Bit of a joint model rolled inhaled by utopian writer (7)
I believe the answer is:
mortise
'bit of a joint' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'model rolled inhaled by utopian writer' is the wordplay.
'model' becomes 'sit' (e.g. for a painting).
'rolled' is a reversal indicator (letters roll back).
'inhaled by' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters are inhaled or absorbed).
'utopian writer' becomes 'more' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'utopian' bit.).
'sit' written backwards gives 'tis'.
'tis' placed within 'more' is 'MORTISE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mortise that I've seen before include "Type of lock; moister (anag.)" , "Bit of a joint" , "recess" , "Sort of lock" .)