Well it seriously does haha, I did it last year and didn't fully catch up with my work until january. Still I'm doing it again this year, and it won't be so bad if you let your teachers know, my teachers gave me a bit of lieghway for that time. :)

You should definitely do it. Just keep in mind what you're taking on, make sure you're all up-to-date and keep on top of the work you get. You could always just do the young writers one and set your own goal (say 25,000) then if you have enough time, get it up to 50,000 :)
OR you could do it with NaNoFiMo in mind, which leaves December for you to finish it off XD
Just tell your teachers what you're taking on, they'll understand, I'm sure :)

Ha ha, I'm doing it in secret! My Mum doesn't think my writing is good for me and thinks I should go do other "more teenager-y" things.. so I'm not telling her about it xD

I completely understand how you're feeling Sapphire. My mum hates it that I spend most of my time tapping away at my laptop or with a pen and pad writing instead of working. This year would be my first NaNo so I'm not sure I'm qualified to comment, but I think I'm just going to see how it goes, school is important and you shouldn't let your work suffer because you're trying to hit a target with your writing, as important to you as it might be.
Hope that has been helpful :) and good luck with whatever you choose to do.
dotty
xxx

Spook come to the States. I'll adopt you. I think writing is a great 'teenagery' thing to be doing. It was the knid of teenagery thing I did at least and look where it got me... *Elo looks around* Okay writing didn't get me here, but there are a lot worse hobbies out there. A Lot Worse! *grin*

Now as a parent myself I'm not sure I like the idea of doing it in secret... then again I would be a parent who would encourage such an undertaking. I would recommend that you get a teacher on your side (perhaps an English teacher) and have the three of you talk about it (your mother will take to your teachers reasoning more than your own, sad to say, but true). Definately do the Young Writers and set a lower word count. That way you've now lessoned the impact on your school work (which is important - as it does have an effect on how the rest of your life begins). So put a teacher on your side, ephasize the lower word count lessening the affect on school work, and who knows you cold get her on your side. *grin*

:} Elorithryn