Irish novelist in grave close to Joyce (6)
I believe the answer is:
sterne
'irish novelist' is the definition.
(18th-century novelist Laurence Sterne)
'grave close to joyce' is the wordplay.
'grave' becomes 'stern' (I've seen this before).
'close to' suggests the final letters (the close/ending of).
The last letter of 'joyce' is 'e'.
'stern'+'e'='STERNE'
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for sterne that I've seen before include "Irish-born novelist (A Sentimental Journey)" , "Laurence ..., author of 'Tristram Shandy'" , "Laurence ...... wrote ` `Tristram Shandy' '" , "Writer" , "Tristram Shandy creator" .)