself on air. You’re doing a bit of improv when on the air, as opposed to writing, where you can take time to decide what you want to say.

I will say though, communicating through radio is similar to written word in that you’re talking to an audience who isn’t responding. Sometimes people would call the station or reach out through social media to request songs or chat, but generally speaking, you’re speaking to an audience that doesn’t talk back.

In your opinion and experience, what makes a good radio host?

A good radio host is someone who creates a show that feels inviting, fun, and most importantly — genuine. As a host, you need to stay current about what’s going on in the world, and what’s going on in the music industry. People are going to look to you in order to find new, current music, so it’s important for a host to be knowledgeable and open.

Outside of work, you also like to travel. What has been your favorite destination so far? What future trip are you most looking forward to taking?

I’ve been so fortunate to visit many cool places in my life. One of my absolute favorite places to visit so far has been the area around the Salton Sea in California. The history behind this area is beyond fascinating and has sent me down rabbit holes more times than I can count. 

Basically, the Salton Sea is a man-made sea in the middle of the desert in southern California, about an hour from the Mexico border. In the 1950s, the area was on the rise, becoming one of the most popular water destinations and even drawing celebrities like Frank Sinatra and the Beach Boys. However, due to environmental issues and lack of maintenance and support, the sea began to shrink and the water became toxic, which now affects much of the wildlife in the area.

What remains in that area, however, is so unique and interesting. Extremely long and empty stretches of roads, towns with less than 300 residents, and art installations built on abandoned buildings. I’ve visited the area twice in the past couple of years to stop by my favorite part, Bombay Beach, as one time just wasn’t enough for me. The people are very friendly and welcoming, and I even saw one of the most gorgeous sunsets of my life there, while simultaneously experiencing “quicksand” mud for the first time.

In the future, I’m looking forward to taking a southwest road trip! I’ve never been to Utah, so I’d love to stop there on a road trip and visit their national parks. (One of my bucket list goals is to visit every U.S. National Park!)

If you could go back and talk to high school/college Miranda, what would you tell her?

While you may feel directionless now, things will all work out. You’ll carve your own path as time goes on; everything doesn’t need to be planned out ahead of time. Don’t focus so much on comparing your success to the success of others — your time will come. Just be willing to take chances and get out of your comfort zone, because that’s where the best opportunities lie! 

Lightning Round

1. 1. Are you more of a morning person or a night person? I’m definitely more of a night person. I find that I’m more creative and oftentimes come up with my best ideas at night. Although, I love to sleep so you will still catch me asleep on the couch by 9:00pm some nights.
   2. What’s the best pizza chain?  I know it goes without saying that most people would prefer a local pizza place. However, I’d vote Domino’s. As a teenager, I used to love the pizza tracker on their website. They came out with it before a lot of restaurants would let you order online and I thought it was the coolest thing at the time!
   3. Pick one famous person, living or deceased, to interview for a Vanity Fair-style article/video. Oh man, I would love to interview the musician and author Patti Smith! She’s such an accomplished and influential person in the history of punk rock, and continues to spread positivity and promote justice. Just last week, she was given a key to New York City!
   4. Cats or dogs? Cats for sure! Although I love both, I grew up with multiple cats in my home and have since adopted a little clico of my own, named Jinx! 
   5. Have you ever seen a ghost? Yes, a couple times actually! The first time I ever saw one was while I was spending a week on a Native American reservation in Arizona. The second time I saw one was while driving down a notoriously haunted road in New Jersey. 
   6. For journaling/creative writing: paper or computer? Because of how I write and edit, I find it easier to use a computer. I do love writing pen to paper, but I find it less wasteful to write on the computer since I can easily copy/paste/delete.
   7. Choose one food to eat for a week straight. I could easily eat nime chow for a week straight! It’s one of those items where if I see it on the menu, I have to order it. Except, when I do, I always order it without the shrimp because I’m the one Rhode Islander in the state who doesn’t like seafood.
   8. What’s your go-to Spotify playlist/artist/song? Lately, I have been obsessed with Kacey Musgraves’ new album Star-Crossed. It’s been on repeat pretty much daily for me, so much so that almost every song on the album ended up on my “Your Top Songs 2021” playlist on Spotify. I also created a playlist a while back called “road trip,” which features almost 12 hours of 60’s and 70’s psychedelic rock and folk songs. I listen to that a lot when I’m driving, or looking for a way to relax and day-dream. 
   9. Rhode Island or New York? Either way I answer this, I’m going to get myself in trouble! I grew up in Rhode Island, so going home and enjoying some peace and quiet down by the ocean is something I never get tired of, and long for when I’m gone. However, I’ve found over the years that I prefer living in a city, and really miss my home in Queens whenever I leave. I’ve become very accustomed to always having people around, and I love the excitement and convenience of living in a place with so much going on at all times! 
   10. Fill in the blank: the world is a happier place because of __________ . Chips and queso from my favorite Mexican restaurant back home. Shout out to El Tapatio!