As an employer in Illinois who has recently gone through another round of interviewing, I would suggest that you do some translation from causal converation to resume-esqe.

"Need a regular paycheck" should become "Looking for a long term postion with a growing company". The employer doesn't care that you need money, but does care that you can contribute to his company.

"Starving as an independent" should become "Looking for a venue to apply my existing skill set while drawing on the resources of a larger team". The employer might not like the fact that you could not make it on your own, but does care that you want to work as part of his crew.

You asked for suggestions, you got 'em. :-)