I'm just going to warn you. I have to. It's happened to me too many times to count, and I have to help new freelancers. That's my charge.

This Thanksgiving, someone's going to ask you what "exacly" you do for a living.  

We've talked about it in terms of cocktail parties and your career. But this is similar. You're just about to tuck into that fried turkey and pecan pie when someone decided they're just too curious to wait. Now, what, exactly, is it you do dear? I'm not sure I understand.

Be ready.

Here's mine: I write and edit for magazines, publishers, websites and individuals. I have a couple regular contracts, and some that hire me for just one project at a time. I work out of my home office, and most of my work is virtual, although I do have a two local clients.

Ok, hilarious title, right? Write or Die is a web ap or software program that I heard about through the podcast I Should Be Writing. It helps you to keep writing by offering consequences when you stop typing. Some of the consequences mentioned include emitting a loud, annoying sound until you start again, or deleting your words one by one, until you start again (!!!). Fun stuff.

Of course, if you have the opposite problem- too much writing- be sure to read my article on 5 Ways to Reduce Your Word Count.

Demand Studios has posted their new health insurance plan on their site, and sent a mass email out to (I suppose) anyone who is or has signed up as a provider. If you didn't get that mass email, the info is available to the general public without a sign in at Demand Studios Health Insurance.

I'm not a health insurance expert, but coverage and payouts look similar to other freelance offerings such as those available through memberships with the Editorial Freelancers Association or MediaBistro's freelance health insurance plans.

Demand Studios' costs range from approximately $50 to $400 per month. To be eligible, writers must write 30 articles per month, and copyeditors must review 200 articles per month.  

Don't miss my multiple articles with more information on how to manage health insurance as a freelance writer.

We all have wisdom to share-- whether we've been writing 10 years or 10 months. That's why I put together this gallery of freelance writer profiles. Take a look at the trials and successes of these four freelance writers, whose experience ranges from 10+ years and rubbing elbows with Helen Steiner Rice to just months. 

Are there any freelance writers with interesting careers that you'd like to see join the series? If so, leave their name in the comments and I may contact them for the next set. The freelance writer series will be added to, and is arranged by experience level, so check back often!