I would say that refers to "they," some particular writing in the context where it encapsulates the protagonist's inner thoughts and feelings distinctively. In other words, the whole thing between "just my feelings" and "sophisticated style" is just an apposition for "they." Therefore, the writer could not create such a piece coveted by the readers for which she resonated very much, even though with much envy, especially after publishing her not-so-successful first book.