Crossword Genius

Try to put it in writing (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

essay

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'try' is the definition.
(essay can mean to try or attempt something)

'it in writing' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'it' could be 'sa' (SA can mean sex appeal, as in 'it') and 'sa' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to put' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for essay that I've seen before include "Short literary piece: attempt" , "Attempt; written piece" , "Old experiment" , "Try; a piece of writing" , "Try; short written work" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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