I wrote my first full-length novel when I was 18.

Not many people at age 18 can say that. It was thanks to NaNoWriMo that I was able to accomplish that feat.

NaNoWriMo, which stands for National Novel Writing Month, is an organization that empowers its participants to work towards a goal of writing a 50,000-word novel every November. It starts on the first of the month and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 30. While the next NaNoWriMo doesn't start for another two months, writers around the world are already mapping out plans and conjuring plots for November.

I first heard about this challenge during my sophomore year of college in 2013. I had never written anything longer than a 15-page paper, let alone 50,000 words. But on Nov. 1 that year, word vomit was underway and I finished my novel by the 29th (with 50,570 words). The fact that an amateur like myself completed this challenge should encourage anyone — whether they considered writing a novel or not — to join.

In case you're looking for more reasons, here are some:

1. You don't need to be a professional novelist or writer – you just need your brain!

50,000 words. A full-length novel. That's a frightening thought.

Don't worry. Alongside you are thousands of others who are probably just as frazzled and worried. You don't have to compare yourself and your work to other famous novelists. Remember that J.K. Rowling had to start somewhere small too.

And it starts with actually writing.

2. It turns you into a planner

Are you scatterbrained and disorganized?

Before NaNoWriMo, I was used to writing without outlines and schedules. While it worked for shorter pieces like essays and poems, I realized that would not get me through the whole month of November. I began to set aside time during the day to write in order to keep up with my daily goal. I also had to keep a record of my characters, each chapter's synopsis, an overall synopsis, and outline for my story (with dates attached to each chapter).

Was it stressful? Sure. Was it helpful? Immensely. Now I can't write without any kind of visual backbone to aid me.

3. The long nights of writing were worth the sense of satisfaction

Whether you see the world as your audience or your own self as your sole benefactor, finishing the 50,000-word gruel will make you feel like a winner.

You'll even get a snazzy digital banner to show off, just like what I got in 2013:

4. You HAVE the time

I was a full-time college student working two jobs at the time I joined NaNoWriMo. There were nights I wanted to hit the sack or mindlessly browse the Internet instead of writing. Let me tell you – you'll have time for both.

With enough focus (and coffee, maybe), a daily goal of 1,675 words is the minimum to hit 50,000 words in 30 days. Setting aside two to three hours a night meant sleeping a little later and getting my homework done as soon as I got home from work.

It's doable, guys.

5. You'll have the backbone to a piece of work in progress

Because who says your first draft has to be a New York Times Bestseller?

6. Your vision matters

We all have stories waiting to be written. Some are going to feel like a personal anecdote while others are an exploration of different theories and created worlds.

Either way, participating in NaNoWriMo will give your vision its first heartbeat. That, in itself, is an accomplishment worth celebrating.

For more information on how to participate in this year's NaNoWriMo, visit their website.