A writer with special attributes (8)
I believe the answer is:
ascribes
'attributes' is the definition.
('ascribe' can be a synonym of 'attribute')
'a writer with special' is the wordplay.
'writer' becomes 'scribe' (scribe is a kind of writer**).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'special' becomes 's' (common abbreviation as in Special Air Service).
'a'+'scribe'+'s'='ASCRIBES'
(Other definitions for ascribes that I've seen before include "Attributes (to) -- rib cases (anag)" , "Attributes or assigns" , "Attributes, regards as belonging to" , "Attributes to, credits with" , "Attributes, regards as originated by" .)