NaNoWriMo. It stands for National Novel Writing Month. The idea is simple: write a novel in 30 days. Doing it, however, is another matter entirely.

Yet in spite of the challenge, I enjoy it, and here are five reasons why.

1. Word wars. Seriously, is there anything greater? The concept is that you'll be forced to battle against a friend (or two... or three) to see who can write the most words in a set amount of time. And let me tell ya - you will be compelled to just write. I don't think there's anything more crazy. Or more fun.
2. Writing. Well, NaNoWriMo is about writing, and guess what? By the time November is over, you will have written a novel. And that's a good thing.
3. Friendship. There's something about writing a novel in 30 days that encourages camaraderie. Or insanity. Or both.
4. Insanity. That seems like a good one to mention. Take it from the girl who wrote 25k in 5 days - it's insane. But it's also possible. And by the time you're done writing, you will feel accomplished. Be amazed at what you've done... and try not to think about how bad your novel actually is.
5. Skills. Yes, NaNo is fun, but it also teaches you something. It teaches you how to finish what you start. It teaches you how to let go and just write. Most of all, it teaches you how fun writing can be... and how vital sleep really is.

Yes, NaNo is hard, and yes, you will write absolute rubbish. But that's the point of it. You can't be a writer unless you write.

So write.