Essayist Didion (4)
I believe the answer is:
joan
'essayist didion' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for joan that I've seen before include "- Sutherland, Australian soprano" , "'Saint - - ' (Shaw play)" , "- Plowright, actress" , ". . . . of Arc, French warrior saint" , "First name of the Maid of Orleans" .)