I'm spending this week recharging my batteries for the new year. A friend led me to this interview with Tim O'Brien that is just fantastic in so many ways, but at this moment his take on why he writes especially moved me: 

Literature makes you feel, if it’s any good, it can make you feel less alone in the world.  Someone else has gone through this and it gives you some late-night company with your memories and your sorrow.  Literature does touch people; it’s not just to be read in English classes.

Here is a link to the whole Big Think interview which runs about 45 minutes. Trust me, it's worth it. http://bigthink.com/ideas/19620