Crossword Genius

Excitement as American writers visit southeast (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

suspense

'excitement' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'american writers visit southeast' is the wordplay.
'american' becomes 'US' (United States).
'writers' becomes 'pens' (writing implements).
'visit' indicates putting letters inside.
'southeast' becomes 'SE' (synonyms).
'us'+'pens'='uspens'
'uspens' placed within 'se' is 'SUSPENSE'.

'as' is the link.

(Other definitions for suspense that I've seen before include "feature of exciting fiction?" , "State of nervous uncertainly" , "The 3 of having to wait" , "Feeling of excitement or anxiety about what might happen" , "Uncertain state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Times.
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