TK Staff Profile: Miranda Ericsson
Miranda Ericsson is a librarian for the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and an unrepentant book worm. When she’s not reading, she enjoys spending time with her family, long walks with her dogs, cooking, and escapist video games.
TK: What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed in business in Topeka the past few years?
MIRANDA: I am so excited by the NOTO Arts District, and the renaissance of Topeka’s downtown. I see the development of destination districts in our city that really show personality and originality, because the businesses in those areas are mostly owned by Topeka residents with fresh ideas and an investment in our community. Locally-owned and operated businesses mean more money going back into our economy and personalized service, but even more importantly, they mean pride in what we can do as Topeka citizens, and inspiration for others to make their own dreams come true. I see a vision of downtown as a place where folks want to gather to spend time together or enjoy a quiet afternoon. It’s happening!
TK: What do you think makes a good story?
MIRANDA: The people. I know, it’s a cliché, but it’s true! No matter what topic I’m exploring, or what company I’m profiling, it’s the individuals doing the work that are the most interesting and compelling to me as both a reader and as a storyteller. I love that TK Business allows me the opportunity to write content that will help all of us learn a bit more about our community and gain some insight into how to be successful, while also inspiring our own ideas and making us proud of our community. So often, all of the above is accomplished through the vehicle of a very human story.
TK: What has been your favorite story you have written for TK? Why?
MIRANDA: This is a tough one! In some ways, my favorite story is always the one that I’m working on. I love the process of having a conversation with a person and taking notes, then going over those notes to add insights, and then crafting an article from those components. Often I learn a lot and gain new insight personally as I work, which a wonderful benefit of writing for TK. I have chatted with teenage entrepreneurs, shared ways that an international culture benefits our community, boosted the signal for brand new businesses, shined a light on the diversity and value of metalwork, made a case for complete streets, tempted palates with stories of made from scratch baked goods, and more. I can sincerely say that I’ve enjoyed the process with every single one!
TK: What are your goals this year?
MIRANDA: Writing. Of course, I want to find more opportunities to publish my work, and that means revising and (gulp) submitting. Perhaps my first goal is to really set myself to a schedule, and hold to it, with writing time every day and regular submissions. Easier said than done sometimes, but here’s to putting it in print and hoping that doing so makes a difference!Health: I’ve connected up with the weight loss clinic through Stormont Vail, and I’ve lost 20 pounds since the start of the year! I’m walking a lot, riding a bike at home, and really starting to feel so much better when I’m out moving. I want to continue the trend of being more active and eating healthier this year and for the rest of my life.
TK: What are you currently reading?
MIRANDA: I read a lot, so the answer to this is constantly changing! I read more fiction than nonfiction, and also love graphic novels and listening on audio. I am most of the way finished with The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, by Kim Michele Richardson. It’s a historical novel set in Kentucky during the Great Depression, and the main character is a pack librarian who brings literature into the hills on the back of a mule. She happens to be one of the last remaining blue people of Kentucky, a bit of history that I did not know about prior to coming across this book. The story is compelling, as the main character faces down the obstacles that her strange color creates with her community, and finds ways to connect with people through books. I am in awe of how hard pack librarians (mostly women) worked to ensure access to books for people who would not have had them otherwise. I challenge myself to read books that make me sad or uncomfortable at times, because I want to learn and see from new perspectives, but I space those books out with reads that are just fun, like romance or YA thrillers. I recently loved Nuts, by Alice Clayton. A strong and like-able main character who is devoted to her work as a chef, a delightful romance, and a happy ending.
