Crossword Genius

Serious English author (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sterne

'author' is the definition.
(Laurence Sterne, 1713 - 1768)

'serious english' is the wordplay.
'serious' becomes 'stern' (I've seen this before).
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'stern'+'e'='STERNE'

(Other definitions for sterne that I've seen before include "18th-century novelist" , "Author of Tristram Shandy, d. 1768" , "Laurence ..., author of 'Tristram Shandy'" , "Irish-born novelist (A Sentimental Journey)" , "Laurence ...... wrote ` `Tristram Shandy' '" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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