He showed some cleverness as a writer (5)

I believe the answer is:

verne

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'writer' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'he showed some cleverness as a' is the wordplay.
'VERNE' is hidden within the letters.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for verne that I've seen before include "Jules --, French writer" , "See 27 Across" , "Jules --, French author" , "See 14 Across" , "French novelist" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app