Crossword writer's work background (7)
I believe the answer is:
setting
'background' is the definition.
(I know that background can be written as setting)
'crossword writer's work' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'work' could be 'set' (set is a kind of work) and 'set' is located in the answer.
'writer' could be 'i' (the person who is writing these clues) and 'i' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for setting that I've seen before include "Mount for gem" , "Writing puzzles, perhaps" , "Place where an event takes place" , "Compiler's job" , "Gem''s mounting - stage scenery" .)