Conceive dedication in a writer (8)
I believe the answer is:
inscribe
'conceive dedication' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'in a writer' is the wordplay.
'a writer' becomes 'scribe' (scribe is a kind of writer).
'in'+'scribe'='INSCRIBE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for inscribe that I've seen before include "Engrave; dedicate" , "chase" , "Write or carve on a surface" , "Write or carve on something as a lasting record" , "Write a dedication to someone in (a book)" .)