The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word WRITE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
W
R
I
T
E
More clues leading to the result WRITE
- Put pen to paper with ceremony
- Sound correct – it’s what an author must do
- Sardonic aristocrats said to be ones no longer fit for purpose
- Fine Ferrari never runs, no acceleration, and not ultimately worth fixing… really not worth fixing
- Disaster immediately on the news
- Cancel monies owing for car damaged beyond repair
- Reviews just for the radio having little power in America
- Bitter aristo said to be a dead loss
- Review immediately heard and promoted
- . Pen with custom
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "it’s what an author must do" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it’s what an author must do = write.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WRITE mean?
WRITE noun- The act or style of writing.
- The operation of storing data, as in memory or onto disk.
- To form letters, words or symbols on a surface in order to communicate.
- To be the author of (a book, article, poem, etc.).
- To send written information to.
- To show (information, etc) in written form.
- To be an author.
- (with to) To record data mechanically or electronically.
- (of an exam, a document, etc.) To fill in, to complete using words.
- To impress durably; to imprint; to engrave.
- To make known by writing; to record; to prove by one's own written testimony; often used reflexively.
- To sell (an option or other derivative).