Insular type this writer maligns (8)
I believe the answer is:
islander
'insular type' is the definition.
(insular means relating to an island)
'this writer maligns' is the wordplay.
'this writer' becomes 'i' (the person who is writing these clues).
'maligns' becomes 'slander' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'i'+'slander'='ISLANDER'
(Other definitions for islander that I've seen before include "Friendly person" , "Lesbian for one" , "Sicilian, e.g." , "Isolated dweller" , "Man of Aran, say" .)