The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PENSIVE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
E
N
S
I
V
E
More clues leading to the result PENSIVE
- Writes four editorials, initially, being thoughtful
- What writers need, the writer's musing
- Broody writers this writer's taken after
- In different ways, the writer's thoughtful
- The writer's twice musing
- Thoughtful, dear former lover departing
- Thoughtful writers I have to follow
- Thoughtful writer I’ve to host September 1st
- Writes four essays, initially thoughtful
- Thoughtful writer discussing strain
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Thoughtful" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case thoughtful = pensive.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 PENSIVE mean?
PENSIVE adjective- Having the appearance of deep, often melancholic, thinking.
- Looking thoughtful, especially from sadness.