Clockword

The solutions from 1 to 12 are all six-letter words ending with the letter E in the centre. Moving clockwise from 1, the letters in the outer circle will spell out the name of a late American author. 1. Grinding instrument 7. Erase 2. Citrus fruit 8. Meal course 3. Employable 9. Distant 4. Parisian art gallery 10. Uncomplicated 5. Niche 11. Do a favour for 6. Sewing implement 12. Perceive