I apologize. I tend to automatically assume most writers are male. It's a terrible default state.

Anyways, I'm already pretty well versed on that basics of programming. I think the key, as you pointed out, is to get involved in an open source project to build up my portfolio. Python is the language I prefer, but I use vb.net to build the tools I use at work since the .net framework provides a great interface with the microsoft products corporate office workers are slaves to. I'll start searching for local open-source contributors.