9a. Writer's block limiting Defoe's creation
SMOLLETT
12a. In freezing conditions, one may put eights on the river
FIGURE SKATER
4d. Grovel, wrongly setting the universal blame over confusion
EAT HUMBLE PIE
25a. Avoiding fatality by discontinuing operation?
FAIL-SAFE
8d. Extensive financial assistance for such outstanding work
HIGH RELIEF
Parses for the above please.