Yes, yes I know that just because I missed – pardon me while I consult Google Reader – 849 freelance writing blog posts while I was on vacation doesn’t mean you did, but I still thought I would share some of the best posts that my Google Reader dutifully collected while I sipped (okay, gulped) Caipirinhas near a rusty cannon once used to stop pirates from sailing up and stealing coca.

See what I did there? It's a "link" post. Hah...

While I pretend to watch my imaginary tan fade, please do enjoy:

Shhh… Don’t be afraid freelance writers [FreelanceWriterville.com] – Thinking you might feel more secure with a boss and a corporate gig? Think again.

10 Tax Tips You Can Use Now to Avoid Pitfalls Later [FreelanceFolder.com] – We’ll just say that I could have used this about two years ago. Stuck? Check out “When to Hire an Accountant” on the same blog.

A Word to the Cheapskates [Words on the Page] – Word, Lori. Word.

How to Make Money from Your Site [WanttoFreelance.com] – I’ve been toying with writing this post ever since I took a great seminar with the founder of Atlanta super blog DriveraFasterCar.com. Now I don’t have to. Thanks, Nacie!

Defending Your Prices [CatalystBlogger] – If you’ve ever found yourself bending to a client’s request to lower your regular rates, check out Jennifer Williamson’s post for a little backup.

‘Tis the Season – Almost…. 35 Gifts for Writers [Fuel Your Writing] – Not sure what you want for the holidays? Point your friends and family here. (Or, you know, buy things for your other writer friends.)

45 Free Things for Writers [Freelance Writing Jobs] – Impulse control issues? Forget waiting for the holidays, snag some free stuff NOW.

Writing Meme: Strengths and Advice [Hell or High Water] – Need a little ego boost? Or maybe a reminder about just exactly why you chose this crazy life? Take a few minutes for this little exercise. If you do it and link your answer here, I’ll do it, too!

Okay, so these were just the great posts I found over the past few days. Man, you guys are prolific. And thanks, as always, for getting me back into the swing of the writing life by sharing your thoughts, insights and fighting words!