Yes I'm picking up the pen again after a good year to start writing whatever I wrote before, sketches, a crappy sitcom, death threats the usual really.
But I'm having a little trouble getting back upto speed, I feel with this break I'm better and can look at writing a bit different, but I'm not feeling "In the zone".
Anyone have any advice? And if it's "take a break" I'll murder you.
Just write something anything. Even if it's complete shit, you just gotta start doing something. I had the same after a break and still not there but writing something lends itself to more better writing imo 
I might just stream my thoughts onto a peice of paper and see if anything funny comes of it, cheers Gav!
I would plan to start with sketches or sitcom etc and have a clear focus and target.
I'm in the same boat. Feels like I haven't written for ages, but it's been a couple of weeks.
However a trip to the hospital today has given me some inspiration and lines. So my advice is to get out and listen to people and strike up conversations with strangers.
Quote: Griff @ August 6 2009, 10:21 AM BSTAgree with ContainsNuts. Maybe even decide on a specific sketch project, ie writing sketches for NewsRevue or The Works? I find that having a clear goal (and deadline!) is much more motivating than a blank page.
Yeah the Works, Treason Show, NewsRevue are good ones for sketches. Sitcom Trials for sitcom or even just write your own for a prodco.
Sometimes that can help, if you already feel inspired, but sometimes it feels forced and can make it harder to start.
Just start writing for the fun of it, stuff that you thinks funny what ever. After a few days you'll be in the swing of things.
Writing down funny things you have heard or experienced the previous day or week can help to get you into the mindset, even if it's not related to the sitcom or sketches you're looking to complete.
Thanks for everyones brill ideas, keep em coming, I'm on my lunch and thinking up ideas as we speak.
And I'd love to write topical stuff, but for some reason I just can't do it, I don't know why but never managed to do a topical sketch that I consider funny or good.
Worth a go though.
I can't write topical stuff either. So I pick a subject, do a little bit o' research, find keywords and then write a "normal" sketch and incorporate those into it.
Key word example:
KITTY
What is your favourite position?DAVID (CAMERON)
I like the Opposition.
I know bugger all about politics, but picked out that word for some word play.
Topical doesn't interest me that much, but it was nice getting (small) cheques from NR.
Hmmm, thanks Lee, so basicaly find a funny premise get a punchline, do some research and make it topical!
Genuis 
Have some sort of deadline to work to. It's difficult to work to self-imposed deadlines, but it can work wonders. If you're going for sketch, then why not pick a show you want to write for and aim to write 10-20 sketches for it, with a view to submission for the next series.
Quote: Paul W @ August 7 2009, 1:02 PM BSTHmmm, thanks Lee, so basicaly find a funny premise get a punchline, do some research and make it topical!
Genuis
Bugger you then!
A few ideas I tried recently:
1) find a web site full of famous quotes and proverbs, try to find funny angles on them. You'll get loads of one-liners and some of them may even lend themselves to sketches.
2) find a web site full of statistics and then try to write Jimmy Carr's opening bit from 8 Out Of 10 Cats. "Did you know for example: over 54 billion tampax have been sold since 1934. That's literally enough to part the Red Sea".
3) do a Big Train: substitute random shit into an incongruous situation. Eg, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince stalking jockeys in a wildlife documentary.