Clue: Playwright drunk inspires a couple of lines on the way back (2,5)
Answer: DE LILLO
Explanation: Definition: Playwright
<=(OILED ("drunk") inspired LL ("a couple of lines")) [on the way back] 
 
 
*Refers to Don Delillo, an American author much more famous for his novels (such as *Americana*, *White Noise* and *Underworld*) than for his plays (he has only written five plays but has published 18 novels).