Final answer:
The question discusses a writer's personal transformation after a mental breakdown, focusing on the writer's growth and evolution, as illustrated by F. Scott Fitzgerald's reflections on his life and career, Sandra Cisneros's journey of self-discovery, and Ta-Nehisi Coates's philosophy on writing as a refining process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to an author who had a mental breakdown and then reinvented themselves as a writer. This theme resonates with the arduous journey of many writers throughout history, including F. Scott Fitzgerald. In his essay, "The Crack-Up," written in 1936, Fitzgerald reflects on his life in the 1920s and captures the essence of that era whilst detailing his personal struggles and discontents as a writer. He describes the romanticism associated with being a successful literary man, the dissatisfaction inherent in the practice, and his youthful regrets. The narrative shows that despite not experiencing warfare or collegiate football glory, he managed to find peace in his imagined heroism and concluded that the major problems of life had a way of resolving themselves, reflecting a common sentiment of the decade.
Another aspect of writing addressed in the question is the transformative effect it has on one's personal and professional growth. The question points toward a writer's real-life experiences, influences from childhood, and the subsequent changes in their writing and approach to storytelling. Furthermore, it prompts an introspective look at how one's writing evolves, influenced by educational experiences and personal epiphanies, as seen in the context of a writing class. The impact of this evolution is often reflected in the content and style of a writer's work.
Lastly, the mention of Sandra Cisneros's and Ta-Nehisi Coates's writing journeys highlights the role of self-awareness and education in an author's life. Cisneros realized how her identity differed from her peers, which fueled her creative process. Coates, on the other hand, compares writing to a physical and refining process that requires persistence and the courage to face failure through constant revision, a philosophy that he likely imparted to his students during his teaching tenure.