Sensible writer awaited some backing (5)
I believe the answer is:
aware
'sensible' is the definition.
('aware' can be similar in meaning to 'sensible')
'writer awaited some backing' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'backing' is a reversal indicator.
'erawa' is hidden within 'writer awaited'.
'erawa' back-to-front is 'AWARE'.
(Other definitions for aware that I've seen before include "Cognisant, mindful" , "Conscious, sentient" , "Acquainted with or mindful of" , "Attentive" , "Conscious, knowing about" .)