Writer found in revolting moribund surroundings (4)
I believe the answer is:
biro
'writer' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'in revolting moribund surroundings' is the wordplay.
'revolting' says the letters should be written backwards.
'in' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'orib' can be found hidden inside 'moribund surroundings'.
'orib' in reverse letter order is 'BIRO'.
'found' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for biro that I've seen before include "Laszlo Jozsef -, ballpoint pen inventor" , "Lazlo -, ballpoint pen inventor" , "Type of ballpoint pen" , "Pocket item" , "writer" .)