Ok, Hi all.
I am after some advice pls. I want to be a comedian, and after doing a creative writing course, (p/t on a sat am, not a fancy, here's a big diploma one)my tutor informed me that i have a talent(woo hoo) for a comedy style of writing.
So anyhoo in a nutshell can you offer any advice on how i can get started with stand-up and the best route to take with the writing.. I have no formal qualificatiions and ii am a gal of 35 so i am no embryo.. Cheers. 
Hi, I can't give you any advice on how to get a foot in the door, but I would say that, if you're serious about being a writer, just get on and write something. Anything, in the first instance to get a feel for the craft. In the Critique forum there are samples of sketches and sit-com episodes that will give you an idea of the format you need to adopt. Have you looked on the BBC Writers Room website? There's a downloadable formatting software on that site, although I've never managed to get it to work but I am no computer wizz and gave up at the first hurdle. The Screenwriters Store is a good source of formatting software if you're not too concerned about budget and they also have script samples and text books. If you've never written anything before, you might be as well to start with a sketch. When you're happy with it, post it on this site and hopefully you'll get some positive feedback and encouragement. The first thing I wrote was a film script and it took me nearly 3 years, most of which I spent wondering if I was wasting my time, which can be a bit demoralising. Good luck!
Hi charley, Steve had a lot of it there but I'm going to cover stand-up, I am starting stand up in about 3 weeks and I have read quite a lot into it (I have to much time on my hands).
If you want to get started on that first of all write a routine now if your new to it, it won't be easy it took me a fair amount of time to get a moderately good one together (5 min routine to start with, you will rewrite and add to it alot but don't go over 5 minutes)
If your stuck on what to write do what I do write about yourself things that annoy you during the day etc, etc. anger/annoyance is a good tool in comedy in general(as you may know).
Ok now you have your routine together now practice, practice, practice - in front of friends, family and the cat! Then go out and find yourself an "Open mic night" in your local area.
Have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks Guys.