Crossword Genius

As a novelist, rename Ernest as Laurence (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sterne

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'laurence' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'as a novelist rename ernest' is the wordplay.
'ernest' anagrams to 'STERNE'.
However, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sterne that I've seen before include "Author of Tristram Shandy, d. 1768" , "Writer" , "Laurence ..., author of 'Tristram Shandy'" , "Laurence ...... wrote ` `Tristram Shandy' '" , "Laurence ---, novelist; sounds hard" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.