Awkward writer reflected in it (5)
I believe the answer is:
inept
'awkward' is the definition.
('inept' can be a synonym of 'awkward')
'writer reflected in it' is the wordplay.
'writer' becomes 'pen' (I've seen this before).
'reflected' says the letters should be written backwards.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'pen' back-to-front is 'nep'.
'nep' going within 'it' is 'INEPT'.
(Other definitions for inept that I've seen before include "Clumsy, bumbling" , "Foolish" , "Amateurish" , "Hopeless; bungling" , "lacks skill" .)