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Paralegal Practice Tip: When you work in-house, your clients are your colleagues -- so strong communication skills and the ability to play nicely with others is essential.

You write articles for local magazines and indie publications under your legal name, and have just released a new paranormal romance e-book Howl through The Wild Rose Press and blog at Mariposa's Musings under your pen name "Mariposa Cruz". How long have you been writing, and when do you find the time between working as a corporate paralegal and raising teens?
My first paid article was published a month before I accepted my first paralegal position. My scheduled writing time is weekend mornings while my kids are asleep. I also write during lunch breaks and any time the kids are out with their friends.

Who is the most interesting person you've interviewed for a freelance article?
I've met so many incredible people through interviews; it's tough to narrow it down to one. I would say indie publisher, Jacqueline Church Simmonds of Beagle Bay Books. She wrote a novel about a woman pirate captain based on her research for a college history class. When she realized publishers weren't keen on publishing her novel, she started her own publishing house. She turned her dream into a thriving business. Beagle Bay Books now has a catalogue of 26 titles

Who is your favorite novelist? Geraldine Brooks. Her excellent research skills are reflected in the authentic voices of her characters.

Favorite Internet Resource: Paralegal Gateway's Secretary of State Pages

Do you use social media resources, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or blogs, for career and/or case development?
I read blogs to stay current with trends in the legal world. Adams Drafting (http://www.adamsdrafting.com/) provides on point discussion regarding various contract issues. Wall Street Journal Law Blog (http://www.wsj.com/law) is a good resource for a variety of legal topics.

Fun Fact: Knitting is another one of my passions. My daughter has threatened to stage an intervention if I bring home any more yarn.

Favorite Quote: ?You must be the change you wish to see in the world.? Mahatma Gandhi

Professional Link: http://mariposacruz.blogspot.com/

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